Raiza Exantus, MD, is a pediatric geneticist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital where she evaluates and cares for children with suspected (or confirmed) genetic or metabolic disorders. She provides counseling to patients and families with children with a variety of diagnoses including congenital anomalies, chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome and Turner syndrome), neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism, intellectual disability and developmental regression), neurocutaneous disorders (such as Neurofibromatosis, Tuberous Sclerosis and McCune Albright syndrome) and hereditary disorders (such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). She also has a special interest in dysmorphology and neurogenetics.

After being born in the U.S., Dr. Exantus was raised in Haiti where there were no geneticists on the island. When her goddaughter was born with some unique differences, she became determined to figure out her diagnosis. This knowledge along with the tools led her to pursue a career in medicine and specifically genetics.

Genetics has become a pillar in medicine, and genetic testing and research have made it possible to diagnose and more efficently manage complex problems for patients. Dr. Exantus uses this knowledge to help patients and their families get the answers, help and support they need.

The experience with her goddaughter has given Dr. Exantus a unique advantage as a geneticist. She can relate to the fears, anxiety and challenges of facing the unknown that her patients’ families are dealing with. She strives to put families at ease, understand their concerns and needs and hopefully be able to provide them with the answers they long for.

Languages

• Haitian Creole
• French

• Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
• Memorial Hospital Miramar
• Memorial Hospital Pembroke
• Memorial Hospital West
• Memorial Regional Hospital