I am a pediatric endocrinologist at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. I treat patients with thyroid diseases, growth problems, early onset and delayed puberty, diabetes, obesity, adrenal problems, and transgender patients.

Our group of specialists is composed of exceptional doctors. We not only have the expertise and training to provide specialized care, but we are also deeply passionate about what we do. We put our heart and soul into taking care of these children.

When treating endocrine conditions, it is important to consider the whole health and well-being of patients – not just their blood sugar, a particular hormone, symptom or condition. We must focus on the whole person and consider what is happening in the body from stem to stern. It's a multifaceted specialty.

I know that some of the conditions my patients are dealing with can be hard to live with, and I do everything I can to help them and their families through their diagnosis and treatment. This includes offering support and guidance and taking into account what they are dealing with physically and emotionally.

One of my specialties is working with transgender children and teens. These patients face a unique set of challenges, and often feel lost and marginalized. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to provide answers, support and guidance as they navigate through their medical journey. I am also involved in our local transgender community, providing education and support and participating in the South Florida Transgender Medical Conference.

Related Medical Services

• Pediatric Endocrinology

Hospital Affiliations

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

Gender

• Female

Education

University Of Southern California, 1988

Internships

Children's Hospital Of Los Angeles, 1989, Pediatrics

Residency

Children's Hospital Of Los Angeles, 1991, Pediatrics

Fellowships

Children's Hospital Of Los Angeles, 1994, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Certifications

Research

I am involved in clinical research exploring type II diabetes and precocious (early onset) puberty. Other recent studies include:

• Sub-investigator: An Open-label, single arm, multicenter study on efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics of Leuprolide Acetate 45mg for Injectable suspension controlled release in subjects with Central (Gonadotropin_Dependent) Precocious Puberty. 2016-Present
• Principal investigator: The VELOCITY Study: Versartis Long-Acting growth hormone in children compared to daily rhGH. 2015-16
• A multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmokinetics of Saxagliptin as monotherapy in pediatric patient with Type 2 diabetes. Principal investigator. (Closed)
• Natural history study of the development of Type 1 Diabetes (TrailNet). Ongoing.
• Genetech NCGS registry, 2003-06
• Increlex IGFD registry 2007-14
• Saizen The GH Monitor 2004-08
• Humatrope: GeNeSIS registry 2008-closed enrollment
• Norditropin: The Answer Program Registry 2006
• Pfizer clinical trial A6281280. 2007-12

Professional Organizations

• American Medical Association
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Lawson Wilkins Society
• Endocrine Society
• American Diabetes Association
• Board of Directors, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2003-2004
• Volunteer, Ronald McDonald House

Presentations

• 5th Annual Transgender Medical Conference Update: Care of Transgender Child and Teen. Presented with Dr. Sarah Hart-Unger. 2015
• Memorial Hospital West Symposium: Transgender Medical Care in Child and Adolescent. Presented with Dr. Sarah Hart-Unger. 2014
• 4th Annual Transgender Medical Conference. Fort Lauderdale. 2014
• Canine Obesity Forum, Orlando, FL, and Tucson, AZ. 2009 & 2010
• Children Born Small for Gestational Age: Arnold Palmer Hospital Residents Lecture. 2003
• University of Miami; Turner Syndrome. 2003
• Florida State University, Insulin Dependent Diabetes and DKA. 2003
• Florida State University Hypothyroidism presented as other medicine disorder. 2003
• Eli Lilly – Turner Syndrome. 2002
• American Diabetes Association Town Hall Meeting. Obesity in childhood and adolescents. 2002

Awards

• Ishiyaku EuroAmerica Book Award, 1988
• Moreland Medical Scholarship, 1985-1986
• Femino Medical Scholarship, 1985-1986
• Hillel Medical Scholarship, 1984
• Graduated Cum Laude, 1984
• Dean’s Honor Roll, 190-1984
• Progressive Business Women’s Scholarship, 1982