Kaiser Richmond Pediatricians
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Kaiser Richmond Pediatricians
Pediatricians reviewed on this page:
Joseph Browne, Cheryl Brunetti, Melvin Burman, Margaret Desler,
Patrick Diaz, Sarah Horner, Karen Kruger, Edmund Leo, Dr. Mahl, Susan Lindheim,
Anjana Ray, Robert Schaff, Dr. Scott-Anwah, Karen Sorey
More advice about Kaiser pediatrics
Nov 2011
Can anyone recommend a good pediatrician at the Kaiser
Richmond medical center? I was looking for reviews of the
pediatricians there, but could not find anything. I am a
first time mom, and have lots and lots of questions and
concerns, so I would like to find a pediatrician who is very
knowledgeable, kind, and who is very patient to answer my
questions. Any help is much appreciated.
Xun
Hi there and congratulations on being a new mom! We have now been with
Kaiser Richmond for 2 yrs and have been very happy with our choice of
Dr. Karen Krueger. She is down to earth, great bedside manner,
playful, and efficient. We have never felt rushed, but rather listened
to and open to any of our anxious parent questions. Hope this
helps......good luck
http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/provider/karenjkruger/resources/d
c/conditionlist?conditionlist=diseasesconditions.xml
anon
Sept 2011
Re: OBGYN at Walnut Creek Kaiser & Pediatrician
Our pediatrician is in Richmond as well. We see dr. Kruger. I'm not sure if
she is taking patients but she is great. Dr. Henry is also great and we saw
one dr at pinole who was also great (wish I could remember her name). overall
I think many of the pedis are good in those 2 offices. You can schedule a
meet and greet type of apt and you can switch pedis as many times as you
want. The kids' records will all be there so change if needed until you find
the right one. We love kaiser around here. Amanda
August 2011
Re: Attachment parenting pediatricians at Kaiser
After going to 4 different pediatricians through kaiser, we have finally
found a truly pro-AP doctor: Dr. Casey Brown, at the Richmond Kaiser. We
randomly saw her after our son had an ear infection and our regular
pediatrician was out. After that visit, I switched all of my kids to her.
Her panel is open (Aug 2011) since she is new to kaiser. She was not just
neutral about us co-sleeping, still night nursing (at 10 months), etc,
but she was supportive and encouraging, which I had never felt from
another kaiser pediatrician. (I even had one tell me I should try to
limit night nursing at 3 months of age!). Best of all, she has kids of
her own and interacted with my baby and my older son (who was along for
the visit) in a caring, playful, and friendly way that made us all feel
at ease in her presence. She helped me make an informed decision about
antibiotics too. I can't recommend her highly enough and feel so blessed
to have randomly discovered her. Totally worth the 15 minute drive to
Richmond- considering parking is a breeze there, it really isn't much
longer to get there than going to the Oakland kaiser from our house in
Berkeley. Happy with our pediatrician- finally!!!
April 2011
Re: Kaiser Richmond physicians
I have found fabulous doctors at Richmond Kaiser:
Dr Rachel Hartshorn - OB
DrSarah Horner - pediatrician
geraldine
Feb 2011
Hi All,
I'm looking for a recommendation for a female pediatrician
at Kaiser Richmond who is open to alternative schedules on
vaccination or no schedule on vaccination.
Thanks in advance!
anon
I doubt you will find any Kaiser ped who is okay with
delayed/deleted vaccinations. I raised the issues in The
Vaccine Book with my son's old ped at Oakland Kaiser, and
she explained why she believed it was unsound. Unlikely any
Kaiser doc would be enthusiastic about something that
contradicts the AAP recommendation.
That said, we've seen two female peds at Richmond Kaiser, Dr
Henry and Dr Hernandez, and I wouldn't recommend either.
We've also seen Dr Mahl (a man), and I found him to be very
warm, pleasant, and competent.
Kaiser kids' mom
My ped at Kasier Richmond was fine with us on a different vaccination
schedule. Her words '' as long as we did the research and had a good
understanding''. She also gave her opinion of what was most
important.
Dr. Horner. very nice, friendly and low-key.
my friend sees Dr Kruger and had a similar experience.
