Home > Services > Pediatric Cardiology > Physicians > Q & A with James Jaggers, MD

Pediatric Cardiology

Back to Dr. Jaggers’s physician profile

Where did you receive your undergraduate and medical training?
I went to medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

How long have you been at Duke?
I have been on staff at Duke University Medical Center since 1996.

Where did you work prior to coming to Duke?
I was in thoracic surgery training and pediatric cardiac surgery training at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado, from 1993 to 1996.

What are your board certifications and society memberships?
I am board certified in thoracic surgery since 1996. I am board certified in general surgery since 1993.

I belong to multiple thoracic surgery societies including Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American Association of Thoracic Surgeon, Society of University Surgeons, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, and American College of Surgeons. I am also a diplomate of the American Heart Association.

What led you into the field of pediatric cardiology/pediatric cardiac surgery?
Taking care of children is the most rewarding of all areas of health care. Sometimes you just have to go to where your strengths are.

I have always been interested in anatomy and physiology. Children with congenital heart defects have very challenging problems. With proper skill that I am fortunate to possess, their hearts can be repaired and they can look forward to good and productive lives in most cases.

What are your areas of sub-specialty and how have things changed since you entered the field?
I specialize in repair of complex congenital heart defects in small babies and neonates. These operations include the Norwood procedure, arterial switch procedure, pulmonary atresia repair, and Tetralogy of Fallot repair.

I also have expertise in pediatric cardiac transplantation and in the areas of complex left ventricular outflow tract problems and the Ross procedure. In addition, II have expertise in operating on adult patients with congenital heart defects.

Are you involved with any clinical trials or research studies? If so, what are you examining?
Our group is involved with the Pediatric Heart Network. We are involved in many clinical studies that aim to improve the survival of children with heart defects or heart problems. This includes the infant single ventricle trial, the single ventricle reconstruction (SVR) trial, Kawasaki's disease trial, mitral insufficiency and atrioventricular canal defect repairs.

Our basic science laboratory focuses ways to genetically manipulate the diseased heart muscle so that in can function better with heart defects. We also look at ways to prevent injury to the brain and heart in children that have to have heart defect repairs with the heart lung machine.

What is the focus of your current research and how will your research contribute to the field of medicine?
The research above is all designed to improve the survival and quality of life of children with heart defects.

What drew you to Duke and what do you enjoy most about your work?
Duke is an outstanding institution in all areas. It allows great collaboration between all areas of medicine. It allows me to feel like I am being innovative and trying to find new and better ways to take care of people rather than simply doing it the same old way. The Research Triangle is also a great place to live and raise children.

What are your personal hobbies or interests?
I enjoy golf, mountain bike riding, and the beach.