Nemours Children's Health, Lakeland1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd.Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, Suite ALakeland, FL 3380328.0593298-81.9549898Secondary
I’ve wanted to care for people since I was very young. From the end of high school through medical school, I volunteered as a paramedic. During those 10 years, I saw how patients live and their struggles to care for sick children at home. This has helped me care for my patients because I understand the many challenges that their family may face.
Why I Treat Children
I chose pediatric surgery when I realized that I could be a voice for patients who have either a small voice or no voice at all.
What I'm Passionate About
I’m passionate about pediatric surgical oncology and advocating for tumor detection in the early stages. Children’s complaints can be inarticulate and difficult to pin down, so they are sometimes labeled just a normal part of childhood. My job is to listen, recognize the issues, and speak up for them.
Make A Difference
When I joined the surgery department, I worked to establish an Orlando-based tumor board of Nemours specialists to help manage our cancer patients. As a member of the board, I represent the surgical oncology patients. Also, my laboratory is dedicated to the basic science study of neuroblastoma, which I plan to translate into clinical care.
What I Do For Fun
I enjoy doing things with my three children and husband. Whatever their activities are, I make it a point to participate. For example, we have pet lizards and turtles that we care for and observe together. In the fall, I’m usually on the soccer field cheering on my children’s teams. I’m also very involved in Boy Scouts with my oldest son.
Education & Training
Fellowship
Pediatric Surgery
- University of Mississippi Medical Center,
2013
Pediatric Surgical Oncology
- St Jude Childrens Research Hospital,
2011
Surgical Research
- Duke University Surgical Services,
2006
Internship
General Surgery - University of Florida College of Medicine, 2001
Residency
General Surgery
- Duke University Medical Center,
2010
Medical/Dental School
MD
- Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University,
2000
Doctor of Philosophy
- Duke University,
2006
Board Certifications
American Board of Surgery/Pediatric Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Awards & Recognition
2010
Appleseed Medical Student Teaching Award, Duke University Medical Center
2010
Robert W. Anderson Outstanding General Surgery Chief Resident of the Year, Duke University Medical Center
2003
Moseley Surgical Research Award
2002
Association of Academic Surgery Research Award
2000
Surgical Intern of the Year
Insurance Accepted
Accountable Health Plans PPO
Aetna Better Health FL Medicaid and Healthy Kids
Aetna HMO/POS/PPO/EPO
AmeriHealth Caritas Florida (FKA Prestige Health Choice)
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida Blue Select
Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Non HMO
Cigna & Great West HMO/POS Open Access
Cigna & Great West PPO/EPO
Community Care Plan Medicaid
Corporate Medical Network Global International PPO FL
Employers Health Network PPO
Evolutions Healthcare
First Health Aetna PPO/EPO
Florida Medicaid
Florida Medicare
HUMANA HEALTHY HORIZONS (FKA HUMANA MEDICAID)
Health First Health Plans
Humana HMO/POS
Humana PPO/EPO
Molina Healthcare Medicaid
Multiplan PPO
Olympus Managed Healthcare PPO ORL
Prime Health Services PPO Specialty Florida
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Simply Healthcare Healthy Kids
Simply Healthcare Medicaid HMO
Star Healthcare Network
Sunshine SMI/CMS 19 & 21
Sunshine State Health Plan Medicaid
Three Rivers Provider Network
Tricare/Humana Military Health Services
United Healthcare Commercial Products
United Healthcare Community Plan Medicaid HMO
Vivida Health Medicaid FL
Volusia Health Network PPO/EPO
Abdominal Masses
Anti-Reflux Surgery
Breast Disorders
Burn Care
Chest Wall Disorders
Gall Bladder Disease
Hernias and Hydroceles
Wound Care
Research Activities
Pediatric oncology
Neuroblastoma
Medical Interests
Neonatal conditions
Pediatric oncology
Thoracic disease
English
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