Sept 2010
I will have a new baby soon I am looking for be any recommendations on
Pediatricians at Oak Kaiser.
Would you consider traveling to Richmond? Every single
pediatrician we have seen there has been wonderful, and
their parking situation is so much simpler (and FREE!)
compared to oakland! I love it there! Dr. Desler is our
amazing, wonderful pediatrician.... but like I said, I have
really appreciated every one we have seen!
three-time Mama
Nov 2009
We are relocating to the East Bay from L.A. in January. I'm
going to need a lot of advice and recommendations from this
wonderful BPN, starting with a good Pediatrician in the Kaiser
network. I have a 3 and 1 year old.
Does anyone have a beloved Pediatrician? And can you tell me a
little about why you love this doctor? Please: Kaiser doctors only.
Jeanne
Dr. Sarah Horner is wonderful. She's at Kaiser Richmond.
John
June 2009
Hello, I am insured with Kaiser and I am looking for a pediatrician for
my new baby (due July). I want someone who is open to discussing the
possibility that not all vaccinations for infants are absolutely
necessary and someone who will consider changing the AAP's recommended
schedule and/or even leaving some vaccinations out. Has anyone good
experience discussing the pros and cons about vaccinations openly with
a Kaiser pediatrician and not feeling pressured into doing vaccinations
you don't feel comfortable with? I live in the East Bay, so Richmond or
Oakland Kaiser would be best.
Thanks for the advice,
Catherine
We see Dr Horner at Richmond Kaiser. only seen her twice (our
daughter is only 2mths). She is very open about alternate
vaccination schedules. Her words '' if you do the research you can
make an informed decision''.
We opted only for the meningitis ones at 2mths, skipped HepB &
polio and are undecided about when to begin DTaP
She is lovely, great with our baby. I suggest getting an
appointment early in the day, she seems a little more harried in
the evening (has appts till 5.30pm)
May 2009
Re: Kaiser Doc Recommendations?
We can highly recommend Kaiser pediatrian Dr. Sarah Horner at Richmond.
John
Jan 2008
I am a soon-to-be first-time mom (due 2/2/08) looking for a good
pedicatrician at Kaiser Richmond for my little one. I would appreciate
any recommendations. Thanks, Ann.
We have seen two pediatricians we recommend at Kaiser Richmond Dr. Desler
and Dr. Kruger. We were happy with their bedside manner and attention to
detail for our newborn daughter.
The doctor we were not impressed with was Dr. Scott-Anwah who we felt had
a cold bedside manner (talked more than listened, rushed us out,
providing mundane advice to solve some issue even though we kept saying,
yes, we already do that).
Kaiser Mom of a Little One
I highly recommend Margret (Peggy) Desler at Richmond Kaiser. She was
recommend to me through a friend. My daughter is 19 months and so far we
have had a great experience with Dr. Desler. She is a mother of four, so
she has pretty much seen everything first hand. Also I very much
appreciate her relaxed and friendly manner.
Kim
We've been very happy with Dr. Schaff at Kaiser Richmond. I
panicked when my first arrived early and took the first
available appointment which happened to be with Dr. Schaff. I
found him to be very kind and patient and he explains
everything. Our visits never felt rushed. Unfortunately we
left Kaiser due to change of work benefits but we would have
stayed with Dr. Schaff indefinitely.
happy parent
We have been very happy with Dr. Cherilyn Brunetti, and also, with
every other pediatrician we have seen at Kaiser Richmond when we
have made sick appointments and had to see whomever was available.
The doctors there, especially the women, are just fantastic, and
they are all real people with real families of their own and take
you and your concerns seriously and empathetically. I highly
recommend Kaiser Richmond pediatrics, all around.
Happy Kaiser member
Nov 2007
Re: Caring Pediatrician at Kaiser Oakland?
I know you didn't mention Kaiser Richmond, but we have now seen no less
than four different pediatricians there and I have been happy with each
one of them. I like it WAAAAY better than Oakland since parking is
free and the whole experience is way less stressful before I even get
in the door.
