The 20 Best VACTERL Association Doctors Near Me in Florida, US

Dr. Russell “Rusty” Jennings, a pioneer of pediatric surgical procedures for malformed esophageal and tracheal conditions, is a surgeon in the Esophageal and Airway Treatment (EAT) Program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, which he joined in 2022. A pediatric surgeon for more than 40 years, Dr. Jennings founded and directed the world’s first Esophageal and Airway Treatment (EAT) Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. There he led a multidisciplinary team that worked on solving unsolved problems, and developed innovative techniques for evaluation, diagnosis and successful treatment of: complex esophageal strictures esophageal atresia “long gap” esophageal atresia esophageal replacement tracheo-esophageal fistulas recurrent tracheo-esophageal fistulas laryngo-tracheo-esophageal clefts tracheomalacia bronchomalacia tracheal reconstruction aberrant subclavian artery vascular compression syndromes vascular rings pectus excavatum chest wall deformities asphyxiating thoracic dystrophies recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during thoracic surgery Dr. Jennings has many publications on these topics including the largest series of successful treatment of complex recurrent tracheoesophageal fistulas in the literature with excellent outcomes, techniques to grow patients’ tissues to allow repair and connection of the esophagus in cases of esophageal atresia and esophageal injury, esophageal replacement with jejunum, and treatment of tracheomalacia. He has frequently taught and presented on these and numerous other related topics regionally, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Jennings’ prior work includes establishing the first fetal surgery center in New England; Dr. Jennings developed the first successful fetal cardiac surgery program in the world treating HLHS before birth. Dr. Jennings earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. His general surgery residency was done at the University of California, San Francisco. He was a postdoctoral research fellow for three years in the Fetal Treatment Center and Fetal Treatment Laboratory while completing the residency. He completed a pediatric surgery fellowship at Boston Children’s/Harvard Medical School. Dr. Jennings is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Esophageal Atresia, Tracheoesophageal Fistula, Gastrointestinal Fistula, Double Aortic Arch, and Endoscopy. Dr. Jennings is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.

Dr. Smithers is an associate professor of surgery and director of the Esophageal and Airway Treatment (EAT) Program in the Department of Surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital since 2019. He was honored for Innovations in Clinical Care at the Johns Hopkins Medicine Clinical Awards for 2020. As a leader in both innovation and expertise for pediatric thoracic surgery, he and his team see patients from all over the United States and internationally. The team also makes several invited trips per year around the country and world for lectures and conferences, in addition to helping patients and teaching other surgical teams regarding complex esophageal and airway surgical techniques in the operating room. Dr. Smithers previously served as assistant professor of surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital from 2009-2019, as part of their groundbreaking EAT program. His clinical specialties are congenital and acquired conditions of the esophagus and airway, vascular rings, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), surgical critical care, and minimally invasive surgery. He earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College and completed his residency in general surgery at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. He served as fellow in pediatric surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital after completing a research fellowship and a surgical critical care fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. He also completed a global surgery clinical fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Videos Meet Jason Smithers, M.D. What is esophageal stricture and how is it treated? What is tracheomalacia and how is it treated? What is recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (rTEF) and how is it treated? What is long gap esophageal atresia and how is it treated?. Dr. Smithers is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. He is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Esophageal Atresia, Tracheoesophageal Fistula, Diaphragmatic Hernia, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Smithers is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.

Gifty Bhat is a Medical Genetics provider practicing medicine in Orlando, Florida. She has been practicing medicine for over 3 years. Dr. Bhat is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. She is also highly rated in 134 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Microcephaly, HNRNPH2-Related Disorder, Chromosome 6q Duplication, and Chromosome 8p Deletion. Dr. Bhat is board certified in American Board Of Medical Genetics And Genomics.

Avantica Gondi is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Lakeland, Florida. Dr. Gondi is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. She is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, Polydactyly Myopia Syndrome, Trichorhinophalangeal Syndrome Type 1 (TRPS1), and Ophthalmo-Acromelic Syndrome.

Dr. Joseph Khoury graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine and completed his orthopedic surgery residency there as well. He then completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He worked with Shriners Hospitals in Erie, PA and Tampa, and worked at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, where he was an associate professor of surgery and residency program director for the orthopedic surgery residency program at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He is now a professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Central Florida. Kids are fun to be around and are generally motivated to get better so they can get back to what matters most in their lives — play. They are generally straightforward compared to adults and heal quickly. I am passionate about helping kids and parents feel at ease. I strive to listen and communicate well so I can figure out what is really concerning the patient and family the most so I can address those concerns directly. I try to stay on time, make sure I’m well prepared and address all concerns. Dr. Khoury is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Claw Foot, Knock Knees, Contracture Deformity, Scoliosis, and Osteotomy. Dr. Khoury is board certified in American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Kathleen Pope is a Medical Genetics provider practicing medicine in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Pope is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. She is also highly rated in 96 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Marshall Syndrome, KBG Syndrome, Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome, and CHARGE Syndrome. Dr. Pope is board certified in American Board Of Medical Genetics And Genomics.

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. 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. 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. 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. Dr. Westmoreland is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. She is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Pilonidal Sinus Disease, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Infantile Pyloric Stenosis, Gastrostomy, and Tissue Biopsy. Dr. Westmoreland is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.

