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NEW ORLEANS - Ochsner Children’s is proud to announce that Terry D. King, MD, a senior pediatric cardiologist, has been named the 2025 Prince Mahidol Award Laureate in the Field of Medicine. This prestigious global honor recognizes Dr. King’s pioneering work in developing minimally invasive cardiac treatments, which has transformed the lives of patients with congenital heart defects worldwide.
The Prince Mahidol Award Foundation selected Dr. King for his revolutionary contributions to pediatric cardiology. In 1975, Dr. King and his colleague, Noel Mills, MD, achieved a medical milestone: the first successful non-surgical closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD). Their co-invented device, later known as the King-Mills Cardiac Umbrella, could be inserted through a catheter, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery. This innovation has redefined cardiac care by reducing recovery times, minimizing complications and setting a new standard for treatment.
Dr. King has also been a trailblazer in promoting equitable access to advanced cardiac care technologies in countries with limited access to this specialty. His commitment to knowledge-sharing and global health equity has ensured that his life-saving innovations reach underserved populations around the world.
“I am deeply honored to receive this distinguished award,” said Dr. King. “This recognition is a testament to the collaborative spirit of innovation at Ochsner Children’s and the bravery of the patients and families who put their trust in us. It has been the privilege of my life to care for children and advance treatments that improve their quality of life.”
The Prince Mahidol Award is a distinguished honor celebrating outstanding contributions to medicine and public health. Established in 1992 to commemorate His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla, the “Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health in Thailand,” the award annually recognizes two recipients for their exemplary achievements. It is presented under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
Dr. King’s pioneering work in medical technology has profoundly advanced the care and treatment of patients with congenital heart defects. Through his visionary leadership at Ochsner Children’s, he has championed the development of minimally invasive cardiac procedures, transformed outcomes and provided a brighter future for children and adults impacted by these complex conditions. His innovations have not only improved survival rates but also elevated the quality of life for countless patients and families.
At Ochsner Children’s, care extends beyond addressing the condition—it represents a holistic approach to healing, driven by a commitment to excellence. Dr. King’s expertise and passion have helped establish the institution as a national leader in pediatric cardiology, offering many benefits to patients and their families, such as:
Comprehensive pediatric cardiology services: From diagnosis to treatment, Ochsner Children’s provides tailored care for every stage of a patient’s journey.
Multidisciplinary expertise: A collaborative team of cardiologists, surgeons, and support staff ensures personalized, innovative care.
Seamless transition to adult care: For children with lifelong conditions, the team ensures smooth transitions to adult cardiology services to maintain continuity of care.
Family-centered approach: Ochsner Children’s builds relationships with families, offering compassionate support alongside medical expertise to foster trust and empowerment throughout the treatment process.
"Dr. King is a visionary pioneer whose groundbreaking work has transformed pediatric cardiology, essentially founding the specialty of interventional cardiology and changing, even saving, countless lives worldwide." said Vincent “Butch” Adolph, MD, chief medical officer for Ochsner Children’s. “For decades, he has provided innovative, compassionate care to the children of Louisiana and beyond. His relentless pursuit of safer, more effective treatments embodies the spirit of Ochsner Children’s. We are incredibly proud to see his lifelong dedication recognized with such a prestigious award.”
Learn more about the world-renowned pediatric cardiology services provided by Ochsner Children’s by visiting Ochsner Children's Pediatric Cardiology.
Media Contact: pr@ochsner.org
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About Ochsner Children’s
Ochsner Children’s is part of Ochsner Health, the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner Children’s has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for five consecutive years. For the ninth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ochsner Children's Hospital among the Top 50 Children’s Hospitals in the country. In 2025, Ochsner Children's Hospital ranked in cardiology and heart surgery and gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s Hospital is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as America’s Best Children’s Hospitals ranking in pulmonology and neonatology.