Meet-a-Mom Monday: Meet Dr. Laura Boulos!

Monmouth County native Dr. Laura Boulos is a pediatric cardiologist and owner of iHeart Pediatrics in Old Bridge, NJ. Mom of two, Dr. Boulos lives in Holmdel with her beautiful family. Learn more about this incredible mama in our interview below, including some of her favorite things to do with her children, how our community has been instrumental in developing her career as a doctor, and her incredible mom goals!

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?

I am a New Jersey native and have spent a majority of my life living in Monmouth county. I was born in Lakewood and lived in Howell, NJ until the age of 5 after which my family moved to Holmdel. I graduated from Holmdel High School after which I moved around for college and medical school. I lived in Cherry Hill, NJ during my time at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. I moved back to Holmdel while attending my Pediatric residency program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. I left New Jersey briefly for 3 years to complete a Pediatric Cardiology fellowship in Rochester, NY. I have since returned to Holmdel, NJ where I hope to continue to live and raise my children.

Child(ren) and Age(s)?

I am blessed with two amazing children. My daughter Vienna Olivia is 4.5 years old and my son Landon Jameson is 14 months old.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…

People are always surprised to find out that I am pretty strong and can carry heavy things!

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?

Being a mother has been the greatest blessing and privilege of my life, but I have many to thank for making the balance of life a bit easier. First and foremost, I have an extremely supportive husband who has stood by me and has been the backbone of our family throughout my journey to become a physician. I call him the true hero as he spent countless hours and sometimes days taking care of our children during my 3 years of Pediatric residency and then 3 years of Pediatric Cardiology fellowship training. He was also my greatest cheerleader and source of encouragement mentally and emotionally as I navigated life as a physician-in-training and new mother, both in themselves being full time jobs. He also was blessed to maintain his job and work remotely so that we would not have to live separately during my time in Rochester, NY. He has made a multitude of sacrifices for me, us, and our family to this day and I am beyond grateful for his continued support. I’d also like to thank my parents for now being our everyday heroes for always being available when we need a helping hand with our children whether it be picking them up from school or babysitting them for a night, or watching them on a snow day or school closure. They have truly been a saving grace for us. Additionally, I’d also like to thank my mother-in-law and the rest of our immediate family for being available to help with our children at a moment’s notice. It makes a world of a difference to be surrounded by such a supportive family.

Favorite things to do with your kids?

Vienna and I love to bake together, especially during the holidays, and we are always excited to try baking something new each time. I truly enjoy just spending time with both Vienna and Landon doing a craft or activity together at home. We also try to do at home movie nights frequently, especially when a new movie comes out from Disney. My favorite thing of all is honestly being present to watch my daughter play with my son and try to teach him new things.

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!

I am the current owner and sole physician practicing at iHeart Pediatrics. I recently opened up my own Pediatric Cardiology office last summer. We are located in Old Bridge, NJ. This venture as a new owner of a private medical practice has been a long fought journey for myself and my family. It was also not possible without the continued support and encouragement from my family, especially my brother and sister-in-law who pushed me out of my shell to embark on this great endeavor and my parents for their continued support for my family. It truly was a giant leap of faith to go down this path and I continue to work hard to make my family proud, and be the best physician and advocate for patients and their families. iHeart Pediatrics is the seed planted from a deep passion for my career and my work as a Pediatric Cardiologist and I will continue to enjoy watching it grow for years to come.

How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

Growing up in Monmouth County has certainly opened the door of opportunity for me. I went to a great high school and received an excellent educational foundation which helped me to succeed in college. I was fortunate enough to be able to return to South Jersey to complete my medical degree at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. I was able to work with so many wonderful local physicians affiliated with Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, and Southern Ocean Medical Center and learn from them as a medical student. Thankfully, I also matched for Pediatric residency at Jersey Shore University Medical Center where I was able to continue to build a network of relationships with local physicians. This has all allowed me to return to New Jersey to open up my own Pediatric Cardiology office and serve a community that I love and that has always been my true home.

What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County?

My husband and I have always loved Bouna Sera in Red Bank whether it be for a date night, group outing, or family party. The food is always on point!

What is your favorite activity to do with your children in Monmouth County?

We really enjoy our time at Holmdel Park when the weather is warm or taking a trip to any of the local beaches and boardwalks during the summer months.

What are your Mom Goals?

I have always said “Motherhood is everything and the only thing.” I had and continue to have dreams and aspirations for myself in life as a person and as a working woman, but in the end the ones that matter the most to me are those involving my privilege to be a mother. My goal is to raise my children in an environment that serves as a solid foundation of love, trust, respect, and faith no matter what obstacles may be faced in their lives. I hope to teach my children to be strong, independent, and hard working towards their goals and aspirations in life. I also hope to raise them to be kind and respectful individuals that are always willing to lend a helping hand. Most of all I hope to always make my children feel safe and loved every moment of their lives.