Prof. Dr. med. Katharina Schmitt

Prof. Dr. med. Katharina Schmitt is a distinguished specialist in pediatric cardiology and a pioneer in developmental pediatrics within cardiac medicine. As the Medical Director of Developmental Pediatrics and Psychocardiology at the Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC) in Berlin, she has dedicated her career to the comprehensive care of children with congenital heart defects. Her work is characterized by a unique integration of high-end intensive care medicine with a deep focus on the long-term neurological and psychological development of her young patients. She is widely recognized for her research on neuroprotection and for implementing family-centered care models that support both the child and their relatives throughout the treatment process. Beyond her clinical leadership, Prof. Schmitt is a dedicated educator and researcher who has significantly advanced the understanding of organ protection through hypothermia. Her appointment to Germany's first W3 Professorship for Developmental Pediatrics in Cardiac Medicine underscores her role as a visionary in the field, bridging the gap between acute surgical intervention and lifelong quality of life. She actively champions children’s rights in the hospital setting and leads innovative digital medicine projects, such as remote patient monitoring, to optimize follow-up care for families. Her multifaceted approach ensures that medical excellence is matched by a profound commitment to the holistic well-being of the children under her care.