Maria E. Diaz-Gonzalez de Ferris, MD, MPH, PhD

I wanted to be a doctor since I was 6 years of age. I wanted to help other children feel better soon. My poor siblings got tired of playing patient all the time! I have cared for children for over 25 years. I am the parent of a young adult who has a chronic condition diagnosed at 18 months of age. I learned early in my career the importance of listening to parents and their concerns, as they know their children better than anyone else. I also value the input of the parents, grandparents and siblings when I design treatment plans. I take care of my patients as I would like for my own children to be cared for. I help my patients families cope with their child's chronic condition. Outside of work, I like to bake, I am a professional cake decorator, and I like to garden and sing/dance.