Manny DeLucca, MD, FAAP

My favorite cartoon character is Homer Simpson.

My favorite children's book is Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi. I have funny memories reading it with my boys.

My favorite childhood toy was the Atari home game console.

My dad, for all the struggles he overcame to provide a loving household growing up. Thanks Papi, te amo!

I enjoy working out and jogging (both because I hear it's good for me), reading, especially fantasy and sci-fi books, and traveling. Of course, I wish my two boys were still at home so we could hang out more.

In second grade, I had a school assignment where I wrote that I wanted to be a heart surgeon. But when I got to medical school, I realized I wanted a life outside of medicine, so surgery wasn't for me. I also realized pediatrics was more joyful and full of promise and optimism.

As a pediatrician who's truly a kid at heart, I connect with kids in a way that puts them at ease, turns fear into fun, and builds trust. With expert medical care wrapped in laughter, empathy, and imagination, I make every visit feel less like a check-up and more like a playdate — giving kids (and hopefully parents too) comfort, confidence, and genuine care.