As a clinical geneticist, Theresa A. Grebe, MD, FACMG, evaluates and treats children with genetic conditions, including birth defects, craniofacial and neuromuscular disorders, and learning challenges. She is the founder and medical director of Phoenix Children's 22q Clinic. The nationally recognized program treats children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a chromosome condition that causes congenital heart disease, immune problems and neurodevelopmental differences.

Dr. Grebe fell in love with the Southwest while completing her residency at Phoenix Children's. She was awarded a Flinn Foundation Fellowship to train in medical genetics and committed to practicing in the area. She's passionate about providing much-needed care in Arizona and can't imagine practicing anywhere else.

As early as high school, Dr. Grebe saw medicine as a way to help people. Inspired by her mother, a retired nurse, and a family friend who was a geneticist, Dr. Grebe chose to pursue her fascination with genetics. The explosion of discoveries and advances in the field continue to fuel her curiosity and her desire to learn new things that can help her patients.

Dr. Grebe earned her medical degree at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency with the Phoenix Hospitals Affiliated Pediatric Program and her residency in medical genetics with the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

She's a founding member of the International 22q11.2 Society. The American Society of Human Genetics, American College of Medical Genetics and the American Academy of Pediatrics are among her many other professional memberships.

Dr. Grebe contributes to discoveries in her field through clinical research and presentations at national meetings. She is also active at a national level serving as the past chair of the Social, Ethical and Legal Issues committee of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Knowing families often go through a long, difficult process to find answers about their child's health issues, Dr. Grebe takes time to listen to their unique stories. She believes an in-depth conversation with parents provides the best opportunity to find the answers they're looking for and develop the most effective long-term plan for their child's care. She also understands how important it is to help families find a community of support. One of the most rewarding aspects of her career is the joy Dr. Grebe finds in the long-term relationships she has developed with the patients and families she cares for.

When she's not working, Dr. Grebe loves spending time with her family. She enjoys hiking and birdwatching around Arizona and visiting national parks, playing piano and reading.