Co-Medical Director, Fetal Medicine Program
I am a pediatric general and thoracic surgeon and Co-Medical Director of the Fetal Medicine Program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
As a pediatric surgeon, I have a broad scope of practice and operate on most areas of the body for various reasons. The most common procedures are in line with the most common conditions, including laparoscopic appendectomies for appendicitis, placement of gastrostomy tubes, laparoscopic cholecystectomies for cholecystitis or cholelithiasis, and surgery to treat inguinal and umbilical hernias. I also perform surgery on infants to treat congenital problems such as: congenital diaphragmatic hernia, esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, and congenital lung lesions. I also perform surgeries to remove cancers
I don’t quite remember when my desire to become a doctor began, but it has been a passion for as long as I can remember. I have always been intrigued by the way things work and love to help diagnose and figure out the problem that my patients are having and use my surgical expertise to fix them. I love working with kids and being able to help them is extremely gratifying.
My mother profoundly affected my desire to become a doctor. Having lost a premature child in infancy, I remember her frequently saying that there is nothing harder for a parent than to bury their child. Now, as a surgeon and parent, I understand and appreciate that there is no one more precious to you than your child. It is an honor and privilege to care for other parents’ children. I know parents' anxiety and fear when their child is ill and promise to do my best for your child and, in turn, for you. I will take care of your child as if they were my own.
Besides being a pediatric general and thoracic surgeon, I also have a particular interest in fetal diagnosis and management. I serve as Co-Medical Director of the Fetal Medicine Program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, which fills a great need for families in South Florida and beyond. We provide counseling and management for parents with pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed issues, which can include lung lesions, abdominal wall defects such as gastroschisis and omphalocele, esophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and more. Our goal is to expand our comprehensive program to include fetal interventions for fetuses with diagnosed conditions, so we can offer more options for pregnant women and their families.
In addition to providing patient care, I’m involved on a national level in professional societies and committees within our specialty. I have an interest and background in clinical research, health outcomes, and quality improvement. Before joining Memorial, I spent many years at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.
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