Anwar Abdul is a Pediatric Surgeon practicing medicine in Lakeland, Florida. He has been practicing medicine for over 16 years. Dr. Abdul is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. He is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Infantile Pyloric Stenosis, Omphalomesenteric Cyst, and Meckel's Diverticulum. Dr. Abdul is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.

I grew up here in Central Florida. After high school I went to University of Florida, then decided to brave the cold weather in Milwaukee for medical school. I joined the U.S. Navy and did my pediatric internship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.I loved pediatrics and caring for children. After my internship, my country needed me to serve the troops as a Naval flight surgeon. While it took me away from my first love of pediatrics, it offered me so many unique experiences flying in airplanes and helicopters and caring for our Marine and Naval air crew. I got to travel the world from Japan to Korea and even to Iraq.After exiting the Navy, I completed my residency at Duke University in pediatrics. As a U.S. Marine Corps spouse, I practiced in multiple U.S. cities as well as Japan (again). I love that I am back into pediatrics and Central Florida doing my life calling. I love general pediatrics because there is such a variety of visits from treating sick children to helping kids meet their milestones to just watching kids grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults. Pediatrics allows us to really make a difference through prevention and guidance. Overall, I am passionate about giving your child the brightest future while keeping them feeling healthy and well. I am very experienced in mental health and manage a lot of ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Seeing the progression of development in a young baby to a toddler and teen is heartwarming for me. Outside of work I enjoy traveling, reading, doing puzzles, and Peloton. I have even visited the Peloton studio. I love vacationing and hanging out with my two children who are entering the teen years (scary but rewarding). I try to give parents tools and education to make their children as healthy and happy as possible. As a mom of two, I relate to the trials and tribulations of parenting. Dr. Kushnir is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. She is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Common Cold, Food Allergy, Obesity in Children, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Kushnir is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics.

Sean Skinner is a Pediatric Surgeon practicing medicine in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Skinner is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Duodenal Atresia, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Atresia of Small Intestine, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy. Dr. Skinner is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.

Nicholas Poulos is a Pediatric Surgeon practicing medicine in Orlando, Florida. He has been practicing medicine for over 18 years. Dr. Poulos is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. He is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Necrotizing Granuloma, Gastroschisis, and Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis. Dr. Poulos is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.

Sang-woo Pak is a Pediatric Surgeon practicing medicine in Jacksonville, Florida. He has been practicing medicine for over 8 years. Dr. Pak is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. He is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Infantile Pyloric Stenosis, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Pectus Carinatum, and Total Intestinal Aganglionosis. Dr. Pak is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.

I am honored and humbled to be trusted with the care of your children. It can be overwhelming when our children go through illness or struggles. I want my families to know I am here for them and they can reach out to me at any time. We are in this together. Children are easygoing, innocent and spontaneous. Their joy in small things is contagious. It is beautiful to hold a newborn and experience the wonder of a new life. Watching the unconditional love of a parent or grandparent and sharing in the joy they feel when their child achieves different milestones gives me immense happiness. Helping the vulnerable is especially important to me, as is preventing stress and stress-related diseases. I want to help children and families gain confidence in managing their health. I enjoy connecting parents to resources and teaching them how to use natural remedies whenever possible. It is immensely rewarding whenever I am able to guide a family through their challenges. I come from a small town in India and feel grateful my parents instilled kindness and compassion in me from a young age. I listen carefully to my patients and families and try to understand everything that affects them. Teaming up with parents means we can work together to guide children to be healthy, happy and confident adults. I am very focused on helping children be the healthiest they can be in every way — physically, socially, emotionally — and supporting them to achieve their highest potential in a natural, stress-free way. Dr. Desiraju is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. She is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Food Allergy, Pinworms, Obesity in Children, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Desiraju is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics.

Raja Talati is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Fort Pierce, Florida. Dr. Talati is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. His clinical expertise encompasses Myelitis, Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, Nail-Patella Syndrome, and Adams-Oliver Syndrome.

Jane Benson is a primary care provider, practicing in Pediatrics in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Benson is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. She is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Scalded Skin Syndrome, Retropharyngeal Abscess, Diffuse Panbronchiolitis, and Cerebral Hypoxia.

Byron Dean is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Lakeland, Florida. Dr. Dean is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Dementia, Muscle Atrophy, and Hypertension.

Francis Jeshira is a Pediatrics provider practicing medicine in Hollywood, Florida. Dr. Jeshira is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Biotinidase Deficiency, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Lyase Deficiency, and Argininosuccinic Aciduria.

Samuel Walters is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Walters is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. His clinical expertise encompasses Scoliosis, Lafora Disease, Unverricht-Lundborg Syndrome, Spinal Fusion, and Osteotomy. Dr. Walters is board certified in American Osteopathic Board Of Family Physicians. Dr. Walters is currently accepting new patients.

Sherryl Ashberg is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Jupiter, Florida. Dr. Ashberg is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. She is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Gardner-Diamond Syndrome, Purpura, Autoerythrocyte Sensitivity, and Blood Clots.

Mervin Wallace is a primary care provider, practicing in Geriatrics in Tallahassee, Florida. Dr. Wallace is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of VACTERL Association. He is also highly rated in 42 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Sitosterolemia, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Vitamin D Deficiency, and Familial Hypertension.