Alumni Board Specialty Spotlight: John Costello III, MD

As a pediatric cardiac surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, John Costello, III, MD (CGCS’22, TCS’23), cares for some of the most complex and fragile patients — children born with congenital heart defects. Having completed his fellowship training at Cleveland Clinic and now serving on staff, Dr. Costello combines advanced surgical expertise with a deep commitment to patients, families and the broader cardiothoracic surgical community.

Here, he reflects on his path to medicine, the rewards of pediatric cardiac surgery and his role in strengthening connections among Cleveland Clinic alumni.

Q. What led you to a career in medicine?

A. I always had an interest in medicine. When I think back, it was the one field that consistently held my attention. Over time, I realized I was especially drawn to working with children, and I became fascinated by the heart — both its complexity and its resilience.

That interest ultimately led me to cardiac surgery, and specifically pediatric cardiac surgery. Today, I care for children and adults with congenital heart conditions. It’s incredibly meaningful work, and I feel fortunate to be part of a team dedicated to helping these patients and their families navigate challenging diagnoses and treatment.

Q. What is most gratifying to you in your current role?

A. The children themselves are remarkable. Pediatric hearts are fragile, but they’re also incredibly resilient. Many of the conditions we treat are life-threatening, but they’re also conditions we can intervene on and improve, restoring both quality and quantity of life.

It’s deeply gratifying to help families understand that there is a path forward. There’s a tremendous need for pediatric cardiac surgeons and being able to serve in that role — and to witness the strength and resilience of both patients and their families — is incredibly rewarding.

Q. What motivated you to serve on the Alumni Board?

A. I trained here at Cleveland Clinic for my pediatric cardiac surgery fellowship and then stayed on staff. Cardiothoracic surgery trainees represent a wide spectrum, from recent medical school graduates to experienced surgeons who come here for advanced training. But because of the nature of the work, we’re often spread across multiple hospitals and don’t always have opportunities to connect outside of clinical care.

When this opportunity arose, I saw it as a way to help increase awareness of the Alumni Association, particularly among newer graduates. Many trainees, including myself, weren’t fully aware of the Alumni Association during training. I hope to help strengthen those connections and ensure cardiothoracic surgeons across all stages of their careers remain engaged with Cleveland Clinic and each other.

Q. Who are your mentors, and how have they influenced you?

A. I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors who have guided me throughout my training. One who stands out is Dr. Alfred Chahine, my general surgery program director at Georgetown University Hospital. He took the time early in my training to work closely with me, helping me understand both the technical and human aspects of surgical care. He showed me what it means to care for patients and families with compassion, and he encouraged me to pursue pediatric cardiac surgery. His mentorship played an important role in shaping my career path.

I’ve also had tremendous support from the pediatric cardiac surgery team at Cleveland Clinic, whose leadership and mentorship have helped me grow as a surgeon.

Q. What’s a work-related accomplishment you’re especially proud of, or a favorite Cleveland Clinic memory?

A. Completing my pediatric cardiac surgery fellowship at Cleveland Clinic was an especially meaningful milestone. My path wasn’t always linear. There were times when I didn’t match immediately into fellowship programs and had to pursue additional training opportunities, including internationally. To ultimately complete my fellowship here and graduate from the program was incredibly rewarding.

I’m also proud to be part of a team that has performed novel surgical procedures over the past several years. Being involved in advancing new techniques and contributing to innovation in patient care has been a highlight of my career so far.

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Dr. Costello enjoying dinner in Washington, D.C. with his brother and a friend.

Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

A. I enjoy playing tennis and biking when I can. I also like visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art. I enjoy spending time there appreciating the work of others. My family lives primarily in Florida and the Washington, D.C., area, so I value opportunities to travel and spend time with them whenever possible.

Q. What advice would you share with future alumni?

A. Stay connected. The Alumni Association offers important opportunities to maintain relationships, access resources and support your career, no matter where you practice.