Dr. Desler (F) is our regular ped., and while she is quick and
efficient she is also very aware of our children's needs to sit w/ mom
and only examine when absolutely necessary, and then, as quickly as
possible. We've also seen Dr. Leo (Male), Dr. Kruger (female), and Dr.
Mahl (male). I won't go into details about all of these doctors, but
they were all generally easy going, quick to listen to my concerns and
modify treatment where applicable, and I would have probably chosen any
one of them if I had to, to see on a regular basis. (But we already
love Dr. Desler so no need to switch!)
Kimberly
May 2007
Can anyone recommend a pediatrician at Kaiser Richmond? I gave
birth at Kaiser Oakland, but we live in El Cerrito, and it would
be a lot easier to take my son to a pediatrician in Richmond. All the
recommendations on the website are a few years old. Thanks!
Jennifer
don't know why you find dated info because there should be a lot of recent posts
on kaiser richmond peds. we all love it there. the docs are all competent and
nice. you'll have to find out who has an open panel. some you will groove with
better than others. access is great and the assistants are nice as well. they
have an aquarium in the waiting room, although it looks like some of the fish went
belly up. kmom
March 2007
Hi, I'm new to Kaiser and really need to find a good doctor (can
be a pediatrician or a family practicioner) for my 1 year old
daughter. Since I have delayed a handful of her vaccinations,
getting into the room with someone who say, doesn't agree with
this at all and vehemenently opposes it, would be a downer for
me. I'd like recommendations on Dr.s who are open, kind, patient,
give plenty of time to the appt., and who also consider
alternative care options....Any suggestions/rec's for either
facility. Thanks in advance!
New Kaiser Mama
We love Karen Kruger with Richmond Kaiser. She is very open and non-judgemental. We have
had concerns about vaccinations, and she has listened and offered her opinion and then let
us choose. I'd say check her out-if you don't like her, then you can change. Good luck!
Patty
Dr. Karen Kruger is a pediatrician at Richmond Kaiser. She is fantastic. My son has been a
very healthy child (3 1/2 years). So, we have not had to deal with any major issues.
However, whenever we see her she is always willing to give us all of our options. That
includes what I deem to be non- standard options. For example, the one time my son had a
slight ear infection she suggested that I get the antibiotics to have on hand for the
weekend, but that I could opt not to give them to him and see how he does. That way he could
fight it off naturally, which he did. Having grown up taking antibiotics, it was a nice
change. She is also very kind and patient with quetsions and such. I think you should give
her a try. Good luck!
anon
Hi there, We love Dr. Anjana Ray at Kaiser Richmond. She is gentle, kind, and is really
good with not just my daughter, but me as well -- she has taken the time to sit and really
listen to me a couple of times when I've been upset at appointments. Erika
Dr. Krueger at Richmond Kaiser is great and she won't give you any guilt about the
vaccinations. She is all the things you are looking for in a doctor. I have 2 small children
and they have been going to her for 3 years.
I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Karen Kruger. I think she is the
kind of doctor you are looking for because she's extremely
open-minded and not at all judgemental. She is very good at
presenting choices and letting you make your own decisions,
whether it's about immunizations, procedures, medication choices,
etc. She also SO nice, patient, respectful and down-to-earth.
Kaiser mom
Also recommended: Kaiser Oakland
Nov 2006
I would like to hear any positive/negative experiences with Kaiser's Richmond or
Oakland pediatric services, mainly regarding appointment availability in ''urgent''
cases. Can you get an appoinment for the same day if needed? We've not chosen our
doctor yet, neither are not sure whether to take Kaiser or United Health Care, so I'd
be happy to hear recommendations on any other pediatric services in/near Berkeley
MM
We have had a great experience at Kaiser Richmond's Pediatric department. Given our son is
only three and has been a very healthy child. However, we have had to make a few urgent
same day appointments. They have always squeezed us in. Dr. Kruger is my son's doctor. She
is awesome. She came highly recommended from an Oakland doctor who we really liked. She is
very laid back and straight forward. Kaiser may be challenging in some aspects, but
pediatrics is one area I think they really have it together. Julie
kaiser richmond peds is a great department. there's never any trouble with access and the
docs are all good and very warm, as are the ma's and receptionists. it's one of the best
departments in the region.
kmom
We've been really happy with Kaiser Richmond Pediatrics. We see Dr. Karen Kruger and she's
wonderful. My 2-year old talks about her (positively) all the time. We've also been quite
pleased with the availability of urgent care appointments- even on Saturdays. On occasion,
we've seen other pediatricians including Dr. Ray, Dr. Brunetti, and Dr. Schaff at the
Richmond facility and they've all been great. I've had hit-or-miss experiences with the
rest of Kaiser, but I can wholeheartedly endorse the pediatrics service in Richmond.
