Get to Know Me
Kellianne Kleeman, MD is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Florida. She joined the Nemours Cardiac Center in September 2021 to provide exceptional cardiac care to patients throughout the state of Florida. Dr. Kleeman earned her medical degree at the University of Michigan, after she graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University. She then went on to complete her cardiothoracic surgical residency at the University of Michigan. Following this, she underwent advanced training in congenital and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan. Dr. Kleeman is passionate about outcomes research related to surgical treatment and improving access to quality treatment for patients. During her free time, Dr. Kleeman enjoys traveling with her husband and two children.
Why I Treat Children
I chose to become a surgeon because I love the technical challenge and the tangible and instantaneous feedback of fixing a physical problem. I feel like I get to be an artist, but one that works on the human body! And I think wearing a headlight is kind of cool.
The satisfaction I derive from my work stems from more than just the technical aspects of surgery. Witnessing the transformation in a child's demeanor and watching them thrive after surgery is immensely rewarding.
Kids are the future. I love helping kids feel better so they can get back out there and change the world. If there is something holding a child back and I can fix that for them, that is the best feeling in the world.
What I'm Passionate About
My goal is to enable kids to reach their full potential, experience life fully, and not be limited by treatable medical conditions. I am passionate about advocating for every child who would benefit from treatment. All children deserve access to the treatment they need!
I am excited to be working on several research projects. From new surgical techniques (like 3D modeling and virtual reality augmented surgery) to clinical protocols and patient outcomes — there are so many questions we want to answer!
How I Try to Make A Difference
I believe that every kid should have a voice in their care and decision making. Kids have a lot to say when they are asked, and their opinions should be respected. I make a point to ask and listen to what every kid has to say.
I'm passionate about making each of my patient's experience with us seamless, delivering excellent treatment and paying attention to every detail. One of my goals is to never have a patient who is "lost to follow-up."
I am working to improve access to the health care that kids need. Getting the right work-up and treatment and coordinating all of that. It is my goal to make our system more user-friendly. There is a lot of red tape in health care, and I'm trying to slash my way through it on my patients’ behalf.
