Pregnancy and Childbirth Meet Andrew Healy, MD, Medical Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine

I am gratified to have the opportunity to make [fetal care] more accessible to patients

Medical Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Connecticut Children's

Traditionally, any interventions to improve the outcome in a newborn could not be performed until after delivery. The ability to intervene in the fetus to improve the condition of the newborn/future child represents a unique opportunity and a novel area of medicine.

2. What do you want patients and families to know about your approach to care or philosophy?

I support patients and their goals. Fetal therapy is not for everyone. However, for those who do wish to move forward with an intervention, I am happy to support them through this process.

>Related: Thinking about fetal surgery for a high risk pregnancy? Here are 6 things to consider.

3. The Fetal Care Center at Connecticut Children's is 1 of 9 truly comprehensive fetal care centers in the United States and the only one in the Northeast that offers the full spectrum of care. What does joining a team with this distinction mean to you, and how do you hope to make a difference for families facing fetal anomalies?

It is exciting to be part of a center that can offer comprehensive fetal care to patients! I am gratified to have the opportunity to make these treatments more accessible to patients in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and from wherever they may travel.

4. What drew you to Connecticut Children's?

I am excited by the opportunity to join a fetal care center, especially one that is in the early stages of development and led by renowned Dr. Timothy Crombleholme who has decades of experience in fetal interventions.

5. Why did you decide to pursue maternal-fetal medicine as a career?

I have always been attracted to the complementary relationship between advances in the field of medicine and maternal fetal medicine. Women who decades ago struggled to survive are now able to have children themselves.

6. In an ideal world, what advances in your field would you see in the next decade?

I believe the number of conditions amenable to fetal treatment will increase and more patients will have access to them. In addition, the current treatments offered will be refined such that outcomes improve.

7. Do you have any role models who shaped where you are today?

I have had numerous role models over the years. I've witnessed countless moments of inspirational behavior by friends, colleagues, family members and even strangers. Learning from these moments helps guide me when I find myself in challenging, unfamiliar situations.

8. Tell us a few fun facts about yourself.

I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, hiking, kayaking, archery, and skiing.