Berkeley Pediatric Medical Group, 1650 Walnut (click here)
Dec 2012
Re: Intellectual Pediatrician near Berkeley?
I know just what you mean--I have a PhD in molecular biology and like to have a
high-level explanation of the situation when I go to the doctor. I have seen Dr.
Kowaleski on Woolsey at Telegraph for about 8 yrs. with my two kids. He is
great--always willing to answer questions and provide more detail, listens to
ideas/preferences I have regarding treatment. Plus, he's so friendly that even my
super-shy child has no trouble with visits. I like the practice, too. Very
family-friendly and well-run. 510-849-1744
Love ''Dr. K''
Aug 2011
Re: Recommendations for Pediatrician
Dr. Petra Landman at Pediatric Medical Group on Woolsey
at Telegraph. The entire office is wonderfully run and Dr.
Landman is a fantastic pediatrician.
July 2011
Re: Lactation Services at Pediatric Practices
We started going to the Pediatric Medical Group in Berkeley after the
recent birth of our baby. Dr. Robin Meezan is great as are the other
doctors in the practice (of the ones that we have met so far). They
have a lactation consultant that you can make appts with after any of
your child's dr. appointments. So helpful and timesaving!
KT
Pediatric Medical Group on Telegraph in South Berkeley has an excellent
lactation consultant, Joanne Rucker. She's on staff and has always been
available to me when I've needed her, setting aside time at the end of
a pediatric visits or responding to my calls promptly. I had a lot of
fears/challenges when nursing my first child, who was premature so
there were latching issues. Joanne took a real interest in me and my
daughter and spent considerable time advising me and guiding me as I
nursed. PMG generally is excellent. I've always been able to get
same-day appointments with our doctor, Ralph Berberich. On occasion
Robin Meezan has treated my kids. She's awesome too. Anon
Nov 2010
Re: Pediatrician for needle-phobic 6-year-old
Ralph Berberich at the pediatric medical group in Berkeley has done
extensive work in preparing children for immunizations with hypnosis. I
have worked with him professionally and think highly of him
Medical professional
You should consider Ralph Berberich MD. He is a leader in techniques to
help children with shots. I have personally seen him make a tremendous
difference for children and their families about phobias such as this...
Anon
July 2010
Re: Looking for a hassle free pediatrician's office
Pediatric Medical Group not only has great doctors (Landman,
Kowaleski, Berberich, and Meezan), but the office is
incredibly well-run. They've got an advice nurse, a separate
waiting room for sick kids, and fantastic front office
staff. I wish every doctor's office were so efficient and
friendly. It's in Berkeley, but near the Oakland border.
happy mom of two PMG patients
I love The pediatric Medical Group in Berkeley. It is a
group of five knowledgeable pediatricians and nurses, and
wonderful staff. You always feel treated with respect, every
single question is answered, there is always a pediatrician
on call. (510)849-1744.Good Luck.
L
When my now 10 y.o.son was 1 he had a pediatricians office
that drove me crazy. Their billing was all screwed up and
they were always over charging me. In the end they ended up
owing me over $300 and they didn't pay until I threatened
to take them to small claims court. I switched over to Dr.
Berberich at Pediatric Medical Group on Woolsey Street in
Berkeley (off Telegraph). The doctor's there are fabulous
and the office staff is great. Bonnie, the billing manager
is not only very helpful, but also has a great sense of
humor. I trust all the doctor's and staff and am very happy
to be one of their clients.
Proud Client of Pediatric Medical Group
March 2010
Re: Pediatrician Open to Alternative Vaccine Schedule?
hi. i'm not sure how alternative you are looking for -
spreading out most vaccines, or skipping many. if you are
referring to spreading out vaccines i can recommend Dr.
Meezan at The Pediatric Medical Group on Woolsey in
Berkeley. we have taken our 20 month old daughter to her
since birth. she always gives us her full time and
attention, handles our daughter well, we like the nurses,
she offers good advice, and has been open to us following
Dr. Sears alternative schedule of spreading out vaccines.
they also have separate healthy and sick kids waiting rooms,
which we like. we have never given our daughter more than
two shots at a time and we skipped the Hep B shot and the
Rotovirus, since she stays home with me. they do not support
anti-vaccination parenting, if that's what you were looking
for. and a few months ago they told us that all their new
patients had to get Varicella and MMR by age two. we are OK
with this. she got Varicella yesterday and will get an MMR a
month before she's 2. if you are OK with this too, then call
them. if not, then i hope you get the help you were looking
for.
vicki
Oct 2009
Re: Best MediCal Doctor in Berkeley
Welcome to California. I don't know the ''best'' doctor because I
don't believe that one single doctor is the best for everyone.
Heck, we can't even agree on who makes the best sourdough
baguette! So if no one steps forward to reveal who the best
doctor is for you 15 year old, then I suggest you try Pediatric
Medical group (PMG) on Woolsey (near Telegraph Avenue and Whole
Foods) or Berkeley Pediatrics on Virginia St in Berkeley. Your
son may prefer a male doc. I think both these practices have at
least one. Dr. Steven Kowaleski at PMG is a very good doctor.
The Best Mom
Aug 2009
Re: Pediatrician shopping
I recommend
Dr. Landman very highly. She's an astute, caring, pro-active doctor who
deals equally well with regular check ups and more complex issues. We've
had good experiences with the other pediatricians in the practice too. The
whole staff is very responsive and kind. It's the best run doctor's office
I've encountered. Also, we park on the street, which is free.
satisfied parent
Pediatric Medical Group is well organized, etc. My kids see Dr. Kowaleski
in that office, and I have been satisfied. When considering both options,
consider the whole practice, not just the one doctor. If your child is
sick, you'll deal with whoever is on call. My kids have had some medical
issues, so we've had many phone calls, appointments, and even a few
hospital visits from all of them. I am happy with the group as a whole.
For what it's worth, my daughter's favorite is Dr. Meezan...
anon
Dr. Landman has been our pediatrician since my first son was born 6 years
ago, and we love her. All of the doctors in the practice are excellent, the
staff is friendly and efficient, and I am always able to get a same day
appointment for a sick kid. Parking was a concern for me too, but I have
always been able to find a spot on the street within a block of the office.
The other big benefit as a new mother was their weekly mothers' group which
they offer for free.
Fan of Dr. Landman
Our 2-year-old's pediatrician is Dr. Berberich at Pediatric Medical Group,
but we have also seen Dr. Landman a couple of times for urgent
appointments. I had a great impression of her - she is caring and
responsive, and didn't seem rushed. The other medical staff are great, and
we've never had to wait long in the waiting room or examining room.
Usually you can find street parking within a block or two, but when we've
parked in the lot, the cost hasn't been too bad (because our waiting time
isn't so long).
