Action Learning Network

For some children with advanced heart failure, a ventricular assist device (VAD) can provide critical support while their heart transplant candidacy is being evaluated. A recent ACTION study published in ASAIO Journal offers new insights into this important treatment strategy and helps inform care decisions for patients, families, and clinicians.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3TCeScn!

Did you know ACTION has a YouTube channel? 📽

From heart-healthy exercise videos and educational content to webinar recordings and collaborative projects, our channel is packed with resources for patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Subscribe and explore our growing video library: https://bit.ly/4fZsRSi!

Improving cardiac outcomes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy requires more than awareness - it requires coordinated action across the entire care continuum.

From early detection to longitudinal management to advanced therapies when appropriate, each step shapes outcomes.

At ACTION, we’re seeing progress through:
🔹 More consistent surveillance
🔹 Earlier referrals for advanced heart failure care
🔹 Stronger collaboration across specialties and centers

This is how care evolves - from recognition to action to impact.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4x5WU0l!

🎓 Congratulations to our graduating ACTION Fellows! We're excited to see all that you'll accomplish as you begin your careers as attendings and leaders in pediatric heart failure, VAD, and transplant care.

🎉 At the same time, we're thrilled to welcome our newest cohort of ACTION Fellows!

Over the coming year, fellows will have opportunities to connect with peers across the network, participate in journal clubs and research collaborations, engage in device-focused education, and learn from experts through interactive virtual seminars.

Know a 4th-year Fellow or CVICU/Categorical Fellow interested in HF/VAD/Transplant? We'd love to connect!

Email us at [email protected] to learn more or get involved.

こんにちは 👋 and welcome to the newest members of the ACTION family!

We’re excited to welcome the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka University, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, and the University of Tokyo to our growing network. We can't wait to see where this collaboration takes us! ❤️🇯🇵

For children with advanced heart failure, a ventricular assist device (VAD) can be a lifesaving therapy. While these devices are often used to bridge patients to heart transplant, some children recover enough heart function to have the device removed.

A recent ACTION study published in the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation examined outcomes after VAD explantation for myocardial recovery. Although this outcome was rare, researchers found that most children remained free from transplant or additional mechanical support after device removal.

These findings highlight the potential for heart recovery in select pediatric patients and the importance of identifying which children may benefit most from this approach. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3RgIvPE!

🎉Join us in welcoming Tori to the ACTION/Device Nexus team! 🎉

Tori joined us in May as a Data Management Specialist, excited to combine her clinical research background with the data and operations side of research to help advance patient care and outcomes.

Her favorite part of ACTION is the team's shared commitment to improving patient outcomes and the supportive, collaborative environment where everyone is eager to learn and help one another.

Outside of work, Tori enjoys playing soccer and volleyball, reading, creating art, crocheting, planning trips to new destinations, and sampling ice cream everywhere she travels. ⚽📖🍦

Welcome aboard, Tori! We're excited to have you on the team! 👏

Join us tomorrow! 🌟

The Women in ACTION group is hosting Moral Support: Your Values and Moral Agency on June 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET, featuring Alyssa Burgart, MD, MA.

This interactive webinar will explore moral distress, moral injury, and moral courage, while providing space to reflect on how your personal and professional values influence the care you provide to patients with complex needs. The session will also include small-group breakout discussions for reflection and peer connection.

Registration link available on Basecamp and in today's Forecast newsletter!

Open to all ACTION members!

We’re officially on cloud nine. ☁️✨

This month, we’re celebrating 9 years of ACTION! Thank you for being part of the journey. We couldn’t do it without you.

Have a favorite ACTION moment? Share it in the comments

As care continues to evolve in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), early cardiac management remains essential.

Cardiac disease often develops before symptoms appear, which makes routine surveillance and longitudinal care critical.

At ACTION, we’re focused on:
🔹 Earlier recognition of cardiac involvement
🔹 Consistent monitoring strategies
🔹 Coordinated, multidisciplinary care

Because earlier recognition creates the opportunity for better outcomes.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4tFdQIM!