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Jessica Saunders, MD

Pediatric Pulmonology, Cystic Fibrosis
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Locations

JDCH Cystic Fibrosis, Sleep and Pulmonary Center

1131 North 35th Avenue
Suite 330
Hollywood, FL 33021

Phone: 954-265-6333

Fax: 954-265-6336

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JDCH Cystic Fibrosis, Sleep and Pulmonary Center

1971 SW 172nd Avenue
2nd Floor
Miramar, FL 33029-5592

Phone: 954-265-6333

Fax: 954-276-0756

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About Me

I am a pediatric pulmonologist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. I care for children with a variety of pulmonary diseases including asthma, chronic cough, premature lung disease, cystic fibrosis (CF), aerodigestive disorders, and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD).

My fascination with medicine and specifically pulmonology started at a young age, as I watched one of my cousins suffer from severe asthma. I saw first-hand the impact pulmonary disease can have on a family. Throughout my training, my choice to pursue pulmonary medicine was solidified as I had the opportunity to contribute to various research projects and had the pleasure of working with a researcher with CF. Working alongside her, I gained an intimate understanding of a patient’s life with CF and how future research is essential to improving the care of patients.

Now, working with patients and families, I strive to build partnerships that help improve children’s health and allow them and their families to feel seen, heard, and valued. I also continue to be involved in writing, researching, and presenting my work at national conferences.

Languages

  • English

Education

Fellowships

  • Indiana University School of Medicine -Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship, 2023, Pediatric Pulmonology

Residency

  • Indiana University Medical Center, 2020, Pediatrics

Medical Education

  • Indiana University School Of Medicine, 2017

Certifications

  • American Board of Pediatrics-Pediatric Pulmonology
  • American Board of Pediatrics-Pediatrics

Awards, Achievements, and More

Publications

Please view Dr. Jessica Saunders’ publications on PubMed.

Research

My research focuses on improving treatment and outcomes for patients with cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Projects include:
  • Indiana University School of Medicine – Indianapolis, IN, USA 2017-23
    • Manipulation of Airway pH to Prevent Pulmonary Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis Secondary to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
    • Meconium Ileus is Not Associated with Worse Outcomes in the US
    • Factors Associated with Poor Nutritional Outcomes in Cystic Fibrosis Infants with Meconium Ileus
    • FEV1 indicated exacerbation signal (FIES)
  • Telethon Kids Institute– Perth, WA, Australia 2014 – Student Intern for AAS and MAVRIC studies

Professional Organizations

  • American Medical Women’s Association 
  • American Medical Association 
  • American Academy of Pediatrics 
  • American Thoracic Society 
  • American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology

Presentations

  • Saunders, JL; Smith, L; Daniels, I; Hanson, E; Gaston, B; Davis, MD. A Safe Inhaled Alkaline Medication That Inhibits RSV Infection and Replication. Poster Presentation. ATS International Conference, San Francisco, CA, 2022

  • Saunders, JL; Carozza, M; Robinson, CM; Daniels, I; Smith, L; Hanson, E; Gaston, B; Davis, MD. Dose-Dependent Respiratory Viral Inhibition by a Safe Inhaled Alkaline Treatment, Oral Presentation and Poster. ATS International Conference, San Francisco, CA, 2022

  • Saunders, JL; Smith, LA; Daniels, IA; Edwards, T; Hanson, EP; Gaston, B; Davis, MD. A Safe Inhaled Alkaline Medication That Alters Airway pH in asthmatics and inhibits RSV respiratory infection, Oral Presentation and Poster, International Collaborative Asthma Network, San Francisco, CA, 2022

  • Saunders, JL; Machogu, E. Could it be PCD? A case of immunodeficiency masquerading as primary ciliary dyskinesia. Oral Case Presentation. Presented virtually at PCD On the Move – Virtual Meeting due to COVID-19, 2021

  • Saunders, JL; Daniels, I; Clem, C; Smith, L; Marozkina, N; Ross, KR; Zhao, Y; Gaston, B; Davis, MD. Compartmental Exhaled Nitric Oxide Measurement: A Non-Invasive Method for Mapping the pH of the Airways. Poster Presentation. Presented virtually at ATS International Conference–Virtual Meeting due to COVID-19, 2021

  • Saunders, JL; Relich, RF; Smith, L; Gaston, B; Davis, MD. A Safe Inhaled Alkaline Treatment That Inhibits Respiratory Viral Infections. Poster Presentation. Presented virtually at ATS International Conference–Virtual Meeting due to COVID-19, 2021

  • Saunders, JL; Smith, L; Carozza, M; Daniels, I; Marozkina, N; Cunningham, R; Robinson, CM; Gaston, G; Davis, MD. Cystic Fibrosis Airway Cells Are Less Susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Have Altered pH Regulatory Protein Expression. Poster Presentation. Presented virtually at ATS International Conference–Virtual Meeting due to COVID-19, 2021 and ATS Quad State Chapter Meeting–Virtual Meeting due to COVID-19, 2021

  • Saunders, JL; Slaven, JE; Ren, CL; Sanders, D.B. Meconium Ileus is not Associated with Worse Outcomes in the US. Poster Presentation. Presented virtually at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Virtual Meeting due to COVID-19, 2020

  • Saunders, JL.; Hatch, JE; Maguiness, KM.; Ren, CL. Factors Associated with Poor Nutritional Outcomes in Cystic Fibrosis Infants with Meconium Ileus. Poster Presentation. Presented at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Indianapolis, IN, 2017, the Ohio Valley Cystic Fibrosis Consortium, Columbus, OH, 2018, the 15th Annual IU Pediatric Scholars Day, Indianapolis, IN, 2018, and the Indiana Thoracic Society Conference, Indianapolis, IN, 2018

Awards

  • ATS Abstract Scholarship from the Assembly on Pediatrics, 2022
  • ATS Quad State Chapter Abstract Award, Basic Science, 2021 
  • Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Foundation Case Presentation Award Winner, 2021 
  • Grand Rounds Presenter, Pediatric Scholars Day, Riley Hospital for Children, 2021 
  • ATS Abstract Scholarship from the Assembly on Pulmonary Infections and Tuberculosis, 2021
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 1st and 2nd Year Clinical Fellow, 2020-22
  • Morris Green Physician Scientist Program Scholar, 2019-Present
  • Best Poster Presentation Indiana Thoracic Society (a chapter of ATS), 2019
  • American Thoracic Society Pediatric Resident Development Scholarship, 2018
  • North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference Resident Roundtable Scholarship, 2018 

Hospital Affiliations