Jean
May 2009
Re: Pediatrician w sep. sick well wait room
Pediatric Medical Group in Berkeley has separate well/sick
rooms. You do need to immunize your child to see the doctors
there, but there is some ability to have a delayed schedule.
(510) 849-1744. www.pedmedgroup.com
Fan of Ped Med Group
April 2009
Re: Do you love your Pediatrician?
Hi,
We really like our pediatrician - Robin Meezan at Pediatric Medical
Group in Berkeley. Telegraph & Woolsey.
Kim
March 2008
Re: Recommendations for Pediatricians
The Pediatric Medical Group has worked fine for us over the
last 12 years. We have seen each of the doctors over those
years. Our primary is Kowaleski and he's great. He is glad
to talk over options and choices. The office staff has been
fine, as has the financial/billing person. We park on the
street when we go. Thier former advice nurse (now retired)
was very helpful. I assume the new one is the same, but we
used that service much more when the kids were small.
Anon
November 2007
We're considering switching pediatricians and our choices are
Pediatric Medical Group (Ralph Berberich, Jane Hunter) or
Bayside Medical Group (Katya Gerwein, Janet Perlman). We'd
appreciate any current reviews of these doctors/practices, as
the ones online are a few years old. We're especially
interested in how they are with same-day appointments for sick
kids and how they deal with kids on delayed vaccination
schedules.
Keri
We switched from another Peditric Group to Pediatric Medical
Group 2 years ago. I was tired of wait time on phone, the 5
minute well checks, having to call 4 months ahead to make well
check appontments and general chaos at our last doctors office.
At Pediatric Medical group we see Doctors Hunter and Kowelski,
have never seen other Doctors so cannot pass comment. I have a
son and Daughter and chose doctors of same sex for each child.
Appointments are calm and doctor spends ample time going over
things and answering questions. Very good bedside manner with
the kids.
Have made same day appointments for a sick child. One day there
was confusion on my end about a well check and phoned to say I
could be there what would have been an hour late. Doctor
Kowelski waited for us, it was after hours. The office was not
closed to staff but to patients at that time. Everyone was so
nice about it.
Happy at PMG
HI, I just switched from Dr. Perlman at Bayside to Dr. Hunter at
Pediatric Med Group. Dr Perlman was wonderful, but the Bayside
office was not so great. Everytime I arrived for my daughter's
appts, they ran at least 30 mins behind schedule. I was also
bothered that they only have 1 waiting room where sick children
and healthy kids all wait together and play with the same toys.
And, the waiting room just does not seem very clean.
Nonetheless, Dr. Perlman and the staff at Bayside were very kind
and completely competent. It was the facilities and the time
management that bothered me.
At Pediatric Medical Group, Dr. Hunter is also very wonderful and
the office is great. There is a healthy child waiting room and a
separate sick child waiting room. I am always called in on time,
almost as soon as I arrive. Dr. Hunter spends plenty of time
with my daughter and I (she does not seem rushed and she is very
thorough). I would go with Hunter.
Lastly, I was a patient at Pediatric Medical Group throughout my
own childhood and I have very fond memories of the doctor and of
playing in the waiting room!
Kate
I saw your post on BPN and here is my take on Pediatric medical group:
We use the Pediatric Medical Group, on Telegraph/Woolsey.
There are 5 paeds there. My son's doc is Dr. Berberich - sort of old school,
a
bit conservative, but an excellent paediatrician and was there for my son
each
time we landed at Children's because of bronchiolitis. We've also had visits
with Dr Jane Hunter, Dr Petra Landman (both of whom were the docs on-call
when he
was born and came to see him while I was at Alta Bates after the birth) and
their newest addition
Dr. Mezlan, a woman, with a toddler. And Dr. Steve Kowalesky.
All the docs have children of their own.
The office has a new advice nurse and new-mothers groups that meet weekly. I
prefer the support group at Alta Bates myself. But this supprot group also
comes recommended.
The group came highly recommended to us by colleagues of my husband (one of
them a resident in med school), my OB, and of course we've recently found out
that the chief of Emergency at Children's has all his children there as well.
Dr. Berberich used to be the chief of Paediatrics at Alta Bates - when they
still had a paediatrics dept a few years ago. They've opened the office on
12/24 for us two years running and they are very good at calling back when
you
call the doc on call. Their front desks staff is great, and their accounting
office has always made a special effort to contact us if there were any
issues. In particular, when United Healthcare went through a change in their
list of phisicians they contacted us and let us know the issues and worked
with us so that we cound maintain continuity of care.
If you're looking for someone with a bit more of a touchy feely attitude I'd
go with Dr. Landman, the Dr. Mezlan or Dr. Steve Kowalesky.
We love our pediatricians and are very satisfied.
Lastly, this may be a consideration - as put forth to me from a colleague
with
older boys - when you first have the child (if it'a a boy) you may want to go
with a pediatrician
that is a woman for your comfort. However, as they grow older there will come
a
time when they'll not be comfortable with a woman doc, and you'll need to
switch to a male pediatrician.
I didn't feel the need to have to go through that, but it was nice to know
that this happens all the time and that had I chosen a female paediatrician,
I could stay within the practice and switch to another doc that my son would
be familiar with.
Very happy Pediatric Medical Group parent
[Editor] Reviews were also received for Bayside Pediatrics.
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
I take our 10 mth old to Dr. Meezan. She is wonderful, patient,
listens well, explains well and is easy going. She also has a
young toddler so she is walking her talk. As for the rest of
the practice, I'm a big fan of Dr. Hunter, however, do not
like Dr. Berberich or Dr. Kowaleski; the are probably good Docs
but their bedside manner needs imrpovement and they dont seem
very open to hearing your ideas about what is going on. I
usually just time our appts on days when either Dr. Meezan or
Dr. Hunter are in. The front desk staff is very nice.
Another Berkeley Mom
We have been going to PMG since our youngest (now 5) was born.
I really like Dr. Meezan's manner with my kids (she isn't our
primary pediatrician), and her reasoning behind treatments,
etc. As a parent of 2 very accident prone kids, I also really
appreciate their advice nurse (office hours only) as well as
their after hours MD ''on call'' service so that you can page
the pediatrician who can answer urgent questions/decide if you
have to go to the ER, etc. Dr. Meezan was on call when my then
1 year old had to go to the ER and she called ahead to alert
the triage nurse/ER staff (Dr. Meezan I think did her residency
or internship at Children's) who were waiting for us. I like
the stability of the MD group, too, as all of the other MD's
have been there for years.
Satisfied Parent
I chose Dr. Meezan from the group of doctors at Pediatric
Medical Group and have been extremely happy with her so far.
I'm a first time parent of a baby born on Oct. 1. I chose Dr.
