Elizabeth Braunlin

Dr. Elizabeth Braunlin is a Professor in the Division of Pediatric Cardiology within the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota. She serves as Director of the Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program and is an active member of both the Heart Center and the university’s Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) Center, contributing her expertise to the multidisciplinary care of children with complex cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.

Dr. Braunlin earned her medical degree and PhD in Physiology from the University of Minnesota. She completed her pediatric residency at The Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at the University of Minnesota. She joined the faculty in 1983 and is board certified in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Cardiology.

Her clinical and research work focuses on the cardiovascular complications of chronic and inherited pediatric diseases. In particular, she has developed long-term follow-up protocols for individuals with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or enzyme replacement therapy. She also has clinical and research interests in cardiac failure management in children with muscular dystrophy and in the prevention and treatment of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) following cardiac transplantation.

Dr. Braunlin’s research includes the use of echocardiography and histopathology in murine models of MPS to study cardiac pathology and evaluate novel therapies. Her work bridges basic science and clinical care, contributing to improvements in both diagnostic strategies and therapeutic approaches in pediatric cardiology, particularly for rare and multisystem diseases.

In her role as a fellowship program director, Dr. Braunlin is also deeply engaged in medical education and mentorship, supporting the development of future pediatric cardiologists through structured training and academic guidance.

Dr. Braunlin continues to play a central role in advancing care for children with congenital and acquired heart conditions, with particular emphasis on those with rare metabolic and neuromuscular diseases. Her work integrates clinical care, research, and education, reflecting a long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for children with complex cardiovascular needs.

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