Meet Dr. Steve Muyskens
"I give every patient and family I see, in the hospital or clinic, as much time as they need to understand the situation. I'll draw a picture or create a diagram, and walk them through the illness and treatment piece by piece," says Steve Muyskens, M.D.
Dr. Muyskens grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and quickly developed an interest in the sciences and medicine. He attended the University of Kansas for undergraduate training and graduated with a B.A. in biology. In between studies, he spent his free time volunteering through the United Way of Douglas County and in local emergency rooms. He also realized his passion for Kansas basketball and spent the cold Kansas winters attending basketball games.
After graduation, he attended medical school at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine. During his third and fourth years of medical school he became interested in pediatric cardiology and the care of these patients in underserved countries. He was awarded the Barry Freeman Memorial Fellowship and traveled to Efate, Vanuatu, in the South Pacific to volunteer at a local hospital. The experience of working with sick children, especially those with heart disease, with limited resources shaped his practice and passion for cardiology.
Dr. Muyskens trained in pediatrics and pediatric cardiology at Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, MO. During those six years, he developed his interest in non-invasive imaging and pursued additional training in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) and computed tomography. He also met his wife, Melissa, a pediatric cardiovascular intensive care nurse. Following graduation, he participated in a physician fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine, increasing his knowledge and experience in CMRI.
Since being at Cook Children's, Dr. Muyskens has developed the CMRI program which performs and interprets CMRI in patients of all ages and with all types of heart disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is noninvasive and takes pictures of the heart and surrounding structures using a large magnet, radiowaves and a computer. Additionally, the imaging is obtained without using radiation. MRIs are performed to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels and may provide cardiologists with information that cannot be obtained by other tests. Since January 2011, when this program was introduced, over 2500 cardiovascular MRIs have been performed at Cook Children's.
In 2015, Cook Children's Health Foundation awarded Dr. Muyskens an Endowed Chair to support the expansion of our CMRI program and its diagnostic uses. Dr. Muyskens has since established the three-dimensional lab for the planning and printing of congenital heart disease (3D aPPROaCH Lab) which uses advanced technology to support pre-surgical planning and family education for patients with complex heart conditions. The dedicated in-house lab utilizes both 3D virtual viewing software and 3D printing to aid in the understanding and planning of complex surgical and interventional cases. Cook Children's is one of a select few pediatric centers in the country to combine these technologies. Additionally, Dr. Muyskens is conducting research of 4-dimensional flow analysis by cardiac MRI. He hopes this emerging technology will allow a more comprehensive understanding of complex vascular anomalies.
Dr. Muyskens loves both the science and the interpersonal side of his work with his patients. He credits his mother with recognizing and encouraging his love of science when he was in 7th grade biology. "That's really where it all began," he says. He also loves spending time with his wife and two daughters. When there is "me time," he can be found cycling or playing golf.
Services
- Cardiac MRI
- 3D printing (rapid prototyping/additive manufacturing)
- Transesophageal echocardiography
- Transthoracic echocardiogram
Reviews
Average rating:
Questions were addressed |
4.9
|
Provider explained things clearly |
4.9
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Likelihood of recommending this provider |
5
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Trust/confidence in physicians |
4.9
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What our families say
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September 26, 2024
We live in Dallas about 30 minutes away would drive out to see this office again anytime left relieved and very happy with our visit
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September 26, 2024
Everyone was great from the first call I received to schedule my appointment to check in to the medical assistant to the RN and last by the doctor excellent service overall.
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September 22, 2024
Dr Muyskens is the best! So thankful that my son has him has his cardiologist. He is very attentive and takes time to listen to his patients and their caregivers. He is also very knowledgeable and skilled, but also very approachable.
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September 22, 2024
He explained very well to our level of understanding the condition of our child, answers all our question & he was very kind enough to provide us all the letters we need. We admire his knowledge and professionalism.
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June 19, 2024
The doctor was excellent at explaining the condition and next steps. He was very likeable and personable towards both me and my son.
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May 27, 2024
All the staff was welcoming and kind to my daughter and myself.
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April 30, 2024
This place was the best Dr. Office I have ever been to in a long time I didn't get judge for my child outburst or behavior I got total understanding and help so I would definitely recommend other here to the cooks children in midland Tx!!! There the best!!
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April 27, 2024
The entire staff, scheduling, nurses and Dr. Muyskens ! Thank you all for getting [...] an appointment right away we are so grateful for the concern and kindness shown.