Sandra
I use Richmond Kaiser pediatrics. Kaiser has an advice line where you talk to a nurse who
assesses how serious your problem is (''Come in NOW to the ER, I'll tell them to expect
you,'' or ''Can you come for an appointment at 2 pm today? we have an opening then.'')
Fevers, purple feet, torn mouth interior, weird poop, parenting problems. The most serious
one, they said come into the emergency room -- they don't want problems with small babies
to get worse. The other times we called the advice nurse and needed to come in the same
day for urgent care, we could. Kaiser is great. I haven't had a problem with same day care
when needed (for me or baby or husband). For well-baby visits, we see Dr. Robert Schaff.
Nice guy, suggests things well, not preachy, guides adequately, but I network with other
moms to learn how/when to do things. A friend recommended Dr. Lindesman, but she was
cutting her doctoring for more admin stuff so we chose Schaff. She was great when we met
her in one of our urgent care visits. Dr. Patrick Diaz, baby-faced doctor works the
Oakland ER and pediatric ward, nice, explains things well, reassures. I don't remember the
ER pediatrician at Richmond -- pretty Indian woman, competent and gentle. And all the
lactation consultants at Kaiser Richmond and Oakland were awesome -- learned something from
each of them. And hallelujah that I do NOT know every doctor at both locations! Keep that
kid healthy! As they say, Thrive
We've been going to Kaiser Richmond for the last year. The only
urgent appointment I needed to schedule in pediatrics, I was able
to schedule same-day, although not with my son's primary
pediatrician. The other instance I might have wanted an urgent
appointment, I was able to email the pediatrician instead and she
wrote back with info so that I didn't need to. (I emailed her in
the middle of the night and she wrote back by 8:30 the next
morning.) My husband had a Dr. at Kasier Oakland, but one visit
to Richmond and he wanted to switch! Parking is easier (although
still not great), it's actually FREE, and it's not so busy. However, there's not much
nearby like at Oakland...mmmmh,
Fentons! p.s. the doctors we've seen are Leo and Dessler and I
really like them both!!
kimberly
We love Dr. Karen Kruger at Kaiser Richmond. She is very open-
minded and comforting while also highly professional and
knowledgeable at the same time. We have seen Dr. Kruger since my
daughter was born 2 years ago. In your post you asked about
urgent care. In the situations where we needed to see a doctor
right away (same day or next day), we have been able to see Dr.
Kruger about half the time. If your main doctor isn't available,
then Kaiser will get you in to see another doctor, and we have
always been very pleased with the other doctors we've seen as well
Kaiser mom
See More responses to this question
June 2006
Does anyone have a good experience with a pediatrician at Kaiser
Richmond? What's good about them? Do you know if they are
accepting new patients?
Thanks
jb
My sons have seen a couple of Richmond Pediatricians for emergencies
and they have all been very good. However, we love Dr. Leo. He is
calm, warm, thoughtful and somehow, even on short notice, we have been
able to get an appointment with him, a number of times even on
Saturdays. He also has returned calls himself regarding basic
questions about medications, etc
anon
March 2006
Richmond Kaiser has a FABULOUS pediatrics unit. Dr. M Berman is
head of pediatrics and our pediatrician. We've seen many doctors
there over the last 15 years and I've been happy with most of
them. Richmond Kaiser is small and the wait is never long.
Feb 2006
Re: Black Pediatrician
We go to Karen Sorey at Richmond Kaiser. We found her through
BPN. She is very warm and friendly and good with our daughter.
