Hi, I was told by my OBGYN that I should have a pediatrician picked out before delivery and that I should ask some of my friends with babies who they would recommend...however, I don't have any friends who have children. So I was wondering if anyone has had any good or bad experiences with pediatricians and why you would recommend them or not.
Thank you in advance for your input :)
I like Dr. Crummer at Pediatricare. We also saw Bruce Block, whom everyone seems to love, but I thought he had a huge ego. Funny enough, my daughter didn't like him either! We both really like Dr. Crummer, even though he has a bit of a "nervous" persona, he is very gentle and thorough. My daughter likes him too.
I like Dr. Therese Trolan at Pediatricare. It's located in the Longs shopping center on 41st Ave. right next to Miyako japanese restaurant (which is also good). Dr. Trolan is with Blue Shield (and possibly other insurance programs, too), and she focuses a lot on nutrition, holistic medicine, and alternative approaches to issues (rather than just prescribing something whenever an issue comes up).
Whatever you decide, it's best to meet with several doctors to see which one feels right. And, don't worry: if you don't have a pediatrician by the time you deliver, there will be one on call at the hospital. You're also not "married" to your pediatrician; if at any point s/he doesn't feel right, shop around and find someone new. Ultimately, you have to trust your gut and what you feel is right for your child.
We also have Dr. Schirmer at SC Med Clinic/Foundation and really like him.
Hi R.,
We go to the pediatrians on 41st ave. across from the mall in Capitola. My girls see Dr. Cristobal, but have seen some of the other docs in the office over the years (as well as the nurse practitioner) and have never had a bad experience. We've been very happy with the entire staff and they've always been good about squeezing us in when necessary. Their number is ###-###-####.
Congratulations! This Christmas is going to be fun for you. She will be smiling and giggling by then and you'll be getting at least a little sleep!
I go to the same office across from 41st ave and we see Dr. Trolan who I really like. I have never had a bad experience there except for sometimes having to wait, especially if you have a late afternoon appointment. When I first moved here I saw Dr. Neurenberg (Tanya I think) and she had a very poor bedside manner and made me feel like a bad parent. Good luck with your search. Remember you don't have to stick with whomever you choose forever you can ALWAYS change.
Dr. Bruce Block - He is wonderful and works out of Santa Cruz Medical Clinic on Soquel.
C.
We go to Dr. Schirmer who is at Santa Cruz Medical Clinic at the main office and in Scotts Valley. My husband and I had a lot of questions about vaccinating, and although he is pro-immunization, he had no problems with our delaying the vaccinations or potentially not doing them. Our twins are 6 months now so we have not known him for very long, but so far our experience with him has been very positive.
Hi R.,
I have heard that Capitola Pedicatrics is excellent, although I have not tried them. Our pediatrician is Dr. Rankin at Santa Cruz Medical clinic. I had a not so good experience with him. When my son was 2.5 years old, I took him in for a well baby check up. Also, at the time, I suspected my son had a peanut allergy. I discussed the peanut allergy with Dr. Rankin and he wrote a prescription for an Epi-pen for my son. Then, we returned six months later for his 3 year old check up. The first thing out of Dr. Rankin's mouth was "well he can eat peanuts now." I said, "he has a peanut allergy." I guess Dr. Rankin failed to read my son's chart before seeing us. Anyway, I wasn't very impressed by that.
I strongly suggest Dr.Bruce Block. My pediatrician retired when my first born was 9 months old. My son had came down with a chronic cough that would just not go away and the symptoms seem to be looking like asthma. After about seeing 10 different pediatricians Dr. Block was recommended by a mother at the day care he attened. He helped my son and diagnosed him after a first visit. He is caring, patient and very thorough. I chose him agian with my second son and have NO regrets!!
Dear R.!
It's great that you are doing your best to be prepared and informed. I went through the same thing when we had our first daughter 7 years ago. One thing to do is to look in the "What to expect when you are expecting" book where they have a list for questions to ask a doctor. You can make an appointment just for an interview and that way get a better idea of what doctor you like and also the whole office he or she is working in. For the first year and with special needs children it is best to have a pediatrician. Later you can switch to a family doctor. Dr Silverman is recommended by many and we saw him for awhile. He is in my opinion not so open/knowledgeable about alternative options, that are a big part of our lives, and missed our daughters severe glutenintolerans, but was good about other things.It was easy to get appointments and all the staff was very nice. Dr Gallagher at the Santa Cruz Medical Foundation is amazing.She is very thorough, respectful, timely etc. We saw her temporarily but we lived far from her office and I just don't like the very large SCMF. I've liked my doctors but it takes a month to get an appointment! I hope you find someone you like and can work well with. You will see the doctor quite often in the beginning so you should be picky! You probably don't feel like runnung around for interviews right now but two or three would be worth it. Congratulations on becoming a mother.
