Carmen Ballestas, MD

Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
Accepting New Patients
Locations

JDCH Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

1150 N 35th Avenue
Suite 100
Hollywood, FL 33021

954-265-2234

954-985-2288

Get Directions

JDCH Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

1971 SW 172nd Avenue
2nd Floor
Miramar, FL 33029-5592

954-265-2234

954-893-6300

Get Directions

About Me

I am a hematologist/oncologist at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. I treat children with a variety of conditions including leukemia, solid tumors, sarcomas, benign hematologic disorders, benign tumors and coagulation defects.
 
I learned very early on in my medical training that I wanted to work caring for children. I am inspired by the way children face complex health conditions with grace, optimism and fierce resilience.
 
In addition to patient care, I also led Joe DiMaggio’s efforts to obtain accreditation as a Pediatric Cancer Program recognized by the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons that recognizes cancer programs for their commitment to provide comprehensive, high-quality and multidisciplinary patient-centered care. I continue to serve as chairwoman in this position as we continue to expand and improve our services for patients. 

Education

Residency

Texas Tech University Health Science Center, 2006, Pediatrics

Fellowships

University Of Alabama Medical Center, 2009, Pediatric Oncology and Hematology

Certifications

Awards, Achievements, and More

Publications

  • “Identification of Leukemia Stem cells associated with AML1-ETO through characterization of oncogene-induced changes in cell surface profiles in hematopoitic stem cells,” abstract, ASH meeting, 2008

Research

At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, I am involved in the Children’s Oncology Group and we are able to give our patients the option to participate in clinical trials. This offers them a wider range of treatment options that may not yet be available elsewhere, all while receiving treatment close to their home.
 
I am also interested in researching treatment options and therapies for various types of leukemia, sarcomas and hematologic disorders.

Professional Organizations

  • American Association for Cancer Research
  • American Society of Hematology

Awards

  • Outstanding First-year Pediatric Resident, TTUHSC, 2003-2004
  • Chief Resident Pediatrics, TTUHSC, 2005-2006
  • Chairman Award, TTUHSC, 2006
  • Magic Moment Fellow, 2006-2007