A Glimpse into the World of Pediatric Endocrinology with Fabiola D'Ambrosio, MD
February 17, 2025By: Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Categories: Endocrinology, Healthy Living
Endocrinologists seem to be a hot commodity — more so recently, with the U.S. facing a notable shortage of practitioners and struggling to meet the patient demand. Specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to hormones, endocrinologists develop treatment plans and prescribe medication to combat these conditions. It can feel like solving a puzzle, requiring critical thinking and detailed knowledge of pathophysiology — which, in turn, makes the field exciting, challenging and rewarding. At least that's what drew Fabiola de los Angeles D'Ambrosio Rodriguez, MD, to the field.
Board-certified in General Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology, Dr. D'Ambrosio attended medical school in Maracaibo, Venezuela, at La Universidad del Zulia. She then completed a Pediatric Residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and a combined RUSH University/UIC Pediatric Endocrinology fellowship.
Why Endocrinology?
"There wasn't a defining moment that drew me to endocrinology,” said Dr. D'Ambrosio. “A fond memory of my pediatric endocrinology rotation during residency was the continuity of care with patients and close relationships with my attendings and our patients. I loved physiology in medical school, and endocrinology works in sync with physiology."
As a pediatric endocrinologist at TMH Physician Partners – Endocrinology, Obesity & Diabetes (EOD), Dr. D'Ambrosio treats:
- Growth disorder/short stature
- Thyroid pathology (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
- Type 1 and 2 diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Puberty disorder
- Lipid disorders
A Family-Centered Approach
Dr. D'Ambrosio shared that her patient care has evolved over the years to create a bond embedded in the trust of the information she is giving families to help their child.
"Each child is unique, and not everything works for everyone. After becoming a mother, my perspective of being a doctor and treating patients changed dramatically because I was experiencing what my families went through with their children and the same frustration in certain scenarios they experienced." Dr. D'Ambrosio credits this insight as what has helped her have an open, empathetic mindset with patients and their families – navigating their disease and treatment in a way that best fits the families when possible.
When it comes to managing chronic conditions like diabetes or growth disorders, patient education plays a significant role. It is crucial to managing chronic endocrinopathies, particularly diabetes. This often requires a specialized team of nutritionists, diabetes educators and social workers to coordinate care to achieve the same goal. Dr. D'Ambrosio says, "It takes a village to care for kids with chronic conditions, and there is always something new for them to learn that they will continue to use for the rest of their lives. I am always grateful to guide them during that process and play my role when I can be a part of that effort."
For Dr. D'Ambrosio, honesty is at the core of her interactions with patients and their families. "Honesty is an absolute requirement," she emphasizes. "I aim to be concise and truthful with my patients about their conditions. I truly believe they appreciate this approach and recognize that their health is always in my best interest." Building trust through transparency allows her to form strong relationships with families, ensuring they feel supported and well-informed about their child's condition.
A Passion for Pediatric Care
"The significant advancement in diabetes care is amazing and has been a game changer," Dr. D’Ambrosio shared. During her fellowship, she worked extensively with insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), noting tools that have dramatically improved diabetes management. Today, the EOD team prioritizes incorporating these evolving technologies early in a patient's care plan. "CGMs and insulin pumps can optimize patient care and lessen the management burden for both the patient and their family," she explains. By integrating these technologies from the initial encounter, Dr. D'Ambrosio and her colleagues strive to enhance the quality of life for their young patients.
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of her career, Dr. D'Ambrosio doesn't hesitate. "I truly enjoy working with kids. It just takes one child to surprise you by hugging you at the end of a visit to brighten your day." She is constantly inspired by her patients' resilience and ability to face medical challenges with remarkable maturity. "Kids can surprise parents and medical staff with how well they adapt to new situations. Their strength and positivity make this job incredibly fulfilling."
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the rewarding aspects of the field, Dr. D'Ambrosio acknowledges the challenges pediatric endocrinology faces today. One of the biggest concerns is the growing shortage of specialists. "We have fewer fellowship programs being filled annually, meaning fewer pediatric endocrinologists are graduating. Meanwhile, the demand for specialized care continues to rise." This shortage highlights the importance of mentorship and encouraging the next generation of physicians to enter the field.
Burnout is a common challenge in such a demanding profession, but Dr. D'Ambrosio has found ways to maintain her motivation. "Given the complexities of our medical system, physician burnout is inevitable. However, having my family, friends and colleagues' support certainly helps." She also prioritizes personal time and activities that allow her to reset and recharge. "Having hobbies and interests outside of medicine, such as handcrafts or exercise, eases my mind, relieves stress and helps me reset."
For those considering a career in pediatric endocrinology, Dr. D'Ambrosio offers this advice: "Treating children with endocrine pathology is unique. Pediatric endocrinologists manage some of the most important aspects of a child's development—growth and puberty. When treating these conditions, seeing the positive effects of the treatment in growing children is incredibly special." She sums it up with a powerful sentiment: "Give a child their health back, and you give them their life back."
Endocrinology Services Offered at TMH
TMH Physician Partners – Endocrinology, Obesity & Diabetes provides comprehensive care for patients with various endocrine disorders. The expert team specializes in diagnosing and managing conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth and puberty concerns, adrenal and pituitary disorders and metabolic health issues. With a patient-centered approach, they incorporate the latest advancements in treatment, including continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump therapy and personalized care plans to support long-term health and well-being. TMH offers specialized endocrinology services for pediatric and adult patients, ensuring individuals receive the expert care they need at every stage of life. To learn more about endocrinology services at TMH, visit TMH.ORG/Endocrinology.