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April 07, 2024
Everyone in the office is amazing, however Dr.Muyskens and his nurse Melissa are phenomenal! They go over and beyond every visit and every phone call.
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March 23, 2024
The whole staff was amazing! Very informative and kind.
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March 23, 2024
Audrey, Diana and Dr. Muyskens were all excellent! All of the staff did a great job and were very attentive to my daughter.
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March 11, 2024
The nurses and Dr. Muyskens were so kind. Enjoyed the personal attention for my child.
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March 11, 2024
I personally love how everything was done during that appointment. We got a doctor visit, an echocardiogram, and spoke with doctor again about the results all in the same visit. That was a perfect use of our time as a busy family as well as extremely settling to our minds as parents. We didn't have to worry while waiting for results. Everyone we encountered was incredibly amazing and kind.
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March 11, 2024
Alex at the front desk detailed out how our visit would go so we felt very prepared for what to expect. Dr. Muyskens was so kind and spent as much time as we needed to explain his thoughts and concerns. He was extremely thorough and we never felt rushed. I felt like he cared so well for our son. Our nurse was thoughtful and a great listener. She took time to make our son feel comfortable and explained what would happen during our visit. Our echo tech was calming and provided such great care.
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March 09, 2024
The team as a whole was great from check in vitals in take and dr. The team worked great together.
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March 09, 2024
Alwx, Shelby and Dr. M. Were amazing it was our 1st time to see Dr.M and the whole team made us feel welcomed and helped assuring my child with his anxiety and fears even took the time speak with him and ask him the questions before asking us the parents.
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February 25, 2024
Our visit was overall a great experience.
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February 25, 2024
Dr. Muyskens was exceptionally thorough about my daughters heart condition, he even drew up a heart to show us exactly what is going on. Not only that, we have a game plan for an actual surgery date. He listened to our concerns and treated us with compassion.
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February 09, 2024
We always have a good experience at Cook's!
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January 27, 2024
Everyone! They were all amazing!
Publications
- Muyskens S, Lasala J, Balzer D. Percutaneous Closure of a Complex Post-Traumatic Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, 2008; 72: 408-412.
- Muyskens S, Nicolas R, Foerster S, Balzer D., Endovascular stent placement for right ventricle to pulmonary artery stenosis in the Sano modified Norwood. Congenital Heart Disease, 2008; 72: 408-412.
- Santizo R, Hao-Liang X, Galea E, Muyskens S, Baughman V, Pelligrino D. Combined eNOS upregulation and caveolin-1 down-regulation decrease leukocyte adhesion in pial venules of ovariectomized rats. Stroke, 2002; 33 (2):613-616.
- Muyskens S, Number 14-16: Exercise intolerance with d-transposition of the great arteries. https://scmr.org/page/COW1416. Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) Website, November 2014.
- Muyskens S, Porterfield S. Number 1808: Levoatriocardinal Vein with Normal Intracardiac Anatomy: A Case of Misidentification. https://scmr.org/page/COW1808. Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) Website, May 2018.
- Kuo JA, Roten L, Muyskens S. Use of Real-Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in Closure of Multi-Fenestrated Atrial Septal Defects. Poster Presentation, Pediatric Interventional Cardiac Symposium (PICS-AICS). San Diego, California. September 2019.
- Muyskens S, Porterfield S. Levoatriocardinal Vein with Normal Intracardiac Anatomy: A Case of Misidentification. Oral Case Review Session 7: Best Cases of the Web. 22nd Annual Scientific Sessions, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) Seattle, Washington. February 2019.
- Muyskens S, Nguyen A, Hamby T. Beyond Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Coronary Arteries: Additive Value of Late Gadolinium Enhancement. Poster Presentation, 22nd Annual Scientific Sessions, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). Seattle, Washington. February 2019.
- Muyskens S, Roshan T, Honan K, Umejiego J. Effect of General Anesthesia on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Derived Cardiac Function in Tetralogy of Fallot. Poster Presentation, 21st Annual Scientific Sessions, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). Barcelona, Spain. January 2018.
- Muyskens S, Roten L, Olmstead K, Hamby T. Magnetic Resonance Angiography to Assess Anomalous Coronary Arteries in Children at 3-Tesla: Diagnosis, Risk Stratification, and Interobserver Reliability. Oral Presentation, 20th Annual Scientific Sessions, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR). Washington, D.C. February 2017.