She's not so Berkeley/alternative -- e.g. she recommended Dole
fruit cups as a way for our daughter to eat fruit -- but she was
cool about spreading out vaccines and answers all our million
questions.
anon
January 2005
I've checked the website and haven't seen many recent
recommendations for good pediatricians at Kaiser Richond who
may be taking new patients. Can anyone recommend a good doctor
for both infants and older children? If you recommend someone,
it would be helpful to also let me know if s/he is a resident.
Thanks!
I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Karen Kruger at Richmond Kaiser.
She's been our pediatrician for a year and we've been very happy - she
relates very well with the kids, follows through with her referrals and is
very open, easy to talk to, and generally seems very on top of things,
and is very kind. She's also kinda ''Berkeley'' in demeanor so it was a
good transition for us as we were leaving the BPMG, which we loved.
skybluemamma
We love our pediatrician at Kaiser Richmond - Dr. Susan
Lindheim. She is available when needed, has a good sense of
humor, is calm and low-key, and most importantly,
knowledgeable and caring. Not sure if she is taking new
patients, however.
Seth
We see Karen Kruger for our son at Kaiser-Richmond. She is
simply wonderful, experienced, kind, and can really talk with
kids. I'm sure it helps that she has four children of her
own. When we started Kaiser two years ago, she was available
then, having just moved from Children's. You can request a
list of available pediatricians from Kaiser-Richmond and they
should send you a list. [also got a list for gynocologists and
internists]. Assuming everyone is well qualified, I chose
someone who looked nice and seemed to look like someone I'd
like to talk with and my instincts turned out to be right. Plus
their descriptions tell you if they have kids or not. good luck!
Happy Kaiser Mom
Our pediatrician at Kaiser Richmond is Karen Sorey. I highly
recommend her - she has a really great way with the kids,
great with the parents, treats us as if we just saw her last
week, even if its been months since we last saw her. We never
feel rushed with her, she takes as much time as is needed. My
son asked to have her as his doctor after seeing her for an
urgent care appt. When needed, she has readily sent us to
specialists.
I can also highly recommend Susan Lindheim, we just didn't see
her because our children are friends.
Hallie
We have used Dr. Joseph Browne at Kaiser Richmond. He was taking
new patients last I knew. My kids like him and he spends time
listening. Also speaks Spanish if that's of interest!
SM
Oct 2005
Hi, my family and I just moved to the Bay Area with our 5 month
old baby. If anyone can recomend a good Pediatrician at the
Richmond Kaiser, which the closest to our home, we would very
much appreciate it.
Emily
We love Dr. Horner at Kaiser Richmond. She is gentle with babies
and patient with new parents. She clearly loves what she does.
We've brought our child in for the most minor things (a slight
fever, check ears after a cold but before a flight) and she
treats us with the same respect as when we bring our child in
for her check-ups. This was important to me. In general, all the
Kaiser Richmond pediatricians are great...and if you can't see
your ped, but need an urgent care appointment, you'll still get
great care.
Yep, I actually like Kaiser
Two great Kaiser Richmond pediatricians are Karen Kruger and Robert Scahff. In
general, this group is terrific! Good luck
anon
My sons have been going to Dr. Edmund Leo at Kaiser Richmond.
He has always appeared, calm, unhurried and genuinely
concerned. He has good listening skills and we've been pleased
with his advice and care.
Donna
March 2002
Re: Kaiser pediatrician flexible on vaccines
Dr. Karen Sorrey at Richmond Kaiser has been my children's
ped. for 3 years now. I love her, and my girls have a
wonderful relationship with her also. I have found her
to be very educated with vaccinations and seems open to
my opinons/ideas regarding when to get them. Although
I have always gone with her advice and the schedule they
are supposed to be, she has also held off on some until
the next well child visit, which seemed to me that she
is flexible. By the way, she is a woman of color.
Kerri
2002
Does anyone have recommendations re: pediatricians at Kaiser in
Richmond? We have two girls, ages six and three, and
an infant boy.
Mary
I would highly recommend Dr. Robert Schaff at Kaiser Richmond.
I have a one-year-old son and Dr. Schaff is the only
pediatrician we have seen. He has a very calm and gentle
manner. I have been very happy with both Dr. Schaff and the
entire staff at Kaiser Richmond. Good luck!
