I have had the opportunity to practice medicine in several countries, and this has given me a unique perspective of the different healthcare delivery systems. I discovered that in practicing academic medicine, my contribution will be more far-reaching and lasting. I think in terms of infants-and-children-of-the-world-at-large and that teaching, service, clinical practice and research go hand in hand. Having obtained a diploma in international medicine and public health prepared me for international community service with the goal of helping to decrease infant mortality rates worldwide. As a neonatologist, my expertise includes caring for extremely premature infants, infants with multiple complex congenital anomalies and genetic syndromes, and children with severe chronic lung disease who end up becoming ventilator and technology-dependent. Currently, I serve as the Medical Director of the Children’s Mercy Infant Tracheostomy and Home Ventilator Program, one of the largest medical home for ventilator-dependent infants and children in the country, that uniquely provides primary and comprehensive, family-centered, highest level of out-patient care for technology-dependent infants and children at home.

My research focuses on chronic lung disease and its long-term respiratory and developmental outcomes, specifically premature infants who developed severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and were tracheostomized for prolonged mechanical ventilation at home. I have contributed to the currently limited available body of literature by being able to publish various diagnostic tests, long-term ventilator management, as well as short and long-term respiratory and developmental outcomes unique to this patient population.