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Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

Meet Our Pediatric General Surgery Team

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    Johns Hopkins All Children's Pediatric General Surgery 601 5th Street South
    Suite 306
    St. Petersburg, FL 33701     Location Details Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care, Tampa 12220 Bruce B Downs Blvd.
    Tampa, FL 33612     Location Details Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care, Sarasota 5881 Rand Blvd.
    Sarasota, FL 34238     Location Details Additional Locations: Brandon East Lake Lakeland Pasco

Nicole Chandler, MD

Nicole Chandler, MD

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Chandler is chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery and the director of pediatric surgery research at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. She joined the medical staff in 2008, became interim chief in 2020 and was named full-time chief in 2021. She also is an associate professor of Surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Chandler’s clinical and research areas of interest are minimally invasive surgery including pectus excavatum, and pediatric cancer surgery. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Chandler was named Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital physician of the year in the 2017 Johns Hopkins Medicine Clinical Excellence Awards.
View Nicole Chandler’s Bio
Henry Chang, MD

Henry Chang, MD

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr.  Chang is a pediatric surgeon at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. His clinical focus includes minimally invasive surgery and colorectal conditions. He is also an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is a key member of the pediatric surgery service at Tampa General and Brandon Regional hospitals. 
View Henry Chang’s Bio
Paul Danielson, MD

Paul Danielson, MD

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Danielson became chair of the Johns Hopkins All Children's Department of Surgery in 2020 after serving in that role on an interim basis beginning in December 2018. He specializes in general surgery and was an early adopter of minimally invasive surgical techniques, developing expertise in treating chest wall deformities. He founded the first fellowship sponsored by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in pediatric surgery and was also instrumental in bringing the National Quality Improvement in Surgery Program to the institution. Dr. Danielson was named Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital physician of the year in the 2015 Johns Hopkins Medicine Clinical Excellence Awards and in 2017 was named director of innovative training and education. He is a retired U.S. Army officer.
View Paul Danielson’s Bio
Raquel Gonzalez, MD

Raquel Gonzalez, MD

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Gonzalez is a pediatric and surgical critical care surgeon at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. She joined the hospital staff in 2017. Dr. Gonzalez is the Program Director for the Surgical Critical Care fellowship. She was previously the surgical critical care fellowship program director at the Detroit Medical Center and also served as a member of the American Pediatric Surgical Association Surgical Critical Care Committee. She is fluent in Spanish.
View Raquel Gonzalez’s Bio
David Kays, MD

David Kays, MD

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Kays is the medical director of the Center for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and leads the first unit in the country dedicated exclusively to these patients. He also serves as director of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program and co-director of the Fetal Diagnosis/Treatment program. He joined the medical staff in 2016.
View David Kays’s Bio
Drew Rideout, MD PhD

Drew Rideout, MD PhD

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Drew Rideout is surgical director of the intestinal rehabilitation program in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Institute. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery in newborns, children and adolescents. He joined the pediatric surgery program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in 2013. Dr. Rideout also travels to Latin America and Africa to support surgical programs. He leads the pediatric surgery service at Tampa General Hospital.
View Drew Rideout’s Bio
Hester Shieh, MD

Hester Shieh, MD

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Shieh is a pediatric surgeon in the Department of Surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. She joined the medical staff in 2021 and sees patients on our main campus in St. Petersburg, Florida, and also at Tampa General Hospital and Brandon Regional Hospital. Her clinical focus includes esophageal and airway treatment (EAT). Dr. Shieh earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Phoenix. She completed her general surgery residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, during which she did a pediatric surgery research fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. She then completed her pediatric surgery fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital.
View Hester Shieh’s Bio
Jason Smithers, MD

Jason Smithers, MD

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Smithers is a pediatric surgeon who specializes in esophageal and airway treatment (EAT) in the Department of Surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He joined the medical staff in 2019 and leads the EAT program. He sees patients on the Johns Hopkins All Children’s main campus and at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. Dr. Smithers previously served as a surgeon at Boston Children’s Hospital from 2009-2019, as part of their EAT program. His clinical specialties are minimally invasive surgery, surgical critical care, esophageal atresia, airway malformations and congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
View Jason Smithers’s Bio
Christopher Snyder, MD MSPH

