Pediatric Allergy & Immunology
Med School/Year Graduated: University of Tennessee, 2001
Years in Practice: 17
You made Top Docs in both mainstream allergy and immunology and its pediatric subspecialty. Are there certain allergies that affect children more than adults?
Yes. Even though allergy is similar in all age groups, certain diagnoses are more common in children, including eczema or atopic dermatitis and food anaphylaxis – especially to milk, eggs and peanuts, which can be very scary for parents.
How common is it for a child to “grow out of” an allergy as they get older? Can a person develop an allergy in adulthood? What factors contribute to these phenomena?
Many allergic conditions in children can improve with time, including food allergy, eczema and asthma. That being said, allergies to environmental allergens such as pollen often can manifest later in an adult’s life. I find this particularly true in Arizona!
In the past, Arizona has drawn people with respiratory issues due to its dry climate and air quality. Has this changed over the years?
Arizona remains a good environment for many suffering from allergic asthma driven by mold and dust mites, which require humidity to grow. But we have an abundance of pollen blooming year-round, which causes nasal allergies and complications such as ear infections and sinus disease.
Do you or your family suffer from allergies?
My mom suffered from allergies for most of her life, and her daily struggle inspired me to make an impactful change. As an allergist, I was able to treat her symptoms safely and even desensitize her to her environmental allergies. Today, she is symptom-free and off medications!
You did much of your medical training in Tennessee! What do you miss most about The Volunteer State?
I grew up in the South, and one of the best parts of living there is the food – barbecue, sweet tea, fried okra, peach cobbler. But living in Phoenix is a treasure, and I feel extremely blessed to enjoy this city and raise my children here.
You’re a season ticketholder for multiple local sports teams. Who are your fave local athletes?
My family is all about local sports! I’m personally inspired by many of our athletes, but especially Larry Fitzgerald, Kurt Warner, Kevin Durant and Damion Lee.
What are your other hobbies and interests outside medicine?
I have a beautiful special needs child, and she inspires me daily! She is the reason we as a family have chosen to be more involved in giving back to the community. We are always looking at ways to help those in similar circumstances and those in need.
What are you streaming on TV these days?
I am a huge fan of Ted Lasso, and I have watched it several times. The show is humorous, uplifting and refreshing, and I learn something new each time I watch!
