David P. Bichell, MD

David P. Bichell, MD, is a nationally recognized pediatric cardiac surgeon and Professor of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Bichell specializes in the surgical treatment of congenital heart disease in neonates, infants, children, and adults. His expertise encompasses minimally invasive heart surgery, pediatric valve surgery, complex neonatal repairs, pediatric heart transplantation, complex pulmonary artery reconstruction, and the Ross procedure. A leader in the field, Dr. Bichell is dedicated to advancing pediatric cardiac surgery through innovation, precision, and multidisciplinary care.

Dr. Bichell served as Division Chief of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from 2006 to 2024, where he successfully led the program in delivering comprehensive care for children with congenital heart disease. Under his leadership, Vanderbilt’s Pediatric Heart Institute was developed into a world-class center for treating complex congenital heart conditions. During his tenure, Dr. Bichell prioritized transparency, safety, and the implementation of innovative surgical approaches to improve outcomes for children with congenital heart defects.

Dr. Bichell has a special interest in minimally invasive heart surgery, a technique that utilizes advanced methods to operate through small incisions. This approach provides significant benefits, including quicker recovery, reduced pain, and minimal scarring, compared to traditional open-heart surgery. His clinical research activities have focused on improving valve and conduit innovations, pharmacologic advances in pediatric treatment, brain protection during neonatal surgery, and multi-institutional outcomes research.

An accomplished researcher, Dr. Bichell has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, as well as contributing to book chapters and scientific textbooks. He is also a talented medical illustrator, and his artwork has been featured in textbooks and journals. Dr. Bichell remains committed to surgical education and mentorship, shaping the next generation of pediatric cardiac surgeons.

Education

• Doctor of Medicine (MD), Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, N.Y., 1987
• Master of Management in Health Care (MMHC), Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, 2016

Postdoctoral Training

• Internship (Pediatrics), Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, New York, N.Y., 1987–1988
• Residency (General Surgery), Barnes Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, 1988–1994
• Research Fellowship (Biochemistry and Surgery), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, 1990–1992
• Clinical Fellowship (Cardiac Surgery), Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 1994–1995
• Residency (Cardiothoracic Surgery), Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 1995–1997
• Chief Residency (Cardiac Surgery), Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 1996–1997
• Chief Residency (Cardiac Surgery), Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 1997
• Instructor, Cardiac Surgery, Boston’s Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 1997-1999