Medical Specialties 
Sal
Cleft and Craniofacial Program
The first thing you'll notice upon meeting Sal's family is the love and devotion they share. The second thing you'll notice is that six-year-old Sal looks different than other boys, because he was born with cranial frontal nasal dysplasia.
After consulting with a variety of specialists, Sal's parents entrusted their son's face to Eric Stelnicki, MD, on the medical staff at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital South, Memorial Hospital West and Memorial Hospital Miramar, because "he was familiar with new, cutting-edge techniques," says Kookie, Sal's mom.
It was evident from Sal's first visit with Dr. Stelnicki he would need numerous craniofacial surgeries. During Sal's twelfth operation, Dr. Stelnicki used bone morphogenetic protein, which stimulates the body to make bone. This protein, available at only a handful of centers around the country, has recently received FDA approval for head/neck reconstruction.
Sal came through all of the operations beautifully, thanks to Dr. Stelnicki and the services at the hospital's Cleft and Craniofacial Center.
"Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is the most caring, phenomenal hospital I've ever been in," says Bobby. "The staff goes beyond what's necessary to help us. I would never have my son operated on anywhere else in the world."
Tips
- Bring your child's medical records
- Have the name & phone of your child's physician handy
- Let the medical personnel know of any allergies
- Try to leave siblings at home if possible