Christopher Snyder, MD MSPH

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Snyder is a pediatric surgeon at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and the medical director of the pediatric trauma program at the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He joined the medical staff in 2018.
View Christopher Snyder’s Bio
Keith Thatch, MD

Keith Thatch, MD

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Thatch specializes in pediatric surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and is certified in in surgery, pediatric surgery and surgical critical care. He joined the hospital staff in 2018. He leads the American College of Surgeons' Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Program at Tampa General Hospital.
View Keith Thatch’s Bio

Lindsey Armstrong, M.D.

Lindsey Armstrong, M.D.

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Armstrong is a pediatric surgery fellow at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Gabriel Ramos Gonzalez, M.D.

Gabriel Ramos Gonzalez, M.D.

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Ramos Gonzalez is a surgical critical care fellow at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.

Ali El Mokdad, M.D., M.S.

Ali El Mokdad, M.D., M.S.

Surgery - Pediatric
Dr. Mokdad is a pediatric surgery fellow at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He earned his medical degree at American University of Beirut in Lebanon, and a master of science degree in epidemiology at the University of Washington in Seattle. He also completed at global health postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington. Dr. Mokdad did his general surgery residency at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, where he also did a clinical outcomes and health services research fellowship. He did a surgery critical care fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Dr. Mokdad is completing a Ph.D. in biostatistics at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Gwendalyn Barron, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC

Gwendalyn Barron, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC

Gwendalyn Barron is an advanced practice registered nurse in pediatric general surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s. She came to the hospital in 2020 as an advanced practice provider fellow and completed her fellowship in July 2021. A nurse since 2008, her main experience includes pediatric emergency nursing and pediatric trauma. Before joining Johns Hopkins All Children’s, she was a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Pensacola Christian College, and her Master of Science in nursing from the University of Texas, El Paso. She is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and the Pediatric Trauma Society.

Vivian Buchanan, PA-C

Vivian Buchanan, PA-C

Vivian Buchanan is a physician assistant in pediatric surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. She joined the hospital staff in 2017. Before joining Johns Hopkins All Children’s, she was a physician assistant in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Science in chemistry from the University of South Florida followed by a Masters of Clinical Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies from Barry University in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Amanda Connor, PA-C

Amanda Connor, PA-C

Amanda has worked at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in Pediatric Trauma/Surgery since April 2012. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of Florida in 2009. She received her Master's Degree in the Medical Sciences and Physician Assistant Studies from Barry University in 2011. Amanda has been involved in several medical research studies at the University of Florida, including hypertension research through the Pharmcodynamics department and reproductive studies research in the Zoology Department. She is nationally board certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Florida Association of Physician Assistants.

Kelsey Grant, APRN

Kelsey Grant, APRN

Kelsey Grant, A.P.R.N., joined the Pediatric Surgery department at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in November 2015. She has been with Johns Hopkins All Children’s for nine years caring for complex congenital heart patients as well as patients with normal cardiac anatomy requiring ECMO for various reasons. Kelsey graduated from University of South Florida with a Master of Science and also earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Petersburg College. Kelsey is the Heart Center Preceptor Committee Chair at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and also a Preceptor Advisory Group member.

Paul J. Kainec, PA-C, EMT-P

Paul J. Kainec, PA-C, EMT-P

Paul has worked as a board-certified Physician Assistant at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital since 2006 with the combined Pediatric Surgery/Trauma service. He graduated with honors from Tri-C’s surgical physician assistant program in 2006. He received his B.S. in biology from the University of South Florida in 2000. In addition, he received an A.S. in emergency medical services from St. Petersburg College in 1995. Prior to his career as a physician assistant, Paul spent 10 years working as a field paramedic and emergency medical dispatcher for Sunstar Emergency Medical Services here in Pinellas County. During that tenure, he also trained both new EMT’s and paramedics to Sunstar as well as perspective students from St. Petersburg College. Paul is currently a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, American Academy of Surgical Physician Assistants, and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants.

