Berkeley Parents Network: Karin Schiffman

Berkeley Parents Network

Karin Schiffman

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > Pediatricians > Karin Schiffman

Editor Note (2008): Karin Schiffman was previously with Alameda Pediatrics and past reviews can be found on that page.

Jan 2008

Re: looking for a new pediatrician
My girls have a fantastic pediatrician in Berkeley. Her name is Karin Schiffman 2500 Milvia 845-0300
Karen

October 2007

I am wondering if anyone has had Dr. Robin Meezan or Dr. Karin Schiffman as a pediatrician. Dr. Meezan is new to the Pediatric Medical Group on Woolsey in Berkeley (she's been there about a year). Dr. Schiffman has been written about in the archives BUT there is a big change in her practice - she's gone into private practice and moved to Berkeley, so I'm wondering if anyone has experience with that. I am torn between having a kind of old world experience with one doctor...but am wondering if it's wiser and more practical to go with a group of doctors, as is the case with Dr. Meezan. Plus, I'd like to know if anyone has feedback on Dr. Meezan in general. She seems youthful and kind, ... but this is my first child and I would like to be reassured that people have trusted their children with her, medically! Thanks! --Didn't even know you had to ''interview'' pediatricians

After interviewing a large number of pediatricians, we selected Dr. Karin Schiffman for our twin girls (born March 2007). We have been extraordinarily pleased with our decision. We wanted someone who would give us all the information we ask for, and the information that we didn't know to ask for( being new parents and all), and who would then respect our choices for our girls. Dr. Schiffman does that about medical issues and about general developmental issues. I also wanted to have a pediatrician for the girls that they could develop a real relationship with (like when we were kids) so that they'd be comfortable talking to her, getting advice from her, etc. Dr. Schiffman is that kind of a doctor. When you make an appointment, you get Dr. Schiffman, not whichever doctor is on call that day. She opened her own practice in Berkeley about a year ago, and provides fantastic care. We never have to wait when we get there (she respects our time) and her office staff is wonderful, too. I was also hung up on what happens off-hours...I didn't want to have a pediatrician who we'd have to go through a nurse-service gauntlet to talk to if we really were concerned about something. Dr. Schiffman responds to her own afterhours calls. She has made time to see one of my girls on a weekend and on an evening. Perhaps as important, when we were at Alta Bates for the girls' birth, and then a week or so later when one of them had to go to Children's, she was completely on top of the situation. She helped manage the hospital care, and really made sure that we knew all of the issues and options we had to work with. We got far better care in both places, I am convinced, as a result of her involvement. We could not be happier with Dr. Schiffman. Kara

I love ''Dr. Karin'' (Karin Schiffman). She was my daughter's pediatrician for over a year. We switched from a family practice in Alameda to her practice after I ''interviewed'' her. I talked to her for over an hour during this process; she encouraged it and was very generous with her time. I met another Alameda doc that I also liked a lot, but my daughter instantly clicked with Karin. By age 2, she had become frightened by going to the doctor, but immediately trusted Dr. Karin - I really appreciated her kind and caring manner and her way with kids (as well as with parents)! She cares about getting to know the kids and doesn't treat anyone as another patient (or worse, a ''number'') she is interested in having a relationship with the kids so they don't feel intimidated. I don't know what the structure of her new practice is, but I wish she would've stayed in Alameda. I have 2 kids now, and I want a local doc, otherwise, I'd have followed her!! Alameda mom of 2 kids

