抖阴漫画

A Rare Expertise with a Personal Touch

We're the electricians of the heart.

At the intersection of innovation and compassion stands one of the country’s most distinctive electrophysiology (EP) teams — an all-female pediatric and congenital EP lab at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. In a specialty as complex as pediatric cardiology, and in a field as technical as electrophysiology, the existence of an all-woman team isn’t just rare —it’s virtually unheard of.

And yet, at Le Bonheur, it’s a quietly powerful norm.

“We never set out to be an all-female team,” says Maria Elena Gutierrez, MD, one of two electrophysiologists leading the lab. “But here we are, excelling in one of the most demanding specialties in pediatric medicine — and we’re doing it together.”

Breaking the Mold — Together

It's kind of incredible to see women leading in a field this complex.

Electrophysiology is often referred to as the “electrical side” of the heart, managing rhythm disturbances that can range from benign to life-threatening. It demands razor-sharp precision, advanced technology and fast-paced decision-making. In most labs around the country, the teams are heavily male-dominated with limited patient continuity throughout the process.

But at Le Bonheur, the EP lab is rewriting that script.

“The field of electrophysiology, or EP, is unique in that we can diagnose and cure the condition that the patient has,” says Guerrier. “We’re able to follow the patients long-term in clinic. We also have the joy of being able to get them into the laboratory, where we can perform procedures that cure the issue, and then they’re able to go home free.”

“Our patients know us by name,” says Mandy White, the lead electrophysiology technologist and cardiac device clinic coordinator. “They see us in the clinic, they see us in the lab, and they know exactly who’s managing their care. We don’t hand them off — we walk with them.”

This seamless continuity of care — from initial consultation to follow-up years down the line — is one of the defining characteristics of Le Bonheur’s program. What truly sets them apart, however, is how deeply integrated and cross-functional the team is.

“Part of our strength is that we don’t operate in silos,” says Nurse Practitioner Jenny Strelsin, MSN, PNP-AC. “Whether it’s in the clinic, the catheterization lab or a device check, we’re all engaged in the full patient journey.”

Care That Stretches Across a Lifetime

Our patients range from newborns to adults in their 60s. We stay with them the whole way.

The patient population at Le Bonheur’s EP lab is as unique as the team that cares for them. They manage everything from newborn arrhythmias to adult congenital heart rhythm disorders — sometimes caring for the same individual over decades.

White highlights this unique continuity. “We have patients in their 30s, 40s, even 50s who’ve grown up with congenital heart disease. Being able to provide rhythm care that adapts with them is part of what makes our work so personal.”

“We work with everyone — from two-year-olds who are terrified of us to teens who don’t want to be here,” says clinic nurse Taylor Bowden. “The consistency and compassion we bring help build trust and improve outcomes.”

Jennifer Weaver, a clinic nurse with the EP team, agrees: “When you care for a child, you care for their family. And when you follow them for years, that bond becomes something very special.”

A Team Culture of Compassion and Communication

Our cohesion is our secret sauce. We support each other, we communicate constantly, and we genuinely enjoy working together.

Despite the technical demands of their work, the EP team is recognized for its calm and cohesive culture. Communication is central, and team members are deeply committed to supporting one another through both routine care and emergencies. The emotional intelligence, empathy and collaborative strength that define this team aren’t just a nice bonus — they’re crucial to how they operate.

“I love this team,” says Bowden. “We learn together, grow together and are always there for each other and our patients.”

Guerrier added, “We have the honor and privilege of working with some of the best people in the community. Our patients and their family members make this all worthwhile. In addition, our team and its cohesiveness make the day even better.”

Overcoming Barriers to Reach More Families

One of the biggest challenges the EP team faces is patients' access to care, as some patients who may need their expertise are dealing with transportation issues, food insecurity or lack of coverage.

“We see patients regardless of insurance,” says Gutierrez. “But life circumstances can still get in the way.”

To bridge those gaps, the team has expanded telehealth and telemedicine offerings for patients living in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas allowing families to connect virtually for consultations and follow up when travel isn’t possible.

The EP team also works closely with other cardiology and hospital departments to streamline care. General cardiologists refer patients directly to the EP team, who can often see them during routine clinic visits, minimizing disruptions to school, work and life.

“There’s a fluid referral process,” says Guerrier. “We’re able to coordinate clinic times so families don’t have to make extra trips.”

Medicine as a Mission

By the end of the journey, you’re better for your patients — and for your community.

Every member of the EP team has taken a long road to this work, and each sees it as more than a job. What sets this lab apart is not just its clinical skill — it’s the people behind it.

“Medicine teaches you what you’re capable of,” says Guerrier. “It shows you how to grow, how to serve and how to stand alongside families in some of their hardest moments.”

Gutierrez echoes that purpose: “It’s an uphill climb to get here. But when you can look a parent in the eye and say, ‘We can help your child,’ it makes everything worth it.”