Finding a Pediatrician that Fits
Being a first time mama is overwhelming in many regards. Your body is changing and your hormones are crazy. You go into nesting mode and everything needs to be set and ready... even if the baby isn't expected to arrive for another ohhhh 4 months or so. A very important, and personal, decision is with the pediatrician. It may seem odd visiting a pediatrician when you don't even have a child yet, but how else will you know you've got the right one? Here at urbanMamas, our readers have written the anthology on picking a pediatrician. We've got a few vax-relaxed recommendations. Some recommendations for moms who prefer not to dole out the medications. Pediatricians by area, pediatricians for preemies, pediatricians by network, and last, but not least, a comprehensive discussion about pediatricians vs family doctors. urbanMama Henriette is expecting, and delving into the realm of picking a pediatrician.
I am currently pregnant with my first child and in the process of finding a pediatrician. Does anyone have any recommendations for doctors at either Metropolitan Pediatrics Northwest and/or Pediatric Associates of the Northwest? It is important for my husband and I to find a doctor who is open to alternative treatments and lets us schedule vaccines.
we are planning to check out Dr Bix after reading this post from a previous thread:
"A shout out for Desiree Bix, MD...she is at Metropolitan Pediatrics at Good Sam. She is a medical doctor, but she is open and encouraging of alternative child rearing techniques. As a physician myself and advocate of much of Dr Sears theories (which oftern are in contrast to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations), I find her terrific!"
Posted by: clementine | May 13, 2007 at 05:37 PM
We recently switched to Dr. Bruce Birk at Pediatric Associates of the NW and are so pleased with him. He's great for consultations of any kind and we've even corresponded with him via email for random questions (he usually responds the same day). We have our daughter on an less aggressive vaccine schedule and he is totally fine with it. Additionally, we are not kept waiting at all for office visits. Our old pediatrician kept up waitin a good 20 minutes past the appointment time then another 10-20 minutes in the room. We have never waited past our appointment time or in the room.
Posted by: kathy | May 13, 2007 at 07:43 PM
We also like Dr Bix. We haven't really tested her in terms of alternative treatments but I remember asking her about that when I was interviewing pediatricians and her response was positive... We've seen another dr we LOVED at Metropolitan Ped when our daughter was sick but Dr Bix unavailable: Erica Myers (at least I think that's her last name). She was incredibly great with my terrified-of-drs 2 yr old and even called us once at home to check up on how an ear infection was healing.
Posted by: Emily | May 13, 2007 at 07:57 PM
We also use Dr. Erika Meyers at Metropolitan Pediatrics for our 2-year-old ... she's very friendly and has a great way with kids. We haven't had any major health issues, and we've been doing vacs on the standard schedule, but she seems like she'd be open to discussing alternative methods if there's an issue you feel strongly about. (She also doesn't have problems with our vegetarianism, as our son's pretty healthy.)
Posted by: lisa | May 13, 2007 at 09:19 PM
i can only tell you who NOT to pick at pediatrics assoc of NW...mari kay evans-smith! my daughter was born at 6 lbs 5 oz and lost a significant amount of weight in the hospital. 9 days later my milk finally came in and i breastfed her whenever she was hungry. dr. evans-smith had the nerve to tell me during my daughter's 2 week appointment (where she was 7 lbs then) that she was getting too big and that i needed to stop feeding her so much and to cut the nursing to 5-10 minutes max. this is ridiculous since breastfed babies should be allowed to nurse as much as needed...especially during the first few months of life! i used my motherly-instincts and switched immediately!
Posted by: cyn | May 13, 2007 at 09:47 PM
Dr Erica Meyer Rocks! She's my 2 kids pediatrician.(I have 3 year old and 20 month old) I can only say great things about her. She has never pushed me as far as vaccines go, I told her how I felt and she has let me decide when to give them or not to give them. She's willing to work with alternative medicine, and supports my decisions on nutritional supplements. My friend was seeing a different doctor at NW Metro and was having a bad experience so I reccomended Dr. Meyer and she too has never been happier. She has 3 little one's of her own, so she going through parenthood as well. A bonus!
Posted by: Diana | May 13, 2007 at 10:52 PM
My husband and I were very disappointed with Bruce Birk. He was great with our baby, but terribly rude to us. Our son was even taken by ambulance from his clinic and hospitalized with RSV at 9mos and he never called to inquire about him or inquire about us. It was quite traumatic and he never mentioned it, even at his next regular appt. There were other issues with him but this was the biggest problem.