My daughters LOVE Karin Schiffman. I do, too. We met her at Alameda Pediatrics and followed her to her private practice in Berkeley. We live in Alameda, so it would have been easier to choose another pediatrician in Alameda, but we decided that it was more important to continue to receive her great care rather than just go with what was convenient. She is wonderful--caring and knowledgeable. She relates really well to my daughters--talking directly to them and explaining medical ''stuff'' to them in ways they can understand. I recently scheduled annual physical exams for them, and she scheduled and spent one hour appointments for each. Amazing and thorough! Monica, her office manager, is efficient and friendly. Yet another aspect of her office that I love (though I haven't used it yet) is that Dr. Schiffman doesn't use an answering service. She has a voice mail system that gives you the option to page her directly if you have an urgent matter, and she'll return your call--herself. I recommend her whole-heartedly. If you have any questions about how her office operates, I would suggest you call her office and ask. Feel free to call me if you have any questions. She's so wonderful--I only wish I could find a doctor just like her for myself... Holly

[Editor] Reviews were also received for Robin Meezan

Feb 2007

In search of a Pediatrician w/a holistic approach
My daughter will be coming into this world next month (yay!) and we are looking for a pediatrician in the Berkeley/ East Bay area who uses a human/ holistic approach. We are delivering with midwives and have found their care to be in this genre. Her daddy and I are very much for traditional medicine, but we are looking for a great doctor who considers the emotional aspects of our bodies, has a great bedside manner, will take time to ask questions and do a thorough visit, and is not to narrow minded to consider how other types of medical practices (like Eastern medicine) might evaluate the situation. Of course, at the base, we want a competent and careful doctor. Are all of these too much to ask? If you have a rec., would you also speak to appointment availability, parking, or any other issues I might not have thought of? Thank you!! snapmama

Dr Karin Schiffman 510-845-0400 in Berkeley. She really takes her time with people, she seems to be always available and parking is easy. Also she referred out to John Nieters, Licensed Acupuncturist. as an alternative to drugs for food allergies and asthma related chronic issues. When my son fell and cracked his head, we had an ambulance ride to Children's Hospital she met us there in ER. Jen

Our beloved pediatrician has recently started her own practice so she can provide exactly the type of service you are asking about. Her name is Karin Schiffman. I am including below a posting she recently sent to BPN to let people know about her new practice:

I'd like to welcome you all to my new pediatrics office! My name is Karin Schiffman, and I'm a primary care pediatrician who has been practicing in the east bay for many years. As many of you know, I finally decided to open my own practice so that I can provide the type of personalized care that I think people like best. My philosophy is that you deserve to have a pediatrician who understands what is important to you and can help you sort through the most current medical information in a nurturing environment. Some families prefer a ''just the facts, ma'am'' approach, and others prefer more guidance and emotional discussion; my goal is to work within your values to help you make the best decisions about your child's health, development, and emotional well being.
I graduated from UCSF School of Medicine with honors in 1994 and completed my residency in pediatrics at UCSF in 1997. After two years of additional training in children's cancer and blood diseases at Stanford, I realized that I really wanted to focus my career in primary care. I have been in a group practice for most of the last seven years, but I frequently felt limited in my ability to tailor my practice to the needs of the families I served. I have spent the past year planning to create an environment where children and families come first, where expert medical guidance is easily accessible, and where you can consider your family to have a medical home. I have also continued to work and teach in the emergency department at Oakland Children's Hospital. Although my training is in western medicine, I am always delighted to coordinate care with other complementary types of medicine.
If you would like to make an appointment to meet with me and tour the new office (with no charge for the visit), please call my office at 510-845-0300.
I look forward to seeing you in Berkeley! Karin Schiffman, MD (510) 845-0300

Tori

Feb 2007

Re: Looking for a Wise and Supportive Pediatrician
There is a great Pediatrician in Berkeley. She has been our Dr. since our first Daughter was born. She just opened her own practice in Berkeley. She has been a rock and shelter when we have needed her. Our second daughter was born needing special care and Dr Karin Shiffman has been at our side (literally) making sure we get the best care that is possible. She is what a doctor should be, loving and attentive and extremely knowledgeable and caring. She loves her patients as if they were her own. She always has the time for you and never ever makes you feel like even your silliest question is unimportant. Dr Karin Schiffman 510-845-0400
Christa

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