Our Physicians TAB
Comprehensive Airway Respiratory and Esophageal Team
Medical Director:
Lee P. Smith, MD
Associate Directors:
Melanie Greifer, MD
Maria Santiago, MD
Program Director:
Lisa DeMarco, PNP
Our team of specialists consists of:
Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT)
Our pediatric otolaryngologists and airway nurse practioner provide expertise in airway, voice, nasal and sinus disorders. Diagnostic evaluations and medical therapy are initiated in our state of the art hearing and speech center. We provide expertise in caring for children with tracheostomy tubes and offer an array of surgical options for children with airway problems including airway reconstruction for children with complex airway stenosis. Compassionate care is combined with sophisticated technology.
Pediatric Pulmonology
Our pediatric pulmonologists provide expertise in all aspects of pediatric pulmonary disease including ventilator and tracheotomized patients, obstructive and central apnea, congenital lung diseases, pulmonary involvement in congenital heart disease, interstitial lung disease, asthma and cystic fibrosis. Comprehensive clinical pulmonary evaluations and access to various child-oriented diagnositic modalities including full pulmonary function testing and challenge tests, sleep studies, flexible bronchoscopy, radiologic tests are available to the patients. The team approach allows us to provide not only a comprensive evaluation but also a coordinated plan of care specifically geared towards children with complex pulmonary and upper digestive problems.
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Our pediatric gastroenterologist utilizes clinical evaluation as well as the latest diagnostic techniques to evaluate and treat upper digestive disorders in this complex population. Signs and symptoms of cough, asthma, hoarseness, and findings such as nodules, redness and swelling of the vocal cords are found in many of our patients and an increasing number are being diagnosed with acid reflux. Medications are often started before a diagnostic evaluation is complete. Using both upper endoscopy and pH-impedance studies, we are better able to provide a rational treatment algorithm for our patients, evaluating and treating acid reflux and other esophageal disorders, such as eosinophilic esophagitis.
Pediatric Neurology
For some children, the root cause of their airway and upper digestive problems are neurodevelopmental and neuromuscular disorders. One of the problems encountered is excessive drooling and difficulty coping with excessive salivary secretions. As a member of the team, the neurologist is able to inject Botox into the salivary glands and significantly reduce the excessive salivation and decrease the constant wetness and respiratory problems caused by excessive salivation.
Speech Language Pathology
Complex coordination is needed for functional phonation (voicing) and safe swallowing. Individuals with a compromised airway often have difficulty with one or both of these activities. Speech Language Pathologists perform instrumental evaluations to comprehensively assess swallow function and voice production. Evaluation findings are then used to establish a plan of care. As a member of the multi-disciplinary team, we assist in providing a holistic approach to patient care.
Pediatric Critical Care
Patients with complex airway problems are often treated in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), either at the time of diagnosis or during the course of treatment. The PICU provides a safe, monitored environment to foster recovery from acute illnesses as well as post-operative care. Comprehensive care is provided by multiple specialists and led by the pediatric intensivist.
-
Otolaryngology
-
Gastroenterology
-
Neurology
-
Pulmonary Medicine
