Re: Pediatrician who is smart and available
A few years ago, we left a very popular multi-doctor practice because the whole process was impersonal; different departments in different cities, nobody coordinating with each other, etc. We switched to Dr. Karen Schiffman in Berkeley. She is a one-doctor office, with everything (including billing) happening in her office. We have never had an issue with same-day appointments or billing. Dr. Schiffman is always available to talk to us after hours, too. In fact, I once called her at night for a very obvious and common childhood problem, and she called in a prescription to our pharmacist without making us wait for an office visit in the morning. She is very knowledgeable and wonderful with the kids and parents. The only thing she does not have is the separate waiting room for sick kids, but she doesn't need it because there is almost always a room ready for you to wait in. Her phone # is 510-845-0300. dawn

Re: Looking for a hassle free pediatrician's office
Worth Driving For: We really like Dr. Karin Schiffman with a private practice at Alta Bates in South Berkeley. FRIENDLY office staff--doctor very personable and exceptionally competent. I just searched for some reviews online, and here's the link: http://www.yelp.com/biz/karin-schiffman-md-berkeley All the Best, Thankful

Hi , Can parents who use Dr. Shiffmann as your pediatrician share their experience? I would like to hear how supportive/helpful she is with regards to breastfeeding, co-sleeping and delayed vaccine schedules. Have you found her available when you needed her? Has she handled your medical issues well? Has anything ever gotten lost in the shuffle? Thanks baby coming soon

First off, she is an extremely dedicated and capable doctor. She's up on all the research, really listens/notices, asks the right questions, and explains options very clearly.

Also, her practice is extremely well-run. Her office is immaculate, and we have never waited even five minutes for an appointment. We've had about 3 things come up where we needed to call her off-hours, and again, she called back within five minutes (they were all fine). We always see her, never a nurse. And she always seems to have the time to spend with you and your baby.

Our daughter was born breech and had a hip dysplasia. Dr. Schiffman diagnosed it right away, which was fabulous, since it's one of those issues where early intervention is the key.

I think we went with her after reading Berkeley Parents listings and have been very, very pleased. Chris

Very organized office, great staff - I think she is in a league of her own with the service she provides. very happy customer

Interviewed 3 pediatricians, before selecting her. She was the most thorough. as one little example, she explained *why* the medical community is shifting to infant Hep B vaccines, as opposed to just saying that she would support an alternative schedule. Great facts, research, knowledge on all kinds of topics. And she give you the time to pass that information along. (saves me time. I trust her and she tells me where to look if I want more info, she's open to sharing both sides.)

We selected her before we realized this. as a highly analytical engineer / business woman, her Stanford & UCSF pedigree (& connections at Oakland Children's Hospital) gives me that extra bit of comfort that she's thorough, detail oriented, & can find outside resources if she needs them. a Schiffman fan

Re: billing problems at another practice
Dr. Schiffman has a one-doctor show, although she retuens calls on weekends and always follows up with us about test results. She has her own opinions about vaccines, but she lets the parents make the decision. We are also on a delayed schedule, and she has no problem with that. We have never had a billing problem with her office, but if we did, I have the feeling that it would be taken care of right away, just like everything else in her practice. She is great with my daughter, too! Good luck. dawn

Re: Pediatrician for 14 and 18 year old daughters

Both of my teen daughters, aged 16 and 19, go to pediatrician Dr. Karin Schiffman in Berkeley on Milvia. They appreciate her very warm,respectful and informative manner. Her office number is 510-854- 0300. karen

Re: Doctor for nine-year-old girl
My daughters, 13 and 9, LOVE Dr. Karin Schiffman. She is fabulous! For at least the last few years, she has spent part of my older daughter's appointment times meeting with her alone. They have talked about puberty--both the physical and the emotional changes. Peer pressure, depression, boyfriends--all are subjects that Dr. Schiffman has brought up and discussed with my daughter in private. Amazing. Dr. Schiffman is extremely responsive. She always returns emails and phone calls promptly. Monica, in the front office, is friendly and so efficient. Dr. Schiffman is in Berkeley, 845-0300. Call her, meet her and see for yourself. She is the best! Holly

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

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

[Editor] Reviews were also received for Robin Meezan

Re: Primary care physician referrals
We have recently discovered a fantastic new pediatrician for infants and adolescents. She has a warm and welcoming manner and is incredibly thoughtful and thorough. My daughters ages 14 and 17 highly recommend Dr. Karin Schiffman 2500 Milvia Berkeley 845-0300. Karen S.

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

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

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