U of U Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital Expand Pediatric Cardiology Care

Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension and Cardiology Care expanded at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (PRUnderground) September 27th, 2026

University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital are expanding specialized care, research, and clinical expertise for children facing pediatric pulmonary hypertension and complex cardiac conditions across the Mountain West.

Pediatric pulmonary hypertension is a rare, progressive condition marked by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, forcing the right side of the heart to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. As the disease advances, children may experience shortness of breath, hyperventilation, difficulty growing and thriving, and eventually heart failure. While therapies can improve quality of life, there is currently no cure.

To address the critical regional need for specialized care, this expansion includes the establishment of the new Gunnar Hyde Endowed Chair in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension at the University of Utah. The endowed chair will support the recruitment, retention, and continued leadership of nationally recognized specialists dedicated to improving outcomes for children living with this rare and life-threatening condition.

"Managing pediatric pulmonary hypertension requires highly specialized, multidisciplinary care, and every breakthrough in treatment directly impacts a child's quality of life," said Liezl Domingo, MD, pediatric pulmonary hypertension specialist at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital. "This expansion and the establishment of the endowed chair will allow us to grow our clinical capacity, advance vital research, and ensure families across the Mountain West region receive the highest level of expert care close to home."

Accelerated Impact Through Family Generosity

This expansion and the creation of the endowed chair are made possible through a transformational $10 million gift from Leonard and Tannie Hyde.

The Hyde family experienced the impact of pediatric pulmonary hypertension firsthand through their 5-year-old grandson's journey. Deeply moved by the ongoing care their grandson receives from physicians and care teams at University of Utah Health and Primary Children's Hospital, including Dr. Domingo, the Hydes were inspired to make this gift to ensure other families have access to the same specialized care.

"The purpose of this gift is three-fold," Leonard Hyde said. "To invest in our new community in the Mountain West, to recognize the amazing teams at University of Utah Health and Primary Children's Hospital, and to honor the infectious and inspiring fighting spirit of our grandson."

The endowed chair will also support the recruitment, retention, and continued leadership of nationally recognized specialists dedicated to improving outcomes for children living with this rare and life-threatening condition.

"Every family facing a serious diagnosis deserves hope, expert care, and a team committed to their child's future," said Dustin Lipson, market president of Intermountain Children's Health and Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital. "The Hyde family's generosity, inspired by their love for Gunnar, will help create hope for countless other children across our region. This investment not only advances care, research, and innovation, but helps us build an even brighter future for children with complex heart and lung conditions." 

 Enhancing Care and Expertise in the Mountain West

Through this investment, University of Utah Health and Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital will enhance care for their pediatric patients by:

• Recruiting & Retaining Top Talent: Strengthening national recruitment and clinical leadership in pediatric pulmonary hypertension through the newly created endowed chair.

• Expanding Clinical Expertise: Broadening access to specialized care teams and advanced treatment approaches for children across the region.

• Advancing Care Pathways: Supporting ongoing clinical excellence and research aimed at improving long-term quality of life for pediatric heart patients.

• Learn more about cardiology care at Intermountain Health Primary Children's Hospital

Original Press Release.