Shania’s Story

When 19-year-old Shania Woods-Hicks arrived at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, she was smiling—even though her heart was failing.

Transferred in critical condition from Premier Health’s Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Shania had developed severe cardiomyopathy following a COVID infection. Her heart could no longer keep up with her body’s needs. But because of the swift action of her care team at the Advanced Heart Failure Clinic at Miami Valley Hospital and the heart transplant team at The Christ Hospital Health Network, Shania was given a second chance at life.

“This young, beautiful woman came in with this huge smile on her face,” recalls Robert Dowling, MD, PhD (hon), surgical director for The Christ Hospital Heart Transplant Program and the Chris and Trey Heekin Family Endowed Chair for Cardiac Transplantation. “We knew she was the transfer from Miami Valley Hospital — and we quickly realized just how sick her heart was.”

The Christ Hospital team sprang into action. Within hours, Shania was stabilized using a temporary mechanical heart pump known as the Impella 5.5 — a tool not available at many hospitals, but a key part of The Christ Hospital’s advanced heart failure toolbox. This gave the team time to assess Shania for a heart transplant, which she would soon undergo successfully.

A Collaborative Team Effort

Shania’s case exemplifies the partnership between Premier Health and The Christ Hospital Health Network, a collaboration designed to expand access to advanced heart care for patients across Southwest Ohio.

“It’s a multidisciplinary team — it’s not just one person,” says Geetha Bhat, PhD, MD, FACC, FAST, FHFSA, the medical director of The Christ Hospital Heart Transplant Program. That team includes nurses like Elizabeth Eng, MBA, BSN, RN, of the Advanced Heart Failure Clinic at Miami Valley Hospital.

“One of the great things about the joint venture between Premier Health and The Christ Hospital is we can help transfer patients between the systems pretty seamlessly,” says Elizabeth. “It is truly amazing that we were able to take her from that ill of a young woman who couldn't sit up for extended periods of time to the now healthy, vibrant one that is in the community and living a phenomenal life.”

Shania’s New Start

After receiving her new heart, Shania progressed quickly — demonstrating a strong will to recover and a deep gratitude for the care she received.

“I feel like they helped with every little thing that I was struggling with as being able to get down here,” Shania says. “They were very understanding about all of that, and they still are. I'm really grateful for all of my doctors. I'm grateful that they basically held my hand through all of this.”

“Shania is an incredibly resilient and positive person,” Elizabeth says. “Even in the face of something so serious, she always had this calm, grateful energy. She's always had a beautiful smile, but there's an extra sparkle in it now.”

The collaboration between Premier Health and The Christ Hospital means that more patients like Shania have access to lifesaving care — whether that’s mechanical heart support, transplant evaluation, or long-term recovery services.

“We adopt our patients, and they adopt us,” says Dr. Bhat. “Throughout their lives, we’re part of their lives.”

And for patients like Shania, that relationship makes all the difference.

Contact Us

Every moment of your life depends on a strong, healthy heart. The Premier Health cardiology and vascular services team is here to help you, each beat of the way, with prevention, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation services in our hospitals, outpatient centers, and medical offices across Southwest Ohio.