Growing up, Lisa M. Pepka, MD, had an up-close look at the life of a hardworking pediatrician, thanks to her dad. She also helped care for her grandmother, who had cancer. Going with her grandmother to doctor visits "inspired me to go into medicine," Dr. Pepka says.

Dr. Pepka is an Arizona native. She attended medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed her residency at Phoenix Children's Hospital/Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix.

The collaborative spirit among providers drew Dr. Pepka to Phoenix Children's. "I wanted to work in a place that puts kids first," she says.

Dr. Pepka provides primary care and specializes in caring for patients with special needs. She values the unique opportunity to be part of a family's life.