I am a pediatric general and thoracic surgeon at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. I perform a wide variety of pediatric surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgery. I have a particular interest in neonatal congenital anomalies, pediatric oncology and pediatric trauma.

I was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by watching many of my family members, who have been involved in the medical field. I have always loved children and love that as a pediatric surgeon, I am able to use my abilities to help them improve their health and feel better – especially when they are going through a challenging time.

One of my favorite parts of my job is working with families as I treat and care for a child. I approach each case as if I were treating one of my own family members.

In addition to patient care, I'm also a passionate advocate of pediatric trauma and injury prevention. I believe that the best way to make a lasting difference is to educate parents, families and communities about injury prevention, such as the importance of seat belts, helmets, gun safety, etc.

Before joining Memorial, I worked at University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital, where I served as the interim director of pediatric surgery, assistant professor of surgery and pediatrics and director of pediatric trauma.

Hospital Affiliations

• Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
• Memorial Hospital Miramar
• Memorial Hospital West
• Memorial Regional Hospital

Gender

• Female

Languages

• Spanish
• English

Education

University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine, 2004

Internships

Jackson Memorial Hospital - Hematology/Oncology, 2008, Surgery
University of Miami - Jackson Memorial Hospital - Division Of Ob/Gyn, 2005, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Residency

Jackson Memorial Hospital, 2012, Surgery

Fellowships

Jackson Memorial Hospital, 2007
St Christopher's Hospital For Children, 2014, Pediatric Surgery

Certifications

American Board of Surgery-Pediatric Surgery
American Board of Surgery-Surgery

Research

I have been involved in clinical research throughout my training and career in medicine. My current research interests include pediatric trauma.

Past research projects include: 

• Post-Doctoral Research Fellow - Department of Surgery:  Vascular Biology Institute University of Miami School of Medicine, Diabetic Wound Healing and the role of matrix metalloproteinases 2005-2007
• Research Assistant:  University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development Dept. of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics Thesis: DNA Mutation Detection of Three Rare Genetic Diseases 1997-2000
• Research Assistant:  University of Miami, Dept. of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine - “My Health is Worth It” March of Dimes Study Aimed at chronically ill youth pregnancy prevention -Multimedia Approach  to Pregnancy Prevention (MAPP) project, aimed at chronically ill adolescent youths -School Wellness Initiative — grant completion to open more school health clinics

Professional Organizations

• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Pediatric Surgical Association
• Pediatric Trauma Society
• Florida Associations of Pediatric Surgery
• Children’s Oncology Group
• Florida Medical Association
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Phi Kappa Phi

Presentations

• Pediatric Trauma Update Day, Special Considerations in Pediatric Trauma, Tampa General Hospital, October 26, 2018
• Car Seat Education Segment, Fox 13 Tampa, FL, September 23, 2018
• EMS Symposium of Manatee County, “Trauma in the Pediatric Patient”  Bradenton, FL September 20, 2018
• Stop the Bleed Education Segment, Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend Show, ABC Tampa, March 30, 2018
• Public Service Announcement (PSA) for all Hillsborough county public schools, Hillsborough County Sheriff Office Prom Night Planned Right, 2017
• Pediatric Trauma Update Day, Pediatric Trauma and Shock, Tampa General Hospital, October 27, 2017
• Grand Rounds, Department of Surgery, “Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants and Children,” University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL November 23, 2015
• Grand Rounds, Department of Pediatrics, “Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants and Children,” University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL October 29, 2015
• CME Presentation, “Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants and Children”,  Lakeland, FL October 21, 2015
• Society of Pediatric Nurses Conference, “Surgical Considerations in Neonates and Children”, St Joseph’s Hospital, Tampa, FL October 10, 2015
• EMS Week Symposium of Polk County, “Trauma in the Pediatric Patient” Winter Haven, FL May 21, 2015

Awards

• SEEDS (Spotting Employees Exceeding Departmental Standards) Award:  St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children/ Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, February 2013
• Interdepartmental Developmental Research Grant Winner: Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, July 2006
• Invention Recognition Program Award Winner University of Miami, May 2007