- Muyskens S, Holt DB, Ludomirsky A, Woodard P, Foerster S, Balzer D, Fletcher G, Pilgram T, Singh G. A Novel Method for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Homograft Function in Children: A Doppler Echo, CT Angiography, and Catheterization Correlative Study. Oral Presentation, North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging (NASCI). Orlando, FL. October 2009.
- Muyskens S, Holt DB, Ludomirsky A, Woodard P, Foerster S, Balzer D, Fletcher G, Pilgram T, Singh G. A Novel Approach to Noninvasive Assessment of Homograft Form and Function: A Catheterization, Doppler Echo and CT Angiography Correlative Study. Poster Presentation, American Society of Echocardiography (ASE). Washington, D.C. June 2009. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, 2009; 22 (5): 602.
- Muyskens S, Holt DB, Ludomirsky A, Woodard P, Foerster S, Balzer D, Fletcher G, Pilgram T, Singh G. A Novel Approach to Noninvasive Assessment of Homograft Form and Function: A Catheterization, Doppler Echo and CT Angiography Correlative Study. Poster Presentation, Washington University Department of Pediatrics Research Retreat. Saint Louis, Missouri. April 2009.
- Yayah NH, Muyskens S, Green R, Singh G. The Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension in Children with Hyperthyroidism and Its Response to Therapy. Poster Presentation, Washington University Department of Pediatrics Research Retreat. Saint Louis, Missouri. April 2009.
- Muyskens S, Foerster S, Balzer D. Efficacy and Safety of Intracardiac Echocardiography for the Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defects in Children. Oral presentation, Pediatric Interventional Cardiac Symposium (PICS). Las Vegas, Nevada. July 2008. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, 2008; 71 (7): S8-9.
- Muyskens S, Holt T, Balzer D, Woodard P, Ludomirsky A, Singh G. RV to PA Homograft Patency: Catheter, Echo, and CT Angiogram Correlative Study. Oral Presentation, Washington University Early Research Symposium. Saint Louis, Missouri. November 2007.
- Muyskens S, Nicolas R, Foerster S, Balzer D. Endovascular stent placement for right ventricle to pulmonary artery stenosis in the Sano modified Norwood. Oral presentation, Midwest Pediatric Cardiology Society Meeting. St. Louis, Missouri. September 2007.
- Muyskens S, Nicolas R, Foerster S, Balzer D. RV to PA conduit stenosis in the Sano modified Norwood: An institutional experience with endovascular stenting. Oral presentation, Pediatric Interventional Cardiac Symposium (PICS). Las Vegas, Nevada. July 2007. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, 2007; 70 (1): S2
- Cardiac Care in Nueuromuscular Disorders: Focus on Duchenne's MD, Pediatric Neuromuscular Conference2018
- Use of 3D Technology in Congenital Heart Disease, Hands-On Half-Day 3D Printing & Virtual Lab, NeoHeart 2018
- The Future of CMR Imaging, NeoHeart 2018
- Cardiac MRI: Coronaries and Cardiomyopathies, Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease Symposium 2015
- Cardiac MRI for Health Care Providers, Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease Symposium 2013
- Cardiac MRI: Current State of the Art, Cook Children's Grand Rounds 2012
- Cardiac MRI for Health Care Providers, Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease Symposium 2011
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Families and Patients, Cook Children's Pediatric Cardiology Parent and Family Symposium 2011
- Anesthesia to Optimize Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Cook Children's Cardiac Anesthesiology Lecture Series. 2011
- Cardiac Embryology: Echocardiographic Correlations. Cook Children's Heart Center Echo Lab Lecture Series. 2011
- Optimal Imaging of Double Outlet Right Ventricle. Cook Children's Heart Center Echo Lab Lecture Series. 2010
- Pressure Recovery: The Riddle of the Homograft Gradient. Washington University Pediatric Cardiology Lecture Series. 2009
- Physics of Doppler Echocardiography: Effect on Diagnostic Evaluation. Washington University Pediatric Cardiology Lecture Series. 2008
- Pressure Recovery: Principle and Application. Washington University Pediatric Cardiology Lecture Series. 2008
- 2007 Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: Etiology to Management. Washington University Pediatric Cardiology Lecture Series. 2008
Education
- Medical School:
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
- Residency:
- Saint Louis Children’s Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine
- Board Certifications:
- American Board of Pediatrics
- Pediatric Cardiology
Affiliations
- Cook Children's Physician Network
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