We really liked the nursing staff and the other Dr's.
Posted by: lila | May 14, 2007 at 08:52 AM
I also had two very bad experiences with Bruce Birk and I refuse to let him see my kids if Dr. David Porter (our ped) is unavailable. I have a friend who likes the other Dr. Burke -- a woman -- at Pediatric Associates, and I think she's flexible about vax. We love Dr. Porter, though he's a little more old school.
Posted by: HRH | May 14, 2007 at 11:33 AM
We have also been very happy with Dr.Bruce Birk. Our son was hospitalized with meningitis when he was 10 weeks old and both he and the Doctors who were on "Hospital Duty" the weekend he was admitted were a great support. That was over 2 years ago and we have been very happy with both him and the practice in general.
Posted by: Em | May 14, 2007 at 12:34 PM
We switched from Bruce Birk to Pilar Buerk when our daughter was about 6 months old. I thought that Dr. Birk was very good with our baby (very goo goo ga ga), but I wasn't all that comfortable with our interactions (also too goo goo ga ga for my taste). Pilar is warm, and very mellow and has a great kind way about her. My daughter loves going to her office (even now that she is old enough to remember getting shots!)
I ask a lot of questions and as a scientist tend to want the "in depth" answer, and I have found her to be very accommodating. We have talked about alternative treatments and she was very conservative with the use of anti-biotics for an ear infection, which I appreciated.
One thing of note...Pilar works only 1/2 time and the doctor she job shares with is Dr. Evans-Smith.
Posted by: Cheryl | May 14, 2007 at 01:42 PM
we also like Dr. Bix a lot. Dr. Bix is very open minded and non judgemental in my opinion, nice when you bring up the natural stuff. She has twin 4 year old boys and is great with our toddler. I also have a teen boy and she is TERRIFIC with him...very respectful to both mother and teen. (This can be delicate!) We have had quick and excellent service from the on- call doctors and any other doctors we have seen at the NW Portland office. Never had a time that they couln't see us for a same day appointment.
Posted by: maura | May 14, 2007 at 05:31 PM
This is all great feedback for our family as well, as we are in the market for a new pediatrician. It sounds like we can't go wrong with Dr. Bix or Dr. Myers. One question about Metropolitan Pediatrics: How is the parking situation there and building access given that we'll be toting a heavy toddler? I always wonder about that given the area it's in... Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Posted by: Melinda | May 14, 2007 at 08:30 PM
This is all great feedback for our family as well, as we are in the market for a new pediatrician. It sounds like we can't go wrong with Dr. Bix or Dr. Myers. One question about Metropolitan Pediatrics: How is the parking situation there and building access given that we'll be toting a heavy toddler? I always wonder about that given the area it's in... Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Posted by: Melinda | May 14, 2007 at 08:30 PM
Parking has never been an issue for us, but were transplants from San Francisco where parking is always problematic! There is an attached parking lot, but I find it easier to park on the street and not walk through parking lots with a toddler. You do need to give yourself a little extra time for parking. We often walk to the library, St. Honore bakery and the park at Chapman School after our doctor visits.
Posted by: maura | May 15, 2007 at 07:38 AM
We went to Dr Gopal at Pediatrics NW for our son's first year and I was thoroughly impressed. We tend to be a naturopathic kind of fam and she was really supportive. We are doing very few vaccinations and she made sure we had access to good information and was more than respectful. Also, our son was average on the growth charts to begin with but quickly "fell" off, not suprising considering his parents size, she mentioned at each visit that this shouldn't concern us unless he was listless or dull eyed, etc. She was very supportive of breastfeeding and our slow introduction of certain foods to be careful of allergies. All in all, we really liked her.
Posted by: sagu | May 15, 2007 at 09:10 PM
Thanks for all the informative input, everyone. Sounds like Dr. Meyers gets a lot of thumbs up. I think I will try to meet her and Dr. Bix as well.
Posted by: Henriette | May 15, 2007 at 09:57 PM
I found no help or consolation for my son at NW/Metro Peds. I saw (depending on who was available) almost everyone (including Dr. Meyers) and always left frustrated. My son had intense acid reflux + didn't sleep and no one offered any real help or understanding -- only zantac (ridiculously righ dose) and a Weisbluth book. Uhhh?! At 7 months we switched to Dr. Pritchard (sorry, not at either clinic) and she listened, was understanding + knowledgeable and best of all is a pro-active problem solver. Yes!! She is no longer at OHSU but Sellwood Medical Clinic.
