Susy Grajeda Tsuruta, MD, MHS, FAAP
Board-Certified Pediatrician
San Diego,CA
Summary
Board-Certified Pediatrician with broad outpatient experience from infancy through adolescence, including general pediatrics, developmental and behavioral care, neurodiversity-affirming medicine, lactation and infant feeding support, early childhood development, adolescent mental health, and chronic disease management. Former Sharp Rees-Stealy Otay Ranch pediatrician who values Sharp’s culture of extraordinary service, integrity, respect, and teamwork, and strives to reflect those values in daily practice. I aim to provide thoughtful, family-centered, and culturally responsive bilingual care, work collaboratively with specialists and staff, and maintain clear, accurate documentation in EPIC. I am dedicated to supporting children with developmental, medical, and educational needs and to building trusting, respectful partnerships with families and colleagues.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Provisional Staff Physician, Pediatrician
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
09.2019 - 09.2025
- Delivered comprehensive pediatric care ranging from newborns through adolescents, averaging 18–22 visits per day across general pediatrics, behavioral health, and chronic disease management.
- Maintained continuity for a panel of ~ 2,000+ patients.
- Special interest in neurodiversity-affirming care (autism, ADHD, learning differences), lactation and infant feeding support, postpartum support, early childhood development, and adolescent mental health.
- Supported school advocacy through IEP/504 letters and collaboration with families, teachers, and evaluators.
- Lead multidisciplinary care by orchestrating communication, reconciling treatment plans, and ensuring continuity across all specialties.
- Experienced with Allscripts and transitioned smoothly to EPIC while maintaining excellent documentation and communication with families.
- As a native Spanish speaker, provided linguistically and culturally aligned care that strengthened trust and shared decision-making.
- Built close, collaborative relationships with colleagues, contributing to a supportive, high-functioning clinical environment.
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
10.2007 - 05.2009
- Managed study coordination, regulatory and data acquisition issues.
- Coordinated eight total studies, including three cooperative group clinical trials for the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).
- Active participant of protocols using Good Clinical Practice as defined by the ICH Guidelines.
- Maintained communication with sponsor monitors, CRAs regarding enrollment, inclusion/exclusion criteria, adverse experiences, processing, storage, and shipping of samples.
- Prepared amendments for protocols / modifications for study designs.
- Conducted informed consents and administration of questionnaires in English and Spanish.
- Prepared treatment summaries, maintained patient folders, completed case report forms.
Education
MD Residency in Pediatrics -
University of Illinois College of Medicine At Peoria
Peoria, IL 05.2001 -
Medical Doctorate (MD) - undefined
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
Peoria, IL05.2015
Master of Health Science (MHS) - Reproductive and Cancer Biology Track
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Baltimore, MD05.2007
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05.2006
Skills
California Medical License
Active: 05/31/2019 – 05/31/2027 (#A162679)
Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics
Board Certified: 2025 (Certificate #148166)
Additional Certifications
BLS certified (Issued 6/15/2025; Expires 06/2027)
USMLE Examinations
Steps 1-3 (2013-2017)
Teaching Experience
Neuroscience Tutor — Urban Health Program (UHP)
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana | 01/2011 – 05/2011
- Led weekly neuroscience review sessions; assisted with dissections and exam proctoring.
Teaching Assistant — Medical Neuroscience
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana | 01/2011 – 05/2011
- Supported weekly review sessions and office hours; prepared dissections and assisted with skills labs.
Anatomy Tutor — Urban Health Program (UHP)
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana | 08/2010 – 12/2010
- Conducted weekly anatomy review sessions; assisted with dissections and exam proctoring.
Teaching Assistant — Summer Prematriculation Program (SPP)
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana | 06/2010 – 07/2010
- Led anatomy review sessions; created study materials; prepared dissections and supported program activities.
Presentations and Scholarly Work
Posters
Oral Presentations (Reverse Chronological)
Tsuruta, SG & Kendhari, H. When a Fungus Parades as Lymphoma.
