Dr. Aybala Tongut is an esteemed pediatric cardiac surgeon, currently holding the position of Attending Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, USA. Dr. Tongut earned her M.D. from Uludag University, Turkey, and subsequently pursued extensive post-graduate training in cardiovascular surgery and congenital cardiac surgery at renowned institutions such as Istanbul University and Children’s National Hospital.

With a rich clinical background, Dr. Tongut has made significant contributions to the field of pediatric cardiovascular surgery. Her expertise encompasses complex congenital cardiac repairs, neonatal cardiac interventions, and lung transplant procedures. Dr. Tongut is also actively engaged in research, as evidenced by her numerous scholarly publications and presentations at international conferences. Moreover, she is currently spearheading the development of a pediatric lung transplant program at CNMC to further enhance her capabilities in pediatric care.

Outside of her medical endeavors, Dr. Tongut channels her surgical experiences and artistic talents into creating sculptures inspired by the stories of her patients.

In addition to her clinical and research roles, Dr. Tongut is deeply committed to medical education and academic leadership. She has held faculty appointments at prestigious institutions such as Bilgi University and The George Washington University School of Medicine, where she serves as a mentor to medical students and residents in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery.

Dr. Tongut's unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care, education, and research underscores her commitment to advancing the field of pediatric cardiovascular surgery and improving outcomes for children with congenital heart disease.