Anon. please.
We really like Dr. Susan Lindheim. She's been our daughter's
primary pediatrician, and we find her to be very thorough and
careful. Our son likes Dr. Mahl, and he seems competent too.
Don't know if either of these physicians are taking new
patients. I've also heard that Dr. Brunetti is good. She's a
local girl; daughter of two educators in Berkeley.
parent of 13 yr old girl and 10 yr old boy
I highly recommend Dr. Schaff at Kaiser Richmond. He has seen
our 14 month old daughter since birth and has been warm,
gentle, patient and all around the best doctor I have ever
met. He carefully monitored our daughter when she had a large
drop in weight, and was thorough without being alarmist. My
sense is that many doctors would have dismissed this problem
with a 'wait and see' attitude, but I really appreciated that
Dr. Schaff took the time to make sure she was doing okay. The
office staff clearly likes him, and we have sent two friends to
him, both of whom are very, very happy with his care. The
whole pediatrics staff at Richmond seems to be very good. Good
luck!
Kelly
When I posted the same question 4 months ago, 4/6 people
suggested Dr. Cheryl Brunetti. We switched to Kaiser when our
baby was 2 months old & now she is 8 months old. So far, so
good. I like the way she explains things -- she describes the
biology of whatever is wrong & she's very nice
- Irene D
My two favorites(I've tried out quite a few)are Dr. Brunetti
(female) and Dr. Schaff(male) both we're respectful of our
decision not to vaccinate and not do antibiotics at the drop of
a hat.
M.K.
I recommend Dr. Cherilyn Brunetti at Kaiser Richmond--my
son (now 19 months old) has been her patient since he
was newborn. She always seems to enjoy seeing my son,
and talking to us, and answering our many questions. Her
answers are satisfying (she really listens to the question),
and her manner is friendly, pleasant and very gentle.
(note: I have recommended her before, as have others, I
believe, but I couldn't find anything but Dr. Burman in the
archives either.)
Lisa
Dr. Burman is my boys' pediatrician so he is who we see most
often. I have seen several other drs. for Urgent Care though and
here are my comments/recommendations. (The first three I saw
over a year ago so my perceptions are a little dulled by time,
but they are all still there. The last I just saw last week.)
Dr. Margaret Dessler - She is warm and friendly. She has young
children herself so is ''up'' on current info about them. And if
this is a concern, she is also very breast feeding friendly.
Dr. Ahwah (I could be totally off on the spelling) - She is
good, but I felt she was a little clinical for my tastes.
Dr. Lindheim (or is it Lindstrom... sorry) - She was very warm
also. I haven't seen her with a baby, just a toddler... he liked
her.
Dr. Mahl - He was pretty laid back... didn't pooh, pooh me when
I was concerned. He examined my baby while I held the baby on my
lap. It was a little awkward, but it seemed like a good idea
since he had no way of knowing that my baby would have been just
as happy kicking the crinkly paper as sitting with me.
Hope that list helps you pick. Generally, I would say that the
peds. at Richmond Kaiser are all really great. That department
is always hopping but the staff and drs are always friendly and
comforting. I have never been rushed out of a room after an apt
(like when my baby decides to nurse just as the apt is ending).
You should be in good hands. If you are not sure what you want
to do, just make sure you see a different dr everytime you go to
urgent care so you can try them all out.
Rose
I definitley suggest Dr. Robert Scaff. I have a 10 month old son
and he loves him. Dr. Schaff is at the Richmond Kaiser Clinic and
is very professional. He does not rush you through appointments
and is always open for questions and gives wonderful advice. He
is very gentle and even when my son fusses he is very good at
working around him and getting him to calm down. I am 22 years
old now but growing up I did have Dr. Burman as my pediatrician.
He was a good doctor but when I was between the ages of 7-11 I
had started to gain alot of weight. I feel now that if maybe he
had either put me on a diet or gave me some type of eating plan I
would not have gained the excess weight that I am still fighting
today. I believe that alot of doctors ignore the fact that
children today have eating problems and I think it is partly the
parents and the doctors responsibility to address these health
problems early on in the child's life. You may want to really
look around at the other pediatrician's at Kaiser besides Burman.
