Paula Padua Schleifer, MD

Paula Padua Schleifer, MD
Chief, Department of Neurology
Co-Medical Director, Nicklaus Children's Hospital Neuroscience Institute
Medical Director, Neurogenetics Program

Dr. Paula Padua Schleifer is a pediatric neurologist and serves as chief of the Department of Neurology, co-medical director of the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Neuroscience Institute and medical director of the Neurogenetics Program. She earned her medical degree from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. She completed a residency in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School/Mass General Children’s Hospital in Boston, followed by a second residency in child neurology at the same institution, where she also served as chief resident. Her clinical interests include epilepsy, neurogenetics, neurometabolic disorders and ketogenic diet.

In her role as chief, Dr. Schleifer provides medical leadership, oversees all clinical, operational and quality activities for the Department of Neurology, as well as promotes a culture of accountability. As co-medical director of the Neuroscience Institute and medical director of the Neurogenetics Program, she is responsible for setting the strategy, along with overseeing clinical care, quality metrics, teaching, research and fiscal planning.

Dr. Schleifer is board certified in child neurology and epilepsy. She has been the principal investigator in a number of research studies. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and she has presented at medical conferences and contributed chapters for medical textbooks.

Dr. Schleifer is employed by Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Specialists (NCPS), the multispecialty medical group practice of Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

The Nicklaus Children's Neuroscience Institute is dedicated solely to the care of the developing brain and spine. With five marquis specialty centers and over a dozen multidisciplinary specialty programs focused on the treatment of complex neurological conditions, the Neuroscience Institute receives referrals of children and young adults from throughout the U.S. and around the world, offering hope and healing to children faced with disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, epileptology, neuro radiology, neuro critical care, genetics and much more, balance safety and efficacy to achieve the best possible outcomes and ensure no child needs to leave South Florida for quality pediatric care.