Hedrick leads CHOP’s multidisciplinary CDH care, from prenatal diagnosis through long-term follow up, and is known for having the largest volume of CDH patients in the world. She is dedicated to improving outcomes following surgical repair for these fragile infants who suffer long-term complications, including pulmonary hypoplasia.
A prolific and dedicated researcher, Hedrick has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and serves as a periodic reviewer of several surgical journals. She is a member of the board of directors for the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance.
Hedrick was awarded the March of Dimes “Citizen of the Year” award in 2006, the Lion Legacy award for Salem High School in 2010, and the Joanne Decker MD Mentorship Award in 2019. In addition, she recently received the Philadelphia County Medical Society’s (PCMS) most prestigious scientific honor, the Strittmatter Award, which recognizes a PCMS physician who has demonstrated the most valuable contributions to the practice of surgical or medical healing.
In 2015, Hedrick appeared in a three-part documentary series on PBS called Twice Born: Stories from the Special Delivery Unit. The Emmy Award-winning documentary offered a look inside the Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment and its unique Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit at CHOP. Hedrick was also recently featured on The Today Show representing the team that separated conjoined twins, Addy and Lily Altobelli.
In addition to her degree from IU, Hedrick earned her medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. She completed her surgical residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital before joining CHOP in 1998, first as a pediatric surgical fellow and later as an attending surgeon.
Hedrick finds a great sense of purpose when she sees her patients in the weeks, months, and years following a surgical intervention, knowing the trajectory of their lives has been impacted. She has three amazing children and enjoys spending time with her family between Pennsylvania and her hometown in Indiana.