Meezan based on the fact that she's young, has a baby of her
own and is affiliated with a group of very experienced and
older doctors. Because she's young (I'd guess no older than 33)
and new to the practice, it's easier to get an appt. with Dr.
Meezan. Plus, I think she's more enthusiastic about serving
her patients. She loves email and phone messages and will
return your message within 24 hours (usually less). Since I'm
about the same age as Dr. Meezan, I feel very comfortable with
her.
On the Subject of Dr. Robin Meezan,
Dr. Meezan was recomended to me by a nurse at Alta Bates.
I have been seeing her for almost a year with my one year old
little boy. She is very nice and listens to my ''new parent''
concerns. My son is my fist. I call constantly with any little
questions and concerns and they have an on call nurse to answer
any questions when Dr. Meezan is not around. She came from the
Children's hospital in Oakland and has a son of her own as
well. She is very interested in my son and family and I feel
well cared for when I do visit. We have mostly visited on well
baby visits but there have been two times where I took my son
in when he was not well and he recovered well after seeing Dr.
Meezan. She is great with my son and he feels comfortable with
her as well. I hope this helps.
take care
Jeanne
I can highly recommend Dr. Robin Meezan as a trusted and
responsive Pediatrician. As a new mom, I had lots of questions
about all the different stages my daughter was going through
and all the articles I had read about ear infections, sleep
issues, colds, medicines, flying with children etc. I really
appreciated that Dr. Meezan never made me feel that my
questions were not valid. Once, we were schedule to fly to the
East Coast and our 13 month old had been sick with a bad cold.
I was really nervous to fly because I didn't want to make our
daughter more sick or her have a miserable flight due to the
pressure from flying. She chatted with me on the phone,
listened to my concerns and then gave me a list of some ideas
to help me make my decision to travel or not. I think I also
appreciate that she's a mom too so she understands those
sleepless nights, first time illnesses and adjustments to each
stage of development. My husband and I trust her medical
advice and feel very!
comfortable discussing our questions and challenges in
raising our first daughter. Plus, she loves kids and our
daughter responds really well to her!
bfsally
[Editor] Reviews were also received for Karin Schiffman
October 2007
I would like to recommend our daughter's pediatrician, Dr. Meezan, at the Pediatric
Medical Group. We are first time parents of a 5 month old and have really enjoyed
working with her. She encourages us to come with a list of questions for each
visit. She takes time at the start to ask how things are going or if there are any
special concerns. She takes all the time we need to answer any questions that we
have about raising our child. She is very caring and warm with our daughter. She
always tells us to call between appointments if we have any quesitons or concerns.
When we have asked her opinion about things such as childcare and co-sleeping we
have never felt that she is judging us about the choices we make. She helps us to
very thoroughly explore all our options. We like that she is a new parent herself
and she often shares with us the choices that she made with her son.
The office itself has well and sick child waiting rooms. They have an advice nurse
that you can call with questions (which we have on many occasions.) We have never
waited for more than 5 minutes in the waiting room for any appointment (well or
sick.)The office is located at 2320 Woolsey Street. Phone is (510)849-1744.
Tracee
My son is also a patient of Dr. Meezan... I like her but not the staff at her
office. I don't recommend going there
for that reason. Here is one example that happened to me recently. We were in
her office for an emergency visit and my son was in pain and crying. I had to
pay my co-payment and did so with a credit card. The receptionist was short
with me because I sat down while it processed to comfort my son. She spoke
loudly over the wail of my child ordering me to sign the slip. I told her
that it was more important to comfort my son than to sign the slip at that
moment. Once my son quieted down (I was still holding him), I heard her
talking to someone else in a flippant tone saying that I could not see a
doctor until it was signed and that I had been rude to her. Don't children
come first at a pediatrician's office? This is only one example. I have a few
others and we are now switching doctores because of the support staff there.
anon
July 2007
I would like to recommend Doctor Robin Meezan at Berkeley Pediatric Group on Woolsey Street
in Berkeley. She is very intelligent, kind and patient. She is very knowledgable about
every concern a new mother could possibly have (she answered all of my questions about
breast feeding and supplementing with formula, what effects various medications would have
on my breast feeding and assuaged my fears/anxieties about my infant son's vaccinations and
how safe they are. She assured me that her clinic's vaccinations did not contain
thimerasol (the mercury that used to be in vaccines until the year 2000)). She is great
with children!
Rebecca
April 2007
Re: In need of a pediatrician in Albany or east bay.
We've been seeing Jane Hunter at the Pediatric Medical Group (849-1744) for over 5 years and
are very happy with her. We've seen all of the doctors in the practice and all but one (but
I won't name names) are very good. Liz O.
Feb 2007
Re: Looking for a Wise and Supportive Pediatrician
You will find what you're looking for at the Pediatric Medical Group. I see Dr.
Kowaleski, but all the other Dr.s in the group are awesome as well, plus they have a
super helpful NP who is a lactation consultant and a fantastic resourse. They are at
2320 Woolsey St # 301
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 849-1744
love our pediatrician
Nov 2006
I'm looking for current reviews in regards to the Pediatric
Medical Group on Woolsey St. We're thinking of sending our child
to Dr. Jane Hunter and would like to know what other's
experiences have been in regards to her, other dr.'s in the
practice, the office staff, billing, etc. Looking for a Ped
Your child will be in excellent hands at the Pediatric Medical Group. Both my children have
seen Dr. Berberich (and just about every doctor there) and our experience has been beyond
excellent. I cried when our insurance carrier advised us that PMG was no longer a provider.
The thought of leaving was too much for me, so my husband and I decided that we would stay
with PMG and pay the extra out of pocket expense. That's how good they are!! The staff is
courteous and friendly. The Business Manager (who handles the billing) is wonderful. You
honestly can't go wrong
Happy PMG client
We have been seeing Dr. Hunter since my second child was born 2
1/2 years ago. We like her and value her medical advice. All of
the doctors at the Pedicatric Medical Group have been practicing
for some time. It's a plus because if your child becomes
seriously ill you will have a lot of experience to help guide
you. On the downside I sense a high degree of burnout. Some of
the routine visits are rushed and the docs seem disinterested. One visit for an ear ache
was especially disheartening. The
nurses are hit and miss. Some are nice and others are gruff. The billing office has been
great and we have had no problems. Overall, I would consider it a very good professional
practice
but not a very touchy-feely sort of environment. - anon
Our pediatrician is Petra Landman though we have often seen Dr.
Hunter and I think she is fabulous. She listens well to parents
and also pays terrific attention to the kids. We LOVE Dr.
