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Photo of Zoila Isabel Fernandez

meet our team

Zoila Isabel Fernandez, MD, PhD

Board-Certified Pediatrician

Languages spoken:

English & Spanish

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Q&A with Dr. Fernandez

What is your favorite animated movie or cartoon?

Pocahontas, Inside Out, The Emperor’s New Groove, and Moana.

What is your favorite children's book and why?

The Little Prince is my favorite children’s book because of its beautiful illustrations and the way it weaves deep life lessons into a simple yet imaginative story.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

I loved playing with my Barbie dolls and my Easy-Bake Oven.

Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

David Attenborough inspires me for his excitement and wonder at nature and the way he followed his passion to build a career around sharing it with the world.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I enjoy dancing, hiking, kayaking, and spending time in nature. Being outdoors and near wildlife brings me joy and balance.

What inspired you to work in pediatrics?

I was drawn to pediatrics because of the opportunity to make a long-term impact on children’s lives, not only by promoting health but also by supporting growth, development, and confidence. Working with children allows me to influence many aspects of their futures while having fun, sharing laughter, and even getting great video game recommendations along the way.

What unique qualities, skills, or services set you apart, and how do you build a positive rapport with patients and their families?

I bring both a strong scientific foundation through my MD/PhD background and a compassionate, approachable style as a pediatrician. I connect with children and families by meeting them at their level—listening carefully, respecting their perspectives, and using humor and creativity to make medical visits less intimidating. I strive to build trust by being both thorough and empathetic, ensuring families feel supported and understood.

Asthma and Allergy Management
Pediatric Mental Health and Anxiety
What patients say about Dr. Fernandez’s office

I like Rodriguez Doctor. She is excellent.

I like Rodriguez Doctor. She is excellent

Emperatriz M.

Everything very good, thank you.

(Translated by Google) Everything very good, thank you. (Original) Todo muy bueno gracias

Maria Carmen Garcés G.

Thank you so much for your attention, you are very kind.

(Translated by Google) Thank you so much for your attention, you are very kind. I really appreciate it, you are very courteous. Have a good night. (Original) Muchas gracias por su atención, mucha amabilidad Les agradezco mucho son muy cordiales, que pasen feliz noche

Milena M.

wonderful place.

(Translated by Google) It's a wonderful place with exceptional and excellent service. (Original) Es un lugar maravilloso con unas atenciones únicas muy buenos

Anay P.

Doctor is amazing.

Doctor is amazing só as everyone else , thank you very much for taking care of my daughter.

Vanessa C.

Excellent.

(Translated by Google) Excellent (Original) Excelente

Taimarys V.

I love Dr. Stefanie Saldarriaga.

(Translated by Google) I love Dr. Stefanie Saldarriaga (Original) Me encanta la doctora stefanie saldarriaga

rachel M.

Buena experiencia.

(Translated by Google) A good experience, as the place is always very clean and the care is excellent. Dr. Stephanie Saldarriaga is wonderful. My daughter feels very comfortable when she treats her. I'm very grateful. Without a doubt, the best. (Original) Buena experiencia ya que el lugar siempre está muy limpio y además la atención es excelente. La doctora Stephanie saldarriaga es maravillosa. Mi niña se siente muy cómoda cuando ella la atiende. Estoy muy agradecida. Sin duda los mejores.

Diane R.

It's very clean.

(Translated by Google) I really liked the care from the entire team. It's very clean, they communicate well with their patients, and they're very pleasant. The nurse and doctor are excellent. (Original) Me gustó muchísimo la atención de todo el equipo en general, muy limpio, tienen muy buena comunicación con los pacientes y son muy agradables. La enfermera y la doctora son excelentes

Emely O.

Especially DR. Stephanie S. She has so much patience and compassion for her patients!

I’ve been with this DRs office since my daughter Arielle was born. The staff and Doctors are amazing. Especially DR. Stephanie S. She has so much patience and compassion for her patients!

Lorycel p.

great experience.

(Translated by Google) It was a great experience, all the staff was very friendly, I liked it a lot. (Original) Fue una gran experiencia todo su personal muy amable me gustó mucho

Yurelis Morales V.

La Atención muy buena de todo el personal.

(Translated by Google) The attention from all the staff was very good. Dr. Saldarriaga, as always, took her time, and I appreciate it, explaining everything to us in detail. (Original) La Atención muy buena de todo el personal, la Dra Saldarriaga como siempre se toma su tiempo y lo agradezco para explicarnos todo en detalle.

Johana b.

Great pediatric office.

Great pediatric office with awesome doctors I definitely recommend

Belkis H.

La atención muy buena por parte de todo el personal.

(Translated by Google) Very good attention from all the staff (Original) La atención muy buena por parte de todo el personal

Miriela M.

Excellent.

(Translated by Google) Excellent (Original) Excelente

Barbara B.

es muy atenta al revisar a mi bebe.

(Translated by Google) I really like taking my baby, especially when Dr. Stefani Saldarreaga treats me. She is very attentive when examining my baby and very kind when answering my questions. Very good care from the doctor. (Original) Me gusta mucho llevar a mi bebe en especial que me atienda la doctora Stefani saldarreaga.. es muy atenta al revisar a mi bebe y muy amable al responder mis preguntas.. muy buena atención de parte de la doctora

Yusmara P.

my respects to the doctor.

(Translated by Google) Dr. Gaud, the best doctor, my respects to the doctor, excellent care, a great doctor, without a doubt, the best doctor. (Original) Dra.Gaud la mejor doctora mis respetos para la doctora excelente atención una gran doctora sin dudas una la mejor doctora

carmen judith ulloa v.

Love pediatric associates!

Love pediatric associates! Always very helpful and accommodating!

Yulia G.

This place is amazing.

This place is amazing👍👍🔥🔥

Michael Rucker J.

Saldarriaga la mejor pediatra para mis dos hijas.

(Translated by Google) Saldarriaga the best pediatrician for my two daughters (Original) Saldarriaga la mejor pediatra para mis dos hijas

Stephanie Tejeda s.

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