Get to Know Me
I grew up on Florida's Space Coast in Cocoa Beach. It was a very family-oriented, bilingual home. When I'm away from the office, I enjoy reading and traveling.
Why I Treat Children
When I was 12, it was my pediatrician who explained my father鈥檚 heart disease to my sister and me 鈥 equating the condition to when cheese gets stuck in the macaroni noodle. I enjoy explaining things to my patients at their level, making sure they understand as much as possible. I involve the kids I see and their families 鈥 together 鈥 in each child's health care.
What I'm Passionate About
My favorite part of pediatrics is making strong relationships with my patients and their families. It is with these relationships that we have the tools to ensure that children grow up to be as healthy and strong as possible. I can think of no other place where one gets to treat patients who are planning to become future pirates, policemen, princesses, astronauts and ninjas.
How I Try to Make A Difference
Each stage of growing up comes with its own joys and hurdles. I work to arm parents of newborns with the information to help them tackle those many 鈥渇irsts鈥 and to prevent illness. I encourage school-aged children to learn healthy choices, make goals and pursue their dreams. I also work to create a safe environment for teens to be heard, and to promote open communication with the adults in their lives 鈥 I encourage them to take control of their health. My hope is not only to help patients and families navigate these stages, but also to help them understand how illness may affect childhood milestones. My goal is to work as a team with patients and families to come up with the best solutions.
