Biography

Leslie Katz Lestz, M.D., is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist at Children’s Health℠ and Associate Professor of Otolaryngology and Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She provides specialized care for children who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or experiencing language delays.

“As the parent of a child who is hard of hearing, I bring a unique background and real-life experience to my practice of medicine,” she said.

Dr. Lestz earned her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Pediatrics at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.

“I spent 23 years in private practice in general pediatrics with a special interest in children who are deaf or hard of hearing,” she said. “Now, at Children’s Health, I have an opportunity to solely focus my attention on this population by providing complex medical care centered around hearing needs. My foundation in general pediatrics allows me to focus on how hearing affects the whole child, providing a more global perspective.”

Dr. Lestz is actively involved in research working to advance Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), physician education and supporting medical homes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. She is also passionate about language access, ensuring that children who are deaf or hard of hearing can effectively communicate either through spoken language or sign language.

Outside of work, Dr. Lestz enjoys indoor cycling, classical Pilates, reading and watching her children launch into adulthood.