Ana E. Calderon Randazzo, Ph.D. is the Executive Director at Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC). The Center provides developmental follow-up, medical care, dental care, comprehensive case management, clinical trials, and early intervention services to over 11,000 children and families with special healthcare needs in Broward County.
Favorite quote: “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Fun fact: I originally planned to become a Marine Biologist
How do you unwind after a long day of work? I completely disconnect when I leave the office and enjoy the commute home. Sometimes, I choose to listen to a podcast or take the time to catch up with my mother with a phone call. No matter what I do, the 20 minute drive is my chance to really clear my head so I can be fully present for myself, my husband and my family once I am home.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? Working in healthcare, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an incredible challenge – from an operations perspective and from a leadership perspective. We had to quickly make changes for the wellbeing of our patients from a treatment standpoint as well as our staff for their safety and wellbeing. Effective communication was key from the top down.
What has been the most monumental moment of your career thus far? Being on the Broward Health Community Vaccination Task Force has been both an honor and an amazing experience. I had an opportunity to witness the incredible collaboration in the planning phase and see the hope and gratitude from the community members as we provided the first vaccines to the community.
Who are your role models? My mother, who taught me the art of getting along with others and our founder, Dr. Susan Widmayer, who instilled passion in my work.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? “You can’t pour from an empty cup” and I think this is especially true during a crisis. We need to all continue to learn and improve our self-care.
What advice would you give a young woman at the start of her career? Find a mentor to help guide you and have confidence in yourself.
How does being a woman has impacted your career? My career has been driven by my “why,” which has always been the families we serve. As a woman and a mother, I have connected with our families during one of the most difficult and painful challenges a parent can face – caring for a chronically ill child whom they love dearly. As they inspire and move me, I can then inspire and move others – our staff and our community – to help.
