About Heron Baumgarten, MD
Heron Baumgarten, MD, joined Western Surgical Group in October 2023, bringing specialized expertise in pediatric surgery to Northern Nevada. As one of only two fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons in the region, Dr. Baumgarten provides comprehensive surgical care for premature babies, infants, children, and adolescents with conditions ranging from common pediatric surgical problems to complex congenital anomalies and surgical emergencies.
Dr. Baumgarten earned her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine, completed her General Surgery residency at the University of Virginia, and completed her pediatric surgery fellowship at the University of Louisville. She is board certified in Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery and is trained in advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques, offering laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approaches when appropriate for procedures including hernia repair, appendectomy, and other pediatric conditions.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Baumgarten is deeply committed to medical education, child advocacy, and global health. She serves as Clerkship Director for the third-year medical students’ surgical rotation at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, where she mentors the next generation of physicians. She also serves on the Medical Education Steering Committee, helping shape surgical education curriculum and training standards.
Dr. Baumgarten leads the Child Protection Team at Renown Children’s Hospital, where she coordinates multidisciplinary care for children who are victims of abuse. This critical role involves medical evaluation, forensic documentation, coordination with law enforcement and child protective services, and ensuring these vulnerable patients receive compassionate, trauma-informed care. Her leadership in this area demonstrates her commitment to protecting and advocating for children beyond the operating room.
Global Health & Medical Education
Education & Certifications
- Fellowship, Pediatric Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Residency, General Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Doctor of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
- Board Certified, Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery
Leadership Positions & Professional Activities
- Clerkship Director, Third-Year Medical Students’ Surgical Rotation, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- Medical Education Steering Committee Member, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- Director, Child Protection Team, Renown Children’s Hospital
- Clinical Faculty, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- International Medical Education, St. Paul’s Millennium Medical College, Ethiopia
Professional Memberships
- American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA)
- American Board of Surgery
- American College of Surgeons
Practice Focus
Dr. Baumgarten provides comprehensive pediatric surgical care for patients from premature newborns through adolescence, including:
- Neonatal surgical emergencies and congenital conditions
- Common pediatric surgical problems (appendicitis, hernias, pyloric stenosis)
- Minimally invasive pediatric surgery (laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques)
- Pediatric thoracic and abdominal surgery
- Complex congenital anomalies
- Medical evaluation for child abuse and neglect
Personal Interests
Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Baumgarten enjoys spending time outdoors, taking advantage of Northern Nevada’s natural beauty through hiking, snowboarding, and paddleboarding. She also practices yoga and meditation for wellness and balance, and enjoys playing classical piano.
Commitment to Northern Nevada Families
As one of Northern Nevada’s only two fellowship-trained pediatric surgeons, Dr. Baumgarten is committed to providing the highest level of specialized surgical care for children in the region. Her expertise in minimally invasive techniques, combined with her dedication to medical education and child advocacy, makes her an invaluable member of the pediatric healthcare community. Whether treating a routine surgical condition or managing a complex congenital anomaly, Dr. Baumgarten brings compassion, expertise, and a family-centered approach to every patient interaction.