I really think though if you go with Dr. Schaff you will be very
happy. Good Luck!!
Anon
I am very familiar with all of the Pediatricians at Richmond Kaiser
and you can not go wrong with any choice. All the doctors are board
certified Pediatricians and trained at some of the best pediatric
training programs in the country. You just need to pick someone
who matches your interests. They have a few older physicians, many
younger, most with children of their own and covering every
background/race conceivable. There is a brand new member of their
department I know very well. Karen Krueger is from Chicago, trained
at Texas Children's Hospital, has young children of her own, and has
been an ambulatory faculty member at Oakland Children's Hospital for
the past decade. She is open minded, considerate, and not at all
dictatorial, but will explain the science behind decisions if needed.
She has won awards at Oakland Children's Hospital for her expertise and
bedside manner including the coveted ''Miraclemaker Award.''
A Father and Pediatrician
2001
Does anyone have a recommendation for Richmond Kaiser
pediatricians who are accepting patients? We are
looking for someone for our newborn son. Would prefer a
female doctor. Also has anyone had experience using
Kaiser with Healthy Families or MediCal?
melwood
re: Richmond Kaiser pediatrician...We are very happy with Mel Burman. He's
the chair of the dept I believe, but more importantly, he ANSWERS HIS OWN
PHONE and responds very promptly to messages. I've also heard from parents of
older kids that the nurse who works with him is a great resource for parents
re: communication with teens, problem-solving, etc. Our son is 2.3 now and
has been pretty healthy, so we've only met face-to-face a few times, but I've
talked with him many times by phone and consider him a great resource at this
stage too.
Tony
I'm a nurse/parent educator there and I think all of the doctors are tops!
I've been there
10 years and my children have seen most of the doctors over time. I
P.S. Dr.Burman isn't taking new patients. (He will take siblings of people
he sees).
Rona
Dr. Mel Burman has been our pediatrician (my boys are 10 1/2, and 6) since my
older son was an infant. He's always playful, caring, kind and knows his
stuff. He seems to be open to some alternatives to western medicine which I
appreciate a lot. When my younger son was about 18 months old he had a badly
infected lymph node in his groin. After an unsuccessful round of antibiotics
Dr. Burman arranged for us to be admitted to Childrens. He called us from
home that night to check on my son and gave me his home phone number (which
he'd done another time during an urgent situation). He reminds me of the old
time familyl doctors that made house calls. He's a real gem.
June
I recommend Dr. Anjana Ray. She has been the pediatrician for both my kids
(ages 7 & 4.5) since birth, and we've been very happy with her. She takes the
time to answer my questions, and I don't feel rushed. She has also called
sometimes with extra info or check-ins, when it's been warranted--I've
appreciated her willingness to follow up. When I've advocated for my child
(as with requesting the "dead" polio virus vaccination versus the "live" one,
even though it may not have been the standard procedure, or doing
vaccinations in 2 or 3 trips rather than all on the same day), she was more
than willing to do what I wanted. This is the main reason we stick with
Kaiser--we are happy with pediatrics in Richmond. Dr. Berman and others are
also very nice--I've never had a bad experience in the pediatric dept. And
that's saying alot (after 7 years!).
Roxane
1998
I strongly recommend a pediatrician at Kaiser in Richmond. We live in
Albany - from there Kaiser Richmond is easier and faster to get to
than Oakland, so depending on where you live in Berkeley, it may be a
good bet. The physician is Dr. Melvin Berman. He is the Chief of
Pediatrics at Richmond. He is kind, funny and patient and seems to
really enjoy each child. He encourages parent questions. His
responses are straight forward and pragmatic. On several occasions
when we have gone in for urgent care appointments weekends or evenings
when Dr. Berman was not available, we have seen other Richmond
pediatric staff, all of whom have been kind and helpful.
Andi
1997
I have a wonderful pediatrician in Richmond at Kaiser: Dr. Melvin Burman.
I have been told that he also works some days at Alta Bates in Berkeley. Kim
this page was last updated: Apr 29, 2012
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