Posted by: summer | May 16, 2007 at 01:54 PM
Thanks for your input, Summer. I have heard a lot of good things about Dr. Pritchard but am not sure whether it is wise to have our baby's ped be on the other side of town. We live in SW. Does anybody have any comments about the issue? My ob recommended finding someone close by...
Posted by: henriette | May 16, 2007 at 02:20 PM
Re parking at NW/Metro Pediatrics, I never have any problem; I always park in the free, attached garage. It's quick and easy. Street parking might be more difficult depending on time of day...
Posted by: Emily | May 17, 2007 at 12:43 PM
I live in SW too, just over the hill from NW/23rd. So the NW Peds/Metro is closer for me but Dr. Pritchard is worth it. For us, I do not feel in any danger for our ped to be a few more minutes away (an extra 5 minutes?). If anything was life threatening I would go to the closest hospital regardless. Also, Dr. P's Nurse Sue is also amazing + helpful and very kind. Important when that is who you talk with on the phone, etc.
Posted by: summer | May 18, 2007 at 09:31 AM
We have been seeing Dr. Pilar Buerk since my daughter was born and have been very happy with her care. My daughter was premature and had nursing issues and Pilar was very attentive and kind. She does very thorough examinations and spends as much time as we would like during appointments. She is obviously up to date on medical research and is very approachable.
Posted by: Katie | May 21, 2007 at 02:25 PM
We have been seeing Dr. Bix at metropolitan pediatrics since our 15 month old was born. Every single time out of the six times we have been there, she has called our little girl "he" at first. We have also been astonished at her lack of detail in her explanations and lack of follow up concerning the details of my daughters visits. Today was our last visit as my wife left with all unanswered questions, and as the doctor put Nico on the floor naked to check motor skills - a grievous sin in the eyes of my japanese wife, who would never allow the baby on the floor where people have worn their shoes, much less naked. So we are going to look around for a new doctor.
Posted by: Paul | September 19, 2007 at 08:27 PM
My husband and I give the highest possible recommendation for Dr. Bruce Birk. He is an exceptional pediatrician who treats his patients with care and gentleness, and treats parents as his partners. He is well informed, patient, and has a wonderful sense of humor. His availability to us was amazing: I never waited more than 20 minutes to have a phone call returned by him personally during my kids' first year of life, and never more than 3 hours for a return email. Our office visits were as long as we needed them to be, and we always left feeling confident and reassured. We have since moved out of state due to a job transfer, and I have gone to 3 different pediatricians trying to find a doctor that can rival his standard of care. My kids still miss Dr. Birk, and so do my husband and I.
Posted by: Alexis DeGregorio | October 20, 2007 at 07:58 AM
We've had Dr. Bruce Birk since we relocated here when our daughter was a year old. We've really enjoyed him--he's youngish, communicative with her and us and excellent with her (even when she's terrified of needles). He listened thoughtfully when we decided to forgo one vaccine, listened to our reasons, played devil's advocate (which I appreciated) and accepted our stance, but he made sure we were well informed on his side of it. We liked that. It's so odd to read an earlier post that found him 'rude' -- wow, not our experience ever! We would highly recommend him.
Posted by: Sarah K. | January 18, 2008 at 09:19 AM
I find it fascinating to read these. It is a great way for a physician to find what others see as their strengths and weaknesses. I encourage all of you reading these to remember that what one family values is not the same for all others. I have met many families over the years that I have bonded with and others that it just did not happen. Find someone you like and stick with them if you can. The best thing for any of us, whether parent or pediatrician is the longterm relationship that we create and nurture.
Posted by: Bruce Birk, MD | February 08, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Any recommendations or comments about either Dr. Purcell or Dr. Hankerson at Westside Pediatrics in SW Portland? We have changed insurance companies and have a child with ADHD - information specific to experiences with that would be helpful.
Posted by: Crystal G. | April 02, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I was very interested in seeing all of the comments on Dr. Bruce Birk. We didn't have any problems with him at first. Those of you that take your child to this clinic know that check in time is 15 min. prior to the appointment time. Well there is a lot of construction near of the office and parking at the office can be difficult. We were 12 min. late for CHECK IN time. But not late for the appointment. My husband and I were told that we would have to reschedule the appointment because we were late for the check in. I had made this appointment 2 months prior. After going a couple of rounds with the receptionist I asked her to speak with the MA (medical asst.). I was then told that the MA said that we needed to reschedule. I then asked to speak with Dr. Birk myself. I could not imagine that any MD would send us away for being 12 min. late for a check in. I was wrong. He told the receptionist that we had to reschedule.