Landman but our second choice if she is not available is always
Dr. Hunter. I tend not to see the men in this practice on
routine visits (I have experienced them as brusque and sometimes
dismissive), though they are incredibly knowledgeable and were
phenomenal when our baby was critically ill. The nursing staff
and business office staff are great; Judy, the Nurse Practitioner
is a life saver - she staffs what they call a ''warm line'' to give
advice on less serious illnesses or help you decide if you should
come in. If you are starting with a newborn, she also runs a
once/week moms group in the office and is a lactation specialist
(this was great for me because I had a community of other moms
going through the same things with the added benefit of a medical
professional to answer my many questions). In all, our family
loves this group
Happy mom
My 3year-old and one-year old sons are patients of Dr. Kowaleski but we've had occassion to
interact with every doctor in the practice. Dr. Kowaleski, Dr. Hunter, and every doctor in
the group is excellent. They're accessible after hours, quick to respond, caring, and
thorough. My one-year old was in the hospital for 3 weeks as a newborn and we were visited
by a doctor in that group every day. I highly recommend the Pediatric Medical Group
Beth
Yes, I'd recommend her. Dr. Hunter is my 12 month old son's
pediatrician. We've found her to be kind, patient, and helpful.
As new parents, my husband and I had a few concerns about my
son's health when he was an infant. Dr. Hunter was reassuring
that the symptoms we described were not alarming, but she still
followed up with referrals for neurology when he had some
episodes of what might have been minor seizures. In other words,
she took our concerns seriously, while still reminding us he was
probably fine (he was fine, turns out). As for the rest of the
office, we've never had a problem with billing, and the nurses
have been competent and sweet
Anonymous
Dr. Hunter has been our son’s pediatrician since birth (he’s now 6 months).
She’s great.
She listens well, answers all our questions. We never feel rushed. She’s
very gentle and
interacts very nicely with our baby. We like her style, gentle but firm is
how I would
describe it. As first time parents we have a lot of questions and she never
made us feel
like we’re asking anything stupid or obvious.
When our son was born we had some problems in the first few weeks as my
milk came in late
and he was not gaining back his birth weight as fast as expected. We saw
Dr. Kovaleski, who
was the on-call doctor several times, and we liked him a lot as well. They
also have a very
nice nurse on staff, Judy, who can help with breastfeeding and is super
sweet. In the first
few weeks/months I had to supplement with formula. She was very helpful in
checking that my
son was latching properly, that I had good body position and also she made
me feel better
as I was stressing about him getting enough to eat.
You can make an appointment to “interview” Dr. Hunter (we did that) and
make sure your
comfortable with her. It cost $40 out of pocket but I think it’s well worth
it if she’s
going to be your child’s pediatrician for many years
Francoise francoise@bollerot.com
We've been seeing Dr. Hunter for 5 years (I have a 5- and a 2-year-old) and
we are very
pleased both with the care we receive from her and from the practice in
general. The
office is well run and comfortable and we rarely wait too long. Dr. Hunter
is gentle and
kind, very thorough, and very experienced. She also seems very balanced to
me: neither
overly concerned and reactionary about minor medical issues or disregarding
of issues about
which we are concerned. Fortunately, neither of my children has been ill
or has had any
serious problems (beyond ear infections, etc.) so I can't speak to how she
would handle any
clinically serious issues, but at least for routine care I can recommend
her very highly.
(Incidentally, we've seen 3 of the other doctors in the practice and like 2
of them very
much! Sometimes when your children are ill you'll have to see the other
doctors instead of
Dr. Hunter, but she should be able to do all of your well child visits)
Liz O.
I have been taking my two girls, now ages 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 to Dr. Hunter
since having to
switch from their old pediatrician because of new insurance about a year
and a half ago.
Needless to say, I was not happy about having to switch from the doctor who
had known them
since birth, but we couldn't be happier with Dr. Hunter or with the
Pediatric Medical
Group. Dr. Hunter is warm, caring and very professional. My girls really
like her and feel
comfortable with her. They are never anxious about their doctor visits. On
the few times we
have had to see other doctors because of short notice, they have all been
good. The only
doctor who seemed a little too business-like in his manner, is the older
male doctor, whose
name escapes me. He was fine, just not as warm as the others in his
demeanor. The office
staff is friendly and Bonnie, the office manager has always been extremely
responsive and
helpful with insurance issues. You may have seen this already, but Dr.
Hunter was voted
Best Pediatrician in the East Bay by Oakland Magazine a few months ago. I
would definitely
recommend the Pediatric Med. Group and Dr. Hunter in particular. Good luck
in your search.
In general, we love the Pediatric Medical Group. Both my 4 year old and 18
mo old have
been there since birth. One of the best things about this group is that
they have a
wonderful advice person, Judy Alley, who is invaluable in helping with all
kinds of issues
about raising kids and also who can help you decide whether you need to
make a visit to the
MD. We also love that when the office is closed, there is always an
on-call MD who you can
page and will return the call very quickly. They have a new, young MD (I
can't remember
her name but her info. looked impressive). Our MD is Stephen Kowaleski,
but we have seen
all the other MD's. Dr. Berberich (sp?) can come across as a little gruff,
but he knows
his stuff and is very efficient and matter of fact. Their billing office
has been helpful
with insurance issues
satisfied parent
We have been with Pediatric Med. group for 19yrs and it has been wonderful
for us. All of
the physicians are good and Judy, the advice nurse is a wonderful resource.
We have been
with Dr. Kowaleski who is great, caring, patient and very knowledgeable.
Through the years we have seen all of them (if he is off or weekend needs)
and the MDs are
all good. The office is helpful and professional. Here's to good health!
Dr. Hunter has been our pediatrician for almost 3 years now -- we
have an almost 3 yr old and an almost 1 yr old. We really think
that she is great. Very experienced, nice, careful, thoughtful.
A couple of times, she has sent us for further testing just to
rule out problems. The office staff is also very nice. Sometimes we have
to wait a bit,
but i don't think unusually so.
We always get to see her (as opposed to other doc's in the
practice or an assistant). It would be cheaper to switch our
kids over to my kaiser plan but we don't because of how highly we
value dr. hunter. Our friends who use her are also happy.
dan
Dr. Jane Hunter has been our daughter's ped. since she was born 2
years ago. I've nothing but positive experiences both with Dr.
Hunter and the other members of the practice. When our daughter
was first born she had a tear duct cyst that required immediate
care. The office was so helpful with referals and called on our
behalf to make sure we could see a specialist immediately. Dr.
Hunter is very measured and calming in demeanor and has been
taking care of babies/children for many, many years
anon
A number of responders on this thread mentioned that the East Bay Pediatric
Medical
Group (Dr. Hunter's group) may have dropped certain insurance companies.
This was true
for a short period in my case, but they have since renegotiated the
contract and we
are now back as a covered provider. The office was exceptional in keeping
us informed
about the status of the pending drop and the successful renegotiation. You
may want to
check back with the office if you switched providers but want to go back.
