Dr. Hirsch is a native of South Africa who completed pediatric residency, chief residency, and pediatric cardiology training at Washington University in St. Louis, followed by additional training in interventional cardiology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Hirsch served as a faculty member at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for 23 years, with a rank of Professor since 2017. Since 2007 he has served as Director of Cardiac Catheterization and the Pulmonary Hypertension Service at Cincinnati Children’s, one of the top ranked pediatric heart programs in the country. Among his most notable accomplishments is the development of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program, which he built from inception into a nationally accredited Pulmonary Hypertension Association Care Center. He also spearheaded the creation of the Hybrid Cardiac Catheterization Facility, a pioneering model now emulated at children’s hospitals across the country. His contributions have directly enhanced patient outcomes, multidisciplinary collaboration, and institutional prestige.

 Dr. Hirsch’s contributions to academic medicine have been recognized through multiple honors, including the Peter B. Manning Education Award (2016) and the Aubrey Rose Foundation’s Doctor of the Year Award (2022). His leadership within national networks such as the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network (PPHNet) further underscores his reputation as a thought leader in the field. Additionally, Dr. Hirsch has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and has given about 75 national or international invited lectures and presentations.