Renowned pediatric cardiovascular surgeon joins Advocate Children's Hospital

Joseph Forbess, M.D. has been appointed as the new chief of pediatric cardiovascular surgery for Advocate Children's Hospital and co-director of the Advocate Children's Heart Institute.

Dr. Forbess is one of the country's leading cardiovascular surgeons and is a highly sought after expert in the field of pediatric cardiovascular surgery. In his new role, which he assumed in December, he will lead the nationally recognized cardiovascular surgery team of the Advocate Children's Heart Institute to continue to strengthen and grow the program.

"Dr. Joseph Forbess is one of the finest pediatric cardiovascular surgeons in the nation. It is his commitment to excellence for children that makes him a perfect fit to join our medical leadership team," said Mike Farrell, president of Advocate Children's Hospital. "We look forward to working alongside him and the entire Advocate Children's Heart Institute team as they continue to solidify our position as one of the top cardiovascular programs in the country."

"Dr. Forbess will build upon the excellent work that has been achieved by our program over the past three decades. I was directly involved in his recruitment to the Advocate Children's Hospital, and am confident in the high quality of care he provides," said Dr. Michal Ilbawi, pediatric cardiovascular surgeon for Advocate Children's Heart Institute.

Prior to joining Advocate, Dr. Forbess was director of pediatric cardiovascular surgery at Dallas Children's Hospital and professor of pediatric cardiovascular surgery at the University of Texas-Southwestern. While at Dallas Children's Hospital, Dr. Forbess leadership helped the organization achieve an impressive "3 Star" designation from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for high quality patient outcomes.

Dr. Forbess is board-certified in congenital cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass. He completed an internship and fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., where he also served as chief resident. He recently received an executive MBA in healthcare management from the University of Texas at Dallas. He and his wife, Dr. Lisa Forbess, will reside in Hinsdale, Ill.

To schedule an appointment, call the Advocate Children's Heart Institute at (708) 684-3029.