That said, we see both Drs. Berberich and Hunter, with some occasional
contact with
the other physicians on staff. I've never had an issue with the care
provided, feel
that I'm listened to and that my children are listened to and am very happy
with the
quality of care, the professionalism and friendliness of the office staff,
and the
thoroughness of the business office staff
Deborah
We have been with the Pediatric Medical Group since our son's birth in
2005.
Although our primary physician is Dr. Berberich, we have seen Dr. Hunter on
numerous occasions, including one of the first visits my son had at Alta
Bates
post birth.
In general the entire practice is very ''down to earth, tell it like it
is''
epecially with parents, and very good listeners when it comes to children.
They
have taken extremely good care of our son and were particularly supportive
when
we landed at Children's during a bout of Bronchiolitis late in 2005 and he
was
less than 1 year old.
The front desk is very friendly and helpful, and the nurses are great.
As previous posts may have stated they did have some issues with United
Healthcare, but that has since been resolved, but they were very prompt in
the
notification and helpful in suggesting means to deal with the situation
with my
HR dept at work
Very satisfied mom
Aug 2006
Re: Pediatrican Rockridge/Berkeley - young and male
I really like Dr, Kowaleski at the Pediatric Medical Group near
Telegraph and
Woolsey. 849-1744. He seems pretty youthful but I know he's been
practicing for
quite awhile already. The whole practice is great--they are skilled and
knowledgeable but also listen, spend unhurried time with you, are
attentive to your
concerns and can offer flexible options for treatments. They also a
super helpful
advice nurse and the doctors are on call after hours where normally you
would just
have to go to a hospital
good luck!
April 2006
Re: Queer-Friendly Pediatrician
Our 16-month-old daughter (with two moms) has had Jane Hunter as
her pediatrician since birth. I have been open about our family
since I met her in late pregnancy, and she is easy and friendly
about it all. Queer-''savvy''? I don't know, but certainly
friendly and judgment-free. I'm happy with her and her relaxed,
respectful style with little ones. I've heard great stuff about
Janet Perlman, too, but have no direct experience of her. Kate
Re: Pediatrician for baby exposed to drugs in utero (March 2005)
Dr. Petra Landman with the Pediatric Medical Group is wonderful. I do
not know if she has any specific knowledge of drug exposed babies but I
find her approachable, caring and willing to research whatever she
needs to give your children the BEST CARE. Good luck.
Re: Pediatrician after SIDS Loss (Nov 2004)
I would recommend Dr. Petra Landman at the Pediatric Medical
Group at 2320 Woolsey Street. The phone number is 849-1744.
Dr. Landman is a very sweet, caring person. She is extra
sensitive because she has a daughter with health issues.
She's especially good with babies and she always takes her time
while answering any question. The practice has an oncall nurse,
Judy, who will call you back very quickly if you leave a message
with a concern or question. And she always airs on the safe side
when recommending that you come in. She's never told us to wait
it out first before coming in. And they always seem to fit you
in. There are two other doctors in the practice that you may get
if you have to come in for a same day appointment (if you child
is sick). One is Dr. Hunter whom I really like as well and the
other is a male doctor.
April 2003
Re: the front office at another pediatric office
We have been going here since our daughter was born and have
received excellent care. I like the front office staff a lot and
have never had any problems. They are friendly, efficient, all
the things you want, no problems with billing either (hmm,
actually, the last check-up didn't appear in the books but they
just squeezed us in and I wouldn't have noticed had they not said
something). I guess it might help that I try to remember
their names so I can great them in person when I come in. Having
been a receptionist myself, I know how it feels when people treat
you as though you're invisible. Things I like a lot about the
practice: the advice line, as long as you call before 3PM, you
will get a call back right away from Judy. She's really helped
me as a first time mom to figure out when I need to bring my
daughter in for a check up and when everything is fine. Judy is
also great with breastfeeding and she helped me tremendously when
it took my daughter 4 weeks to get the hang of it and I was about
to give up. I also like the responsiveness of the doctors to my
concerns (there was a post recently that hinted that the
practioners are not eager to give antibiotics, this is not my
experience). I have had to go in for a colds that turned out to
be ear infections etc and we have had to call twice now after my
daughter developed an eye infection over the weekend. Every time
we call, we get a call back within an hour. Dr. Berberich is our
primary physician, but we have seen everybody in the practice for
emergency appointments etc. (By the way, Dr. Berberich is a real
mensch and amazing in a crisis, don't want to go into the details
here but I have a lot of respect for him as a person, not only as
a doctor). So, if you liked the physician you spoke with, I'd
say go with them.
Anna, mother of almost 10 month old daughter
Jan. 2003
We have recently moved to the Rockridge and are 3.5 months
pregnant with our first child. As we prepare for the next step -
- finding a pediatrician - our fabulous OB has recommended three
pediatricians who are covered by our insurance plan.
I am interested in having a pediatrician who is
smart, on top of the field, caring, has the ability and patience
to listen, is open to alternative therapies where helpful for
healing. Thanks so much for your thoughts!!
Kelly
While Petra Landman is not our primary pediatrician, we do go to
that practice and have used Dr. Landeman on numerous occasions.
She is an excellent Doctor., very thorough and has a nice bedside
manner. There are 4 doctors in the practice and you will surely
see all of them at some time as Murphy's Law dictates that your
child will only get sick when your doctor is not on call. We use
Dr. Kowaleski as our primary doctor and I think he is great and
my kids love him. Dr. Berberich and Dr. Hunter are the other two
doctors in the practice, we've seen them both and received
excellent care, but personally I prefer the bedside manner of
Landeman or Kowaleski. It's a great practice and I'm sure you'd
be quite happy there. You can always set up an interview with
one of the Doctors prior to the birth of your child to see if you
connect with the doctor. We did that with Dr. Kowaleski and
really liked him.
kristi
We like the Pediatric Medical Group, and have been going
there since our
children were very small. Our girls see Dr. Jane Hunter, but
have seen all the other docs for urgent-care appointments
at one time or another. The docs are conscientious, friendly,
attentive, thoughtful, willing to answer questions, and
respectful of the children as well as the adults. They don't
push antibiotics, and are relatively open to my alternative
medicine concerns. The office staff is sweet, concerned and
pays attention. You may get a brisk response from the busy front
desk, but they do take care of getting you an appointment
(quickly, if you need it). They also have on-call doctors 24
hours (I think), and they call right back with thoughtful
responses.
