Our interdisciplinary team includes board-certified pediatric pulmonologists, dietitians, social workers, nurse practitioners, a genetic counselor, pharmacists, nurses, a research nurse and respiratory therapists, all of whom are devoted to providing family-centered care.
Physicians
Kelan Tantisira, M.D., M.P.H., Division Chief, Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Kathryn Akong, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Cystic Fibrosis Center; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Rakesh Bhattacharjee, M.D., Sleep Director, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Matejka Cernelc-Kohan, M.D., Medical Director, Respiratory Therapy, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Thu A. Duong, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Gabriel G. Haddad, M.D., Physician-in-Chief & Chief Scientific Officer, Rady Children’s; Distinguished Professor, Pediatrics & Neuroscience; Chairman of Pediatrics & Vice Dean, Children’s Academic Programs, UC San Diego
Manju Hurvitz M.D., FAAP, Associate Director, Pediatric Pulmonary Training Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Jeremy Landeo-Gutierrez, M.D.,M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Patricia Lenhart-Pendergrass, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Physician, UC San Diego
Daniel Lesser, M.D., Clinical Director and Fellowship Director; Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Aparna Rao, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Julie Ryu, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, UC San Diego
Nurse Practitioners
Samantha Shafer, CPNP-PC
Samantha Shafer is a double-certified pediatric and family nurse practitioner passionate about providing family-centered care. She began her career at the University of Washington, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing. Since then, Samantha has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including pediatric cardiology, public health, and primary care. It is through these experiences that she gained invaluable knowledge and learned the importance of advocating for both patients and their families. In 2021, she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of San Diego, where she acquired a comprehensive foundation of expertise and practical experience that has proven invaluable in her career. In 2023, Samantha joined the Rady Children’s Pulmonary Team, where she treats general respiratory disorders with an emphasis on asthma and obstructive sleep apnea. She loves seeing her patients thrive and takes great pride in being part of their journey to better health. Outside of work, she enjoys playing beach volleyball, cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her husband and their puppy, Maverick.
Fellows
Sophia Karandashova, M.D., Ph.D.
Amanda Khoury, M.D.
Danielle Munce, M.D.