After another couple of go arounds with the superviser we were told that Dr. Evans-Smith had an opening and could see us in 20 min. We said fine. We had seen her when our newborn was very sick and liked her very much. I asked if I could use the restroom to change my babies diapher. As I walked past Dr. Birk's office I noticed him sitting in his chair with his feet propped up, kicking back. Very anger I went about changing the diapher. On my way back to the waiting room I got a slap on the back from Dr. Birk with the comment of "Don't take it personally". I was taken back by all of this. He refused to see us based on principle. Wanting to make an example of us. I am an nurse, and we would never do this to any of our patients. Our patients have come at wrong times and even wrong days. We do everything to accommdate our patients. I shared my story with some of our doctors that I work with. All were in complete shock that an MD would do this. Needless to say we won't be going back to see him.
Posted by: Candi Arrowwood | May 11, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Feel compelled to chime in about Dr Bruce Burk. Nice guy but wasn't comfortable with our decision to skip some vaccinations, or delay giving other vaccination. Even though my son is as healthy as can be. He wasn't the right fit for us.
I too have been sent home after being 10 minutes late. Unimaginable really.
Posted by: anon | June 25, 2008 at 11:55 PM
It's funny to me how many people are settling for MDs who don't dole out drugs, vaccinations, and who are not judgmental. Folks, these MDs are just following the path of Naturopathic Physicians. If you haven't discovered the hour + visits, the in-depth history, the investigation of the "root cause," you've been missing out on some of the best pediatricians in the country. Dr. Holly Beckwith is a mother of two kids, had home births, understands both the benefits and limitations of conventional medicine, and will spend the time necessary to help your kids. Check out her website!
Posted by: Vince Schreck | June 26, 2008 at 12:48 AM
For those of you on the east side of town - or - south (Lake O or Tualatin) - I would like to highly recommend Dr. Hadeed. He has a great deal of experience, wonderful bedside manner, gives you options (lets you decide) and is just fine with non-vaccinators or those that want a different vaccination schedule than the 'norm'. He is also accepting of pro-lifers that choose to carry babies to term with genetic (chromosomal) abnormalities. Just because a baby isn't perfect, doesn't mean that they aren't a precious gift none-the-less!
Posted by: Anon | July 21, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Just a quick plug for Joel Amundson on the NE side of town. Our family followed him from his old practice at the Children's Clinic over by St Vincent Hospital and would follow him to the ends of the earth!
He's now doing integrative care working with a Naturopath, who is also wonderful. Each well child visit is an hour and I have never left without my questions answered.
Check him out at www.drjoelsclinic.com
Posted by: Anon | July 21, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Hm..I have to disagree...we saw Dr Joel for a year and were not happy with him. He's extremely condescending and uses "scare" tactics that I find insulting. He is unsupportive of spreading out shots. When I was having trouble pumping after going back to work, having no choice but to supplement my then 3 month old, I went to him looking for support and instead he told me I should just quit breast feeding all together! He is anti co-sleeping - in fact told us that the families he sees that co-sleep are "exhausted" and the children end up "less intelligent" and don't develop on time due to said exhaustion. I think his website is very misleading and geared mainly to bring in patients in a town that is geared towards attachment parenting, etc. It is a marketing ploy, nothing else. Don't waste your time.
Posted by: anonamama | June 10, 2009 at 01:26 PM
Don't bother seeing Dr Joel Amundson if you don't intend to vaccinate your kids. I called his office and seems as though he doesn't take unvaccinated kids.
Posted by: Mandy | July 30, 2009 at 01:42 AM
Dr Bruce Birk is a very rude doctor. Pretty old school about vaccines and natural alternatives. He says bad words in front of my daughter, and is very "guido-ish" you know, macho and rude and tactless.