Good luck in your choices.
merry
We have been going to the Pediatric Medical Group on Woolsey
(where Dr. Landman practices) since the birth of our son 11
months ago and have had great experiences with them. Our
primary doctor is Elizabeth Moffitt, but we have also seen
Petra Landman for illnesses. They are extremely responsive and
thorough. In fact, all the doctors in the practice are very
good. Our son just recently was ill and we ended up bringing
him in on a Sunday morning to see Dr. Landman. I highly
recommend them.
marylinda
My daughters have been patients of Dr. Petra Landman at the
Pediatric Medical Group since they were babies. We chose her
because she did her residency at Johns Hopkins and they have an
excellent training program. We have been very pleased with the
care we've gotten, which has included late night calls, Sunday
visits for ear infections and even having our youngest daughter
re-admitted to the hospital when she was 3 days old. Dr. Landman
is very caring and attentive, has a great manner with the girls
and is very thorough. We've seem all the docs in the practice at
one time or another and they are all excellent physicians,
though their particularly styles differ. The advice nurse, Judy
Alley, was a lifesaver when the girls were babies and I needed
advice on breastfeeding (she's a lactation consultant), whether
I needed to bring them in to see the doctor for a fever or
earache, and even some behavior questions.
I cannot speak to the question of openness to alternative
therapies, as I have never had the cause or inclination to
inquire into that. I believe, however, that Dr. Landman would
only recommend treatments and therapies that have some
scientific support behind them.
Alice
I am very happy with the group
and especially with our physician, Dr. Landman, who is terrific
with my kids and has very perceptively diagnosed some tricky
ailments.
Elizabeth
We think one doctor in the group, Petra Landman, is
exceptional. We haven't experienced any out of the ordinary
difficulties with staff or billing.
Anon
We've been with the Pediatric Medical Group (Jane Hunter for my
now 17 year old daughter and Ralph Berberich for my now 19 year
old son) for 19 years! We've been very pleased with the care
we've received. I do think that the practice of medicine, like
life in general, is a two way street. I always try to be
respectful of everyone in the office and always feel respected in
return. (I don't expect perfection since I am not perfect
either.) I find that both Dr. Hunter and Dr. Berberich are
willing to listen to my concerns and take my children very
seriously. I trust their diagnostic skills and appreciate
that they do not rush to prescribe antibiotics. And, I very much
appreciate the advice (and reassurance!) that Judy Alley is able
to give. I have no complaints and would wholeheartedly
recommend the practice.
Sally
May 2002
We are expecting in July and are looking both for a moyel and a
pediatrician. We had a couple people tell us positive things
about Dr. Berberich. I know that there have been some previous postings about him as a
pediatrician, but they're all a few years old. We couldn't find
any postings about people's opinions of him as a moyel. If you
have had or have friends who have had experiences with him in
either capacity, please write and share them. Thank you!
Julie
Dr. Berberich has been my two children's pediatrician since
birth. I'm pleased with him as their doctor. At some point I
needed to ask him to be more supportive of my 'attachment
parenting' approach, and he was fine with doing that. He is
mostly cheerful and warm at visits.
The office is very busy, but during our well visits he takes his
time with each child. Sick visits are usually rushed because
the office is usually full of sick babies needing to be seen.
I've never had a problem getting a last minute visit when
needed, and the advice person always calls back within a few
hours or less. Dr. Berb as we like to call him in our home, has
been doing this for a very long time and I get the impression
that nothing really surprises him, as he's probably seen it
all. He was highly recommended to us by a parent who had him as
a pediatrician for his son for 10 years.
A.M.
We've been seeing Dr. Berberich for the past 4.5 years. He was
the moyel for my son, and did a fine job. We like him a lot.
We've had no problems with baby #1
or #2. I should add that one of the reasons I'm so happy with
our choice of pediatrician is that we like the rest of the
doctors in his group, who we occassionally see when he's not
available. In addition, the practice's on-call service is
invaluable. They have a doctor on call evenings (not sure to
what time, but late enough), and on weekends and holidays, which
means that you don't have to call the advice line at Children's
Hospital, or worse, take your child in, when they get sick after
hours (and they always do!). On many occasions I have gotten
wonderful advice and support from the dcotors and the advice
nurse, thus preventing unnecessary trips to the office accross
town (so many problems can be solved over the phone). And when I
have felt that I needed someone to see one my kids *urgently*, I
have never been turned away or told to wait for the next day.
The advice nurse is also a certified lactatio consultant; while
she can't replace an l.c. if you're having major problems, she
can help with those initial getting it going stage and other
issues along the way.
Good luck.
anon
Ralph Berberich is in the same practice as our pediatrician, and
we have seen him often over the years. I consider him an
excellent diagnostician. He correctly identified & aggressively
treated several conditions that had been misdiagnosed &
undertreated by others. He can be a bit abrupt, he's not a hand-
holder, and I don't go to him for advice on parenting/behavioral
issues, but for regular medical care I think he's great.
Melinda
While Dr. Berberich is not our primary pediatrician, my son has
seen him a few times and he did perform his circumcision. He was
wonderful with the circusmcision, my son didn't even cry and it
healed quickly. As far as his bedside manner - I think he runs
hot and cold. I never have felt that our care was compromised,
but at times his manner is a little abrupt for my taste. That
being said - he is part of a very good practice and perhaps you
could select DR. Kowaleski or Dr. Landaman as you pediatrician
and have Dr. Berberich serve as the Moyel and perform the
circumcision.
anonymous
Dr Ralph's competence as a Mohel is one of the reasons
he's not our Pediatrician! We interviewed him as we were
chosing. Our desire (as
practitioners of Judaism) NOT to circumcize our son was a
key factor in chosing another doc (in the same practice) as
our regular ped.
Having said that, I now will swing to his defense: his
position on circumcision comes from both his religious, and
his medical practice, both of which he takes seriously. I
don't think, if you're chosing to observe this covenant, that
you're likely to find anyone better at it, from a spiritual and a
technical perspective.
We've ended up seeing him as a doc - that happens in an
busy Ped practice. I've warmed up to him quite a bit. He's
kinda old-school Jewish Doctor, but he's also warmer and a
bit less paternal than that stereotype.
A Patient
Dr. Berberich was our moyel and is our pediatrician. He is a
wonderful doctor in the professional/clinical sense, but he is
not the warm and fuzzy spiritual type. Meaning, the
circumcisions were excellent, but in terms of ceremony or
personal warmth, we were, frankly, a little disappointed for our
first son (we knew what to expect the second time around so we
invited a rabbi). Dr. Berberich has, nevertheless, been a great
doctor for our family over the years and I would recommend him.
anonymous please
We see Ralph Berberich when our regular doctor is not available
at the same pratice. I have found Dr. Berberich to be skilled
technically and pleasant enough for our needs. He has a sense
of humor, although this may not always be evident. He has been
a cancer patient himself, and has written a book on his
experience. I really love the administrative staff at the
Pediatric Medical Group and am especially grateful for the
advice nurse, Judy. Parking at the office sometimes requires a
bit of extra time. We always find a place on the street within
one block, as I can't stand the parking lot.
anonymous
We think Dr. Berberich is EXCELLENT! He came highly recommended,
and after a lot of research and interviewing, we chose him for
our child, who turned out to be a girl. If we had given birth to
a boy, I would not have hesitated to use him as our mohel (just
as our friends did a few years back). We're very choosy about
our health care, after some scares with HMO stuff...
