Michelle Huddleston, MD, believes providing the best patient care starts with forming strong partnerships with patients and their families.

"As a physician, it's important to listen to patient concerns and build a trusting relationship," says Dr. Huddleston, who specializes in adolescent health and internal medicine. "Building relationships with my patients and their families keeps me coming to work every day."

Soon after joining the General Pediatrics Division at Phoenix Children's in 1999, Dr. Huddleston started the hospital's first dedicated adolescent practice. Her special interests include the care of teenage parents and their children, reproductive health in teenage women and homeless youth care.

A faculty member at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Dr. Huddleston is the school's Med-Peds Residency Program director. She also is a clinical assistant professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.

Dr. Huddleston, a graduate of East Carolina School of Medicine, completed her residency training at Phoenix Children's.

"I have enjoyed watching the organization grow over the last 25 years," she says. "Phoenix Children's truly provides state-of-the-art healthcare to our patients."

Outside of work, Dr. Huddleston enjoys cooking at home with her family, traveling and paper crafting. Her 3-year-old Australian shepherd, Charlie, keeps her busy as well.