Best Children's Hospital Gilbert Near Me

4worldlovers: All professionals at Phoenix Children's Pediatrics maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. Read on to learn more about our staff's experience and training.

Pediatrician Todd Gardner, DO, was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. A father of twin daughters and a son, he is well versed in the world of children — from Paw Patrol and Cars to unicorns and Doc McStuffins.

Dr. Gardner graduated from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Iowa and completed his residency in general pediatrics at the University of Nebraska.

He valued his time and learning experiences in Iowa and Nebraska, but he is grateful to be home again at Phoenix Children’s. “There is no other place I would want to practice medicine than working with the hospital that I grew up knowing,” he says.

Dr. Gardner enjoys caring for children and adolescents. He also has a passion for treating patients with special needs and those with mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.

“There is no other profession as rewarding as working with children,” he says.

Pediatrician Robin Laks, MD, loves caring for children and watching them grow and develop.

After her undergraduate studies in biology and music, she received her medical education at the University of Iowa Medical School. She then completed her internship and residency at the Phoenix Hospitals Affiliated Pediatrics Program. Dr. Laks has been practicing general pediatrics since 1999 and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

She appreciates the ability to provide continuity of care as part of the team at Phoenix Children’s, especially when patients need specialty care. Her goal is to make every patient and family feel that they're the only thing on her mind during their time with her.

Dr. Laks used to spend her free time training for triathlons. Now she enjoys the outdoors with her three daughters and husband.

Pediatrician Ashley Navarro, MD, grew up in Chandler, Arizona. She loves kids, and she feels that as a parent she can incorporate her own experiences into her practice.

Dr. Navarro always wanted to be a pediatrician. She moved from Chandler to Tucson, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Physiology from the University of Arizona, as well as her medical degree and residency training.

Besides providing general pediatric care, Dr. Navarro has a particular interest in developmental and behavioral pediatrics and patients with complex medical conditions. She values the access to providers and specialists that Phoenix Children’s offers.

“I love making our clinic a safe and happy place for kids, even if they are scared,” she says.

In her free time, Dr. Navarro enjoys spending time with her husband, who is an emergency medicine physician, and her children. She takes joy in traveling and seeing her kids’ excitement about new experiences and places.

Ivia Hess, MD, is a pediatrician who grew up in Manhattan in New York City. She loves teaching, and she spent time as an instructor in the Doctoring Program at the University of Arizona Medical School, Phoenix Campus.

Dr. Hess graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. She then completed her internship and residency at the University of Maryland Medical System. Soon after she became certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, she moved to Arizona.

Her love of pediatrics is centered on getting to know patients and families and watching them grow. In return, her patients and families get to know all about Dr. Hess’s family — she and her husband have seven adult children and seven grandchildren.

In her free time, Dr. Hess, a self-described “foodie,” is active in her church and loves to hike and travel.

Pediatrician “Winnie” Chia-Hsiang Tung, MD, was born in Taiwan and moved to Southern California when she was 5 years old.

Dr. Tung earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of California Berkeley. She then completed her medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She came to Arizona to complete her residency program at Phoenix Children's Hospital/Maricopa Medical Center.

She has found that pediatric medicine combines her interest in science and her delight in children of every age. She values the relationships she builds with her patients and families and the opportunity for lifelong learning in pediatrics.

"It's fulfilling to watch these children grow alongside the parents," she says. "I learn from them every day."

When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Tung enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys arts and crafts and traveling.

4worldlovers: All professionals at Phoenix Children's Pediatrics maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the medical field. Read on to learn more about our staff's experience and training.

Mark Gettleman, MD, provides primary care at Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics for children of all ages from newborn through adolescence.

Ever since he was a young boy, he knew he wanted to help people. Dr. Gettleman loves every aspect of being a pediatrician. Based on his skills, interests and personality, he can’t imagine doing anything else.

After earning his medical degree at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Dr. Gettleman completed his residency at Phoenix Children’s.

Dr. Gettleman believes laughter and play help children feel comfortable about going to the doctor. As a published author on raising happy, healthy kids, Dr. Gettleman feels it’s his job to help share parenting tips and give parents a clear understanding of treatment options for their child.

When he’s not working, Dr. Gettleman enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs. He also enjoys cooking and reading non-fiction.

As a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, Sandra Sexton has worked in pediatrics her entire career, beginning as a registered nurse for 20 years. She understands that caring for children also includes caring for the family, and she loves teaching her patients and families.

In a hospital residency program, Sandra had on-the-job exposure to pediatrics working as a nurse. Fluent in Spanish, she interpreted for the residents and doctors, learning about pediatric health and wellness along the way. Becoming a certified pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP) was the next step for her journey.