He returns calls promptly, has a great staff (Judy, the advice
nurse, runs a great group on Wednesdays for new parents), and
Dr. Berberich really takes the time to explain things, get to
know our child, etc.
If I were you, I'd set up a time to meet with him. There is a
small charge (like most other offices), but the charge can be
applied to future office visits, if you decide to go with his
practice.
a contented parent
Dr. Berberich has been the pediatrician of our now 17-month old
boy since birth, and we like him so much that we will go to him
with our (soon to be born) second baby as well. What you get is a
very experienced clinician who checks for conditions that a less
experienced doctor might miss. He is of German extraction and
pretty straightforward, maybe less touchy-feely than doctors of a
different cultural background, but this suits us just fine. I
would rather have a doctor whose medical knowledge I trust than a
touchy-feely one with less experience, but your mileage may vary.
I don't know what he is like regarding circumcisions because my
husband and I decided not circumcise our son.
We also like Dr. Berberich's office in general. There is an
advice nurse whom you can call with questions and who gets back
to you very quickly. The office also organizes groups for new
mothers (free) which was extremely helpful during the first
months. The folks in the billing department were very patient
when our insurance messed up and sent us one incorrect card after
the other. So, we have had only good experiences there and would
recommend Dr. Berberich as a pediatrician.
Angelika
Ralph Berberich MD was the mohel we used. He did an excellent
job on the circumcision--fast, healed well, little crying one
done. Our Rabbi did the ceremony however, so I couldn't say what
he would have been like for that.
anon
Christine 8/99
The incredible Ralph Berberich is the main man for peds in my book & I am
a nurse who has worked a lot with babies & kids. Ralph wrote a book called
The Available Pediatrician, and he likes early music. I always think its
important for doctors to like the ballet, theatre, dance, books, opera & such,
it makes 'em much better docs. Ralph is smart & kind, & if he doesn't have
any openings, he could probably tell you who is second. Children's Hospital
is a good hospital, by the way.
From: Janette (1/97)
I have a 20 month old and we have had him at the Pediatric Medical
Group (behind Alta Bates) since he was born. The phone # is 849-1744)
His doctor is Ralph Berberich who we like a lot. We have also seen
the other doctors in the group and have been very happy. It is easy
to get in and there is a social worker named Judy who you can call for
advise (i.e. to see if you should come in, support, etc) who is
wonderful.
From: Linda (1/97)
I'd like to second Janette's recommendation of the Pediatric
Medical Group(849-1744). We also take our 15 mo. old daughter to
Dr. Berberich and have found him to be just great. He's got a quiet,
sweet demeanor that works well with kids of all ages. We have also
seen Jane Hunter and Steve Kowalevski there and found them good too.
Judy, the on-staff social worker was extremely helpful when Rebecca
was first born. I don't think I would have made it thru the first few
weeks of breastfeeding without her. She's great to call when you have
some piddly medical question that doesn't really require a doctor's
expertise. I also find that they conduct a number of lunchtime
classes and research studies involving parents that are of real
interest to me. They are also great about seeing your kid on the
weekend should there be a real emergency or your child is in real pain
(ie. ear infection, etc.). The only other Southside Berkeley
Pediatric Group I know about is the large one in the Huntmont Building
across from Alta Bates (is that the East Bay Medical Group???). I know
my friends didn't like the size and the fact that they had trouble
getting to talk to a real doctor (not the Children's Hospital advice
nurse) after hours.
From: Jane (3/98)
Re the Pediatric Medical Group: Dr. Steve Kowaleski has been our
pediatrician for over ten years, and I have nothing but the highest
praise for him and all the physicians in the group. In defense of
Dr. Berberich, he really won me over once when I showed up in his
office just back from months in malaria country with a mosquito-bitten
three-year-old sporting a fever of 105-something. The blood test was
negative, but he didn't stop there; he got on the phone with various
experts he knew far and wide and checked on the reliability of blood
tests for diagnosing malaria and all kinds of other information to put
us all at ease. I knew he was smart himself, but I gave him lots of
points for knowing when and where to seek additional help, and for
being matter-of-fact and calm. It was only the flu, in the end, but
I was very grateful to be in the hands of someone so thorough and
resourceful.
See also: Pediatrician for Adopted Child
(9/98)
Re the recommendation request about Dr. Kowaleski at Ped. Med. Group:
He is the pediatrician I have for both my boys (2 and 5 now) and we all
think he is great. He is very patient, and always takes time to talk
about how the child is doing -- he cares about how they are feeling, how
they are learning and playing, etc, not just about their medical
condition. He also listens to any questions and has good advice. Also,
he's so far always been on time!
From: Bob (9/98)
We have been with Pediatric Medical Group since our kids were born;
now 10 and 12. We're in Walnut Creek now and still go there.
Dr. Kowaleski is great. So is Dr. Berberich and the whole group.
Their phone advice nurse has been a great help also.
Go for it!
March 2002
Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with Dr.
Hunter (pediatrician in Berkeley)? We are considering
taking our 6-month old daughter to her. Thanks!
Ioana
After a long search we found Dr. Jane Hunter and could
not be happier. She is the perfect balance of conservative
medicine with listening to the ''gut'' feeling of the
parents. We have 3 boys, ages 7 months to almost 6 years,
and she is great with all of them. She is non-judgenmental
of our individual wishes but also is extremely practical
with her advice. Besides basic pediatric medicine, she
has been invaluable to us with developmental issues
like school, arrival of new siblings and eating/food
issues. If you want more details, email me
broccoli
Dr. Jane Hunter is thoughtful, straightforward, non-alarmist,
and down-to-earth. She answers your questions and (when
your child is old enough) answers your child's questions.
She's relatively traditional, in terms of medical
recommendations, but doesn't push antibiotics and doesn't
poo-poo alternative medical approaches. She's been our
girls' doctor for 5 years, and we recommend her. The
office staff is nice too.
Anonymous
We recently switched pediatricians and chose Dr. Jane
Hunter. Although we did not want to switch (we liked
our former pediatrician, but her practice did not take
our insurance) working with Dr. Hunter has been a good
experience. We haven't worked with her during a problem
or serious illness, but I have heard good things from
other parents about her approach to doctoring and child
development. Also, I really like the practice she's in.
They have an advice nurse who is wonderful; the rooms
are pleasant and clean; and so far, we have not had to
wait more than 20 minutes from sign in to seeing a
doctor, and usually it's a much shorter wait. So much
better than the other peds, where a wait averaged 45
minutes.