Posted by: anonomous | July 31, 2009 at 05:37 PM
We started with Dr. Joel Amundson when my son was a newborn, and initially liked his seemingly liberal stance on issues like circumcision, cloth diaper compliments, etc. But, when I brought my super fussy three-month old to see him because we couldn't figure out what was wrong, he basically just sent us home with little help. Well, we were back in two days, on a Saturday visit nonetheless, with a different on-call doctor (much more experienced), who was amazed to see that my son had two major ear infections and a high fever. Dr. Amundson had not even checked his ears at the visit two days prior, and as new parents of a young baby, we hadn't thought to ask him to check them. I wasn't impressed by this experience, but also I have to say that he is unsympathetic and very book-learned... and definitely not a parent himself. We've since switched to Dr. Michael Ericksen at Sunset Pediatrics, who we love! Calm, patient, understanding of children's differences and unique needs, very well-read but also experienced (four kids I think), and open to an alternate shot schedule. I couldn't recommend him more. And we never have to wait, and I've been 7-10 minutes late on multiple occasions and still been seen for a sick child visit.
Posted by: D. Hobbs | August 01, 2009 at 12:50 PM
We have had nothing but outstanding service from Dr Birk. My kids love him and I have always felt him to be utterly responsive. I guess his style -- more youthful and straight up - suits us all very well. He's not perfect but who is?
Posted by: Veronica | August 25, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I want to chime in about Dr. Bruce Birk, too. I just stumbled upon this thread when googling his name so I find the website for Pediatric Associates of the NW in order to recommend him to a family member who is having a baby next month.
We have been incredibly happy with Dr. Birk since day one (we have an 8-month old who was born in Jan. '09). He is direct and to-the-point, which my husband and I both appreciate, and he is always wonderful with our little boy. He has a good sense of humor, too, which we like.
We had to have our son on light therapy for elevated bilirubin levels when he was first born and we felt that Dr. Birk was very supportive and reassuring during the entire experience (which required about 4 visits in the first week or so after birth). His nurse is fabulous, as well. We have also loved the other doctors we have seen when we've had to do a same-day sick appointment and Dr. Birk isn't available.
As for the late-arrival issue at the clinic, it's a hassle when you arrive late and you have to wait to get in, but I appreciate the policy because you always get called in to your appointment on time when you arrive on time.
Posted by: Erin Porozni | October 01, 2009 at 06:07 PM
I finally think I have found a pediatrician who will not give us attitude about not vaccinating- Dr Pilar Buerk at Pediatric Associates of the NW. She is relaxed and takes her time with you. I think we have finally found our MD. I was interested to see Monique Pritchard, after so many glowing reviews on the internet, but she is too far for us.
Posted by: Amanda | December 01, 2009 at 09:10 PM
We've met most of the pediatricians at Metropolitan Pediatrics in northwest. We're going to make Dierdre Burton our daughter's new primary care provider. Our daughter has quite a bit of resistance to going to the doctor because she associates it with being asked embarrassing questions. She has been quite uncooperative with her previous pediatrician, which has been very stressful for us and the poor doctor. She likes Dr. Burton, cooperates with Dr. Burton, and does what Dr. Burton asks. It's just something about Dr. Burton's way of talking to her. This has been a great move for us.
Posted by: NE mom | February 12, 2010 at 09:11 AM
OMG! Couldn't agree more with your posters about Dr. Joel Amundson. What a jerk! We stayed with him, even though we were on the fence after his vaccination scare tactics (we too, just wanted a modified/delayed shot schedule.)
He also touts his natural and integrative medicine slant on his site but is anything but well-versed in this arena. I think he just does it to attract parents with $$. He also promotes his after-hours care on weekends, HA! Trying calling him on the weekend at 7am, he'll send you to the ER without so much as asking one question and he'll make you feel like you're bothering him for calling. We ended up calling our Naturopaths and urologists for second opinions on both after hours calls and both listened, were kind and gave us great advice (that was directly opposed to Dr. Joel's.)
He also confuses patients with one another and forgets important things about your child.
We also had to ask him to please put his computer down and look us in the eye instead of typing and checking off his list the entire appointment. He's argumentative -- always has to be right and condescending. All sign of a very green doctor (only in practice since 2006 AND does not have kids but thinks he is an expert on parenting.)
You should check out the other poor reviews on him here: http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Joel_Amundson.html
Posted by: Vanessa Nix Anthony | February 27, 2011 at 03:50 PM
I was excited to have my daughter see Dr. Joel Amundson because he seemed to have a holisitic approach......WRONG. The guy is a jerk. Totally talks down to you. AVOID.
Posted by: skye | April 19, 2011 at 01:01 AM