- American Pediatric Association (APA) Region V Meeting, Chicago, IL — March 2018
- OSF Healthcare Annual Research Symposium, Peoria, IL — May 2018
Oral Presentations (Reverse Chronological)
Grand Rounds — Senior Project
OSF St. Francis Medical Center | 06/2018
- Evaluating Rates of Hepatitis B Immunization and Barriers to Consent among English-Proficient and Non-English-Proficient Populations in the Newborn Nursery.
Authors: Tsuruta SG, Shallat S, Melendez EV, Christison A
Pediatric Ambulatory Clinic Noon Conference
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria | 04/2018
- Quality Improvement Project: Assessment and Follow-Up of PHQ-2/PHQ-9 in Patients with Somatic Complaints
- Educational Session: Dermatology Review
PICU Morning Report
Children’s Hospital of Illinois | 02/2018
- The Dyspneic Wrestler: Review of DVT/PE Diagnosis and Management
Morbidity, Mortality & Improvement (MMI) Presentation
OSF St. Francis Medical Center | 11/2017
- Fever of Unknown Origin & Retropharyngeal Abscess: Communication Improvement Using the Healthcare Matrix
Pediatric Pulmonology Morning Report
Children’s Hospital of Illinois | 10/2017
- Case Discussion: Trisomy 21 & Chronic Severe Pulmonary Hypertension
Journal Club Presentation
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria | 05/2017
- Home Visiting and the Use of Infant Health Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Hospital & University Service
Committee on Pharmaceuticals & Therapeutics — Pediatric Representative
07/2016 – 09/2018
- Reviewed pediatric-specific medication issues, including drug recalls, new formulary additions, medication safety concerns, and system-level pharmacy processes.
Awards
Guardian Angel Award — Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
02/2021, 02/2022, 02/2023
- Recognized by patients and families for exceptional clinical care and service.
Excellence in Pediatric Research — 3rd Place
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria | 06/2018
- Evaluating Rates of Newborn Hepatitis B Immunization – Not What We Thought!
Outstanding Patient Advocate Award
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria | 06/2018
Andrew and Hortense Call Barr Award — Recipient for Women in Medicine
Johns Hopkins University | 05/2009
Affiliations
- Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP)
Member #1367400 — In good standing
AN EXPLANATION OF GAPS IN PROFESSIONAL WORK
Residency Training Gaps
Post-Residency Transition Period (09/29/2018 – 09/29/2019)
Professional Employment Gaps
Two approved leave periods occurred during my pediatric residency:
09/15/2016 – 12/01/2016
Maternity leave.
08/13/2018 – 09/22/2018
Maternity leave for a high-risk pregnancy.
All required training time was completed, and I successfully finished the pediatric residency program on September 28, 2018.
Post-Residency Transition Period (09/29/2018 – 09/29/2019)
Following residency completion, I elected to take a structured transition year prior to entering independent practice. During this period, I focused on establishing adequate family support, completing a cross-country relocation, and coordinating ongoing medical and developmental services required for my twins, who had complex early needs. This ensured long-term stability before beginning professional work.
Professional Employment Gaps
12/14/2021 – 01/12/2022
Pregnancy Disability Leave.
01/13/2022 – 05/23/2022
Maternity leave.
10/01/2025 – Present
Planned professional pause to complete the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) certification process and manage essential family responsibilities.
Board certification has since been successfully achieved, and I have remained current with continuing medical education.
Timeline
Provisional Staff Physician, Pediatrician
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group
09.2019 - 09.2025
Clinical Research Coordinator I
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
10.2007 - 05.2009
MD Residency in Pediatrics -
University of Illinois College of Medicine At Peoria
05.2001 -
Medical Doctorate (MD) - undefined
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
Master of Health Science (MHS) - Reproductive and Cancer Biology Track
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Molecular and Cellular Biology
Johns Hopkins University