University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Announces New Chief of Pediatric Cardiology

CLEVELAND - University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's is pleased to announce Robert J. Gajarski, MD, MHSA, FAAP, FACC, has been appointed Chief of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Gajarski has collaborated closely with UH Rainbow in recent years as part of the Congenital Heart Collaborative with Nationwide Children's Hospital.

"We are proud to welcome Dr. Gajarski to Rainbow in a full-time leadership capacity, as he has been a trusted partner and colleague for years, and we have seen firsthand the difference his expertise and compassion make for children and families facing complex heart conditions," says Kristie R. Ross, MD, Chief Medical Officer, UH Rainbow and Professor of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "He has already contributed his expertise in program development and quality and safety measures, welcoming him as Chief of Pediatric Cardiology feels like a natural and exciting next step."

Dr. Gajarski brings exceptional academic training and decades of senior leadership experience to this role. He earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma and completed his pediatric internship and residency at the University of Virginia. Dr. Gajarski completed his fellowship training in pediatric cardiology and cardiac critical care/non-invasive imaging at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital. He also holds a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gajarski has held prominent leadership roles, including Section Chief of the Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Medical Director of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and Medical Director of the heart failure, transplant, and pulmonary hypertension program. He has also served in key system-level positions in quality and safety as Director of Quality and Associate Chief Quality/Safety Officer.

"Dr. Gajarski's appointment comes at an exciting time for our heart center," says Marissa G. Kiefer, MHSA, President, UH Rainbow and UH MacDonald Women's Hospital. "His vision and experience will be instrumental in advancing the highly specialized, coordinated care we provide and strengthening the Congenital Heart Collaborative for years to come."