Carolyn
I would strongly recommend Dr. Jane Hunter and the entire
Pediatric Medical Group. My two daughters (now 12 & 15)
have been going to Dr. Hunter quite literally all their
lives. She has a gentle and very caring way with
children and a nuturing manner with parents. What I
also appreciate is that Dr. Hunter is part a true team
of doctors and staff. Kids, of course, don't always
get sick or have accidents during regular office hours.
Weekend and evening calls get returned & the staff works
with you to wiggle in unplanned appointments even for
non-emergency but important reasons. For unplanned
appointments (from the peanut up the nose to the first
asthma attack late at night) my daughers have often
seen one of the other great doctors and we are very
comfortable with all of them.
Nancy
We've had Dr. Hunter for almost two years (since our
daughter was born) and I've had good experience with
her. She is patient and she listens, explains well. I
think that she is very good. However, Dr. Hunter and I
disagree on certain issues and I sometimes wish I had
another doctor in the same practice, whom I like better.
It may be a good idea to ''interview'' pediatricians
before choosing one (someone suggested that to me, but
I never took the time to do it).
a mom
My son, who just turned three, just visited Dr. Jane
Hunter. I was very happy with the way she dealt with
my son. My son has been a patient of her for about 2
years now.
My son has strong fear to doctor visits, due to his
recurrent ear infections last year. He had to go see
Dr. Hunter to have his ear checked almost every two
weeks during winter. It was not a confortable experience.
That made him have a fearful memory of her.
For this recent visit, he still remembered it and started
to cry as we walked into a room. However, after Dr.
Hunter came in and started talking to him, he calmed
down, and eventually enjoying his time with her. I
think this is because of her gentle atitude, and also
her soft tone of voice. Although she is very busy, she
never shows it during the visit. She always takes time
with us. She listens to my questions/concerns throughly,
and gives realistic answers.
I think she cares about her patients. One time my son
got sick during the weekend, and she was a on-call
doctor. Although I did not think my son's condition
is too bad, she still suggested me to bring him in to a
clinic just to make sure that he was OK. I felt very
happy to have found a doctor who really care. (I was
prepared to hear the popular phrase, '' Just give Tylenol.'',
but she was different!)
I think overall the clinic is run well.
Kai's mom
From: Laura (3/98)
Our primary
care doctor at Pediatric Medical Group is Dr. Hunter, who is wonderful (in
July '95, Dr. Hunter was the unanimous choice for pediatrician among all
consulted), and I did ask specific, harsh questions about the original
treatment received. Dr.
Landman was very warm and professional when we have had opportunity to
consult her, and the group as a whole has been good to us.
Pediatric Medical group is right next to the Huntmont
Building on Webster near Regent. It is not the same as Berkeley Pediatric
Medical Group on Walnut, which is where I went when I was a child. It is
terrible that they no longer treat HMO patients. My dr. there, Dr. Grossman,
since retired, has written a wonderful book called "Everyday Pediatrics for
Parents" -- I highly recommend it. Thanks to everyone who answered. Any
further thoughts about HMOs and how parents can work to get better care?
From: Stefanie (12/98)
I highly recommend Steve Kowaleski, who is my five year old's
pediatrician. She saw him in the parking lot the other day and said, "He's
such a nice doctor!" All the doctors have been kind. One of the best
features of the practice is Judy the "warm line" nurse. She is an
incredible resource and even came to our house after my daughter was born
because we were such nervous parents! The doctors aren't very interested in
holistic medicine, but I have taken it upon myself to look into that
aspect, and I'm very happy with Pediatric Medical Group.
From: Oscar (3/98)
In response to the comments on Pediatric Medical Group. My daughter
was an off and on patient of Dr. Kowaleski's since her birth in 1994.
I have nothing but praise for Dr. Kowaleski who is very attentive,
From: Tavie (1/97)
We also use the Pediatric Medical Group- Dr Petra Landman- who we really
like. We have seen several other doctors there as well and have never been
disappointed---their # is 849-1744.
Tavie and Maddie(3.5 years)
From: Debbie (3/98)
My daughter has been a patient at Pediatric Medical Group since she
was born. Our original doctor, Ann Parker, who we adored is no longer
with the group, but is in private practice locally dealing with children
with developmental and mental handicaps. She was wonderful. When she
left we chose Dr. Landman. She has been great. She has always been
very good natured with us. She was particularly helpful when my daughter
had a hospital stay due to severe asthma. My child is now 13 and still
likes her and I think feels respected and cared for by Dr. Landman.
Dr. Berberich can be kind of brusk and dismissive, though the
last couple of times we've had to go in when Dr. Landman wasn't available
I've noticed he's been a bit nicer and willing than in the past. The
other doctor in the practice whom I also like is Dr. Kowaleski, who was
as patient with me and calming when I frantically woke him up at 3:00am
when my daughter was a toddler. First time parent jitters. He just seems
like a very sweet man.
Just wanted to put my two cents in because my experience with the doctors in
PMG has been good. Their practice is located on WEbster across from
Alta Bates, not the Berkeley Pediatric Medical Group which is over on
Walnut Street and is a totally different group.
From: a mom (4/98)
I'd like to second the positive opinions expressed about Dr. Petra
Landman at Pediatric Medical Group.
Dr. Landman has been very sensitive
and caring with my two young daughters and very thorough and patient in
explaining things to me. I'd recommend her to anyone. As for the rest of
the group, I have found them pleasant enough when they are on call after
hours, even when you push the emergency call-back option on the
voicemail.
From: Dianne (3/98)
Re: Dr. Petra
Landman of the Pediatric Medical Group
Both of our kids were preemies with all sorts of problems. Dr. Landman was
like an angel to us during this time. She was responsive, thorough,
extremely competent and empathetic. She was responsible in large part for
pulling them through very serious complications, while at the same time
seeing them thru the more mundane, simple problems (e.g. ear infections,
colds, etc.). She always spends a long time with us at appointments to
answer all our questions, and she has always been very polite and responsive
when we have called her at home, on call or whenever (and we have done that
a number of times!).
My family and kids are so pleased with Dr. Landman and the other marvelous
doctors in the Pediatric Medical Group that we have, in the past, paid out
of our pocket personally for care when former employers did not have medical
plans which included the PMG or Dr. Landman. Fortunately, our plan thru UCOP
now allows us to use them.
By the way, when our first child was born and we were looking for a
pediatrician, we followed the advice in our parenting books to ask the
nurses at the local hospitals their opinions. We asked two very good friends
of ours who were both nurses at Alta Bates for recommendations, and they
both told us separately without hesitation that we should use the PMG and
Dr. Landman in particular.
this page was last updated: Feb 28, 2013
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