Dr. Kanaan earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency training at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital in Providence and a fellowship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Dr. Kanaan is board-certificated in internal medicine, pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. As a mother of four young children, including a set of twins, she has a special interest in pediatric and adolescent sleep. As an assistant professor of medicine, Dr. Kanaan is actively involved in teaching medical students, residents and fellows. She is the site director of the UConn Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship where she is involved in curriculum development. Dr. Kanaan gives presentations and interviews throughout the region on the importance of sleep in both children and adults. She is the recipient of the American College of Chest Physicians Junior Faculty award.

Hemodynamic Impact of Mechanical Ventilation in ARDS.Papa-Kanaan JM, Sasidhar M, Waxman A.B. 2003 Jan;10154-161 Ethical Issues in the Chronically Critically Ill PatientPapa- Kanaan JM, Sicilian L. Clinics in Chest Medicine 2001 Jan;22209-217