The Newburger-Bellinger Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Award was established in 2013 by the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative to honor Jane Newburger and David Bellinger, pioneers in research designed to understand and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with heart disease. The award is presented annually during the Scientific Sessions of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative. This is one of the highest honors in the field, presented only to an individual in our cardiac neurodevelopment community who has made significant contributions to clinical care, research, knowledge, teaching or community advocacy leading to improvements in the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with heart disease.
Cheryl Brosig Soto PhD
2023 Newburger-Bellinger Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Award Recipient
Dr. Cheryl Brosig Soto is a Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of Pediatric Psychology and Developmental Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She also serves as the Medical Director of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Program at the Herma Heart Institute at Children’s Wisconsin. Dr. Brosig Soto was a founding member of CNOC’s Steering Committee and chaired CNOC’s Program and Meetings Committee for several years.
Dr. Brosig Soto has been passionate about integrating psychological services for children with chronic illness throughout her career. She was the first psychologist in the United States to be fully integrated within a cardiology division and went on to found and Chair the Cardiology Special Interest Group within Division 54 (Pediatric Psychology) of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Brosig Soto has mentored many psychologists who are now working with patients and families impacted by congenital heart disease. She has also consulted with cardiac centers around the world about how to set up a neurodevelopmental follow-up program.
Dr. Brosig Soto’s research interests have focused on the neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes for children with congenital heart disease. Most recently, she has been working on quality improvement initiatives to enhance the school liaison services that children with complex medical conditions receive. Dr. Brosig Soto looks forward to the future of CNOC and its collaborations with other learning networks.
Dr. Brosig Soto will present a keynote address on Tuesday, August 29 during the 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (WCPCCS) in Washington DC.
Newburger-Bellinger Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Award nominations for 2024 will be accepted between April 15 and June 17.
Criteria for nomination: A cardiologist, surgeon, anesthesiologist, neurologist, developmental pediatrician, geneticist, psychologist, nurse, PhD researcher, or other neurodevelopmental professional who has made significant contributions to clinical care, research knowledge, teaching or community advocacy leading to improvements in the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with heart disease. Please forward this page to other colleagues who may be interested. Membership in CNOC is not a factor.
Submit a letter of support that details the nominee’s significant contributions to Sarah Kelly PsyD, CNOC Secretary. All letters of nomination will be reviewed by the Steering Committee, and all nominees notified in July. The 2024 award recipient will deliver a keynote address during CNOC’s 12th Annual Scientific Sessions in St. Louis.