Mary Beth Layfield, PA-C

Mary Beth Layfield, PA-C

Mary Beth is a physician assistant in general surgery at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. She joined the hospital staff in January 2008. Mary Beth manages new admissions, evaluations and post-operative pediatric patients. She also manages trauma patients, including first response to trauma alerts, and assists in the operating room. Mary Beth earned a Master of Science/Physician Assistant Studies from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia.

Sara M. Lefkowitz, APRN

Sara M. Lefkowitz, APRN

Sara began her career in healthcare as a paramedic, receiving an associate degree in EMS from St. Petersburg College in 2000. She received her ADN from St. Petersburg College in 2003. She began her tenure at Johns Hopkins All Children's as a nurse in the Cardiovascular ICU in 2004. She expanded her role as a specialty nurse with the Critical Care Transport Team in 2006. After completing her master's degree from the University of South Florida in 2007, Sara began working with the Pediatric Trauma/Surgery Service as an advanced practice nurse. She is double boarded as a pediatric nurse practitioner by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and as a family nurse practitioner by American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Sara continues her work with the Transport Team and remains active with the local emergency medical services.

Joy Perkins, RRT, RN

Joy Perkins, RRT, RN

Coordinator, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Program
Joy Perkins started her career in healthcare as a respiratory therapist in 1999 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. In 2001, she moved to Gainesville and began working as a neonatal/pediatric respiratory therapist at UF Health and quickly became involved with the ECMO program. In 2003, she began transporting patients with ShandsCair. During her time on the transport team, Joy returned to school and earned her Associate of Science in Nursing from Santa Fe College in 2011. During her time at UF Health, Joy developed a passion for the care of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In 2012, she became the coordinator for the congenital diaphragmatic hernia program at UF Health. Joy joined Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital as the coordinator of the congenital diaphragmatic hernia program in January 2016. In this role, she serves as healthcare liaison for families of children with CDH, provides education to staff regarding the care of CDH patients and coordinates care for CDH patients from initial consultation through post discharge follow-up.

Kristine Rogers, APRN, M.S.N., B.C., CWON

Kristine Rogers, APRN, M.S.N., B.C., CWON

Kristine is a wound service nurse practitioner at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. She joined the hospital staff in February 2016. Kristine treats pediatric patients with wounds, burns, ostomy issues in both outpatient and inpatient settings, and works with the general surgery and plastic surgery teams. Kristine earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, followed by her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.

Michelle Walker, APRN, MSN, CPNP-PC/AC

Michelle Walker, APRN, MSN, CPNP-PC/AC

Michelle Walker is a nurse practitioner in pediatric general surgery/trauma at Johns Hopkins All Children’s, and joined the hospital staff in 2015. She previously worked in the hospital’s Emergency Center and then in Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, where she worked with patients in the Vascular Anomalies Clinic. Before joining Johns Hopkins All Children’s, she was a nurse with Advent Health for Children. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing, with a minor in health sciences, from the University of Central Florida, and her master’s degree in nursing (pediatric nurse practitioner, primary care) from the University of South Florida. She also earned an acute care pediatric nurse practitioner certificate from the University of Tennessee.

Tiffany S. Wroe, APRN

Tiffany S. Wroe, APRN

Tiffany has worked at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in Pediatric Trauma/Surgery since May 2012. She graduated with her bachelor's degree from University of Southern Indiana in 2000. She received her master's degree in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at the University of South Florida in 2011. Her previous nursing experience includes pediatric intensive care, pediatric cardiac intensive care, as well as general medical surgical pediatrics where she served as a charge nurse. She has received her certifications as certified pediatric nurse as well as certified pediatric critical care nurse through The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. She worked at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa for 12 years prior to coming on board to the Johns Hopkins All Children's Trauma/Surgery team. She is nationally board certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner by The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, and is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.

Alissa Zaharis, MS, CPNP-BC

Alissa Zaharis, MS, CPNP-BC

Alissa Zaharis joined the pediatric surgery nursing program at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in 2016. She has more than a decade of pediatric nursing experience. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of South Florida and a Masters of Science in nursing from University of South Florida. Alissa is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.