Designation expands access to specialized care for children with primary ciliary dyskinesia
March 3, 2026 — Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital has been recognized as part of the Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Foundation (PCDF) Clinical and Research Centers Network, becoming the first center in South Florida to earn the designation and expanding access to specialized care for children with this rare genetic condition.
The recognition places Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital among a select national network of clinical centers dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of PCD, a rare inherited disorder that affects the respiratory system. For families across South Florida and surrounding regions, the designation provides local access to coordinated, multidisciplinary care guided by national standards.
“Families facing rare and often hard-to-diagnose conditions deserve access to specialized care close to home,” said Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “Being recognized as the first PCD Foundation Clinical Center in South Florida strengthens our ability to meet that need and ensures children with PCD receive thoughtful, coordinated care from a team experienced in managing this condition.”
Primary ciliary dyskinesia can lead to chronic respiratory infections, sinus disease and other long-term health complications. Because symptoms often overlap with more common conditions, diagnosis and management require specialized expertise and a collaborative approach across multiple disciplines.
The PCD program at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is led by Jessica Saunders, MD, CF Center director and PCD Center director, and brings together a multidisciplinary team focused on comprehensive evaluation, evidence-based treatment and long-term support for patients and families.
“Our goal is to shorten the path to diagnosis and provide families with clear, consistent care once that diagnosis is made,” said Dr. Saunders. “As a PCD Foundation accredited center, we are able to align our care with national standards, collaborate with other leading centers and connect families to resources that support them well beyond the clinic visit.”
As part of the national network, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will collaborate with accredited centers nationwide, participate in shared learning and quality improvement initiatives and serve as a regional referral resource for patients suspected of having PCD.
“Expanding the PCD Foundation Clinical Centers Network means more families can access high-quality, specialized care without traveling long distances,” said Michele Manion, President & Executive Director, PCD Foundation. “Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital brings strong clinical expertise and a clear commitment to patient-centered care, which aligns closely with the foundation’s mission.”
The PCD clinic at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is now accepting referrals, with scheduling available through the hospital’s call center beginning February 2, 2026.
About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. Featuring a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, the hospital combines advanced technology, a large and diverse team of board-certified pediatric specialists and a patient- and family-centered care model to heal the body, mind and spirit.
A Magnet® designated facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is renowned for its nursing excellence and commitment to quality patient care. As part of Memorial Healthcare System, the Hollywood, Florida-based hospital recently doubled in size, adding four floors that include a dedicated cardiac care floor, intraoperative MRI, inpatient rehabilitation gym and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone.
About the PCD Foundation
The PCD Foundation was founded in 2002 by a parent of a child with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and an individual living with PCD. This patient-focused nonprofit is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by this rare genetic condition by advancing research, accelerating accurate diagnosis, enhancing clinical care, and ultimately driving the discovery of a cure. The Foundation supports a network of more than 60 expert centers across North America and advances research through the PCD Foundation Research Registry and an upcoming Network for Clinical Trials, creating a coordinated infrastructure to better understand PCD, accelerate discovery, and bring new therapies to patients.
