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- Mar 17, 2025
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Top 10 Pediatricians in San Diego City
Top 10 Pediatricians in San Diego City
San Diego, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and thriving healthcare system, is home to some of the nation’s best medical professionals. For parents looking for expert pediatric care for their little ones, San Diego offers a range of skilled pediatricians who specialize in the health and well-being of children. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top 10 pediatricians in San Diego city and also provide an in-depth overview of the various healthcare services available across the city, helping you make informed decisions for your family’s healthcare needs.
1. Dr. Anna C. Lee, MD - San Diego Pediatrician
Location: La Jolla, San Diego
Dr. Anna Lee is a well-established pediatrician with over 15 years of experience in child healthcare. Known for her compassionate approach, she specializes in both general pediatrics and the management of chronic childhood conditions. Dr. Lee has received high praise for her ability to connect with children and her thorough, patient-focused consultations. She works at Children’s Primary Care Medical Group, which is recognized for providing top-tier pediatric services in San Diego.
Services Offered:
- Routine check-ups and vaccinations
- Pediatric physicals and wellness exams
- Treatment for acute illnesses (fever, flu, etc.)
- Chronic disease management (asthma, diabetes)
2. Dr. Carlos R. Gonzalez, MD - Expert Pediatric Care
Location: Hillcrest, San Diego
Dr. Gonzalez is known for his expertise in both general pediatrics and pediatric emergency care. With his extensive experience in handling critical pediatric cases, Dr. Gonzalez works closely with the Rady Children’s Hospital, one of the leading pediatric healthcare centers in San Diego. Parents appreciate his calming demeanor and how he ensures parents understand the full picture when it comes to their child’s health.
Services Offered:
- Pediatric urgent care
- Developmental screenings
- Immunizations and wellness visits
- Nutritional advice for children
3. Dr. Judith M. Segal, MD - Pediatric Specialist
Location: San Diego (Downtown)
Dr. Segal is a pediatrician who specializes in treating children with special health needs. Her clinic is one of the top healthcare providers in the region, with a strong focus on developmental pediatrics. She is renowned for her work in early intervention and child developmental assessments, making her a popular choice for families in need of specialized care.
Services Offered:
- Early developmental screenings
- Pediatric neurodevelopmental care
- Behavioral health consultations
- Autism spectrum disorder assessments
4. Dr. Michael F. Johnson, MD - Pediatrician and Allergy Specialist
Location: Scripps Ranch, San Diego
Dr. Johnson is a pediatrician with a particular focus on allergies and asthma in children. His practice combines his pediatric expertise with specialized knowledge in pediatric allergy and immunology, ensuring that children with allergic conditions receive personalized care. He is also affiliated with the renowned Scripps Health network.
Services Offered:
- Allergy testing and management
- Asthma treatment and management
- Food allergies and environmental allergies care
- Pediatric immunotherapy
5. Dr. Rachel H. Kim, MD - Pediatric Cardiology Specialist
Location: Del Mar, San Diego
For children with heart conditions or cardiac concerns, Dr. Kim provides pediatric cardiology services. She is recognized for her ability to diagnose and treat congenital heart conditions, arrhythmias, and other cardiac concerns in children. As a member of Rady Children's Hospital, she has access to some of the best pediatric cardiology specialists in the region.
Services Offered:
- Pediatric heart screening
- Management of congenital heart defects
- Cardiac consultations for children with risk factors
6. Dr. Amanda S. Foster, MD - Pediatric Dentist
Location: North Park, San Diego
Dr. Foster provides pediatric dental care that goes beyond traditional dental services, offering preventative care and education to children and their families. She works at one of the top Pediatric Dental Clinics in San Diego, ensuring that kids receive care that emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene and cavity prevention from an early age.
Services Offered:
- Routine dental check-ups for kids
- Preventative oral health education
- Orthodontic referrals
- Pediatric dental procedures
7. Dr. Sarah T. Wong, MD - Family Medicine with Pediatric Focus
Location: Mission Valley, San Diego
Dr. Wong is a family medicine physician who specializes in providing healthcare to children in addition to adults. Her practice integrates family care with a specific focus on pediatrics, making it a convenient option for families who prefer one provider for all their healthcare needs. She is known for her holistic approach to child health.
Services Offered:
- Comprehensive family care
- Pediatric care (routine check-ups, vaccinations)
- Health management for children with chronic conditions
- Preventative health screenings
8. Dr. Lucas M. Nguyen, MD - Pediatric Neurologist
Location: Clairemont, San Diego
For children with neurological concerns, such as seizures or developmental delays, Dr. Nguyen offers specialized pediatric neurology services. His clinic at UC San Diego Health provides advanced neurological care to ensure that children with neurological disorders receive appropriate, evidence-based treatments.
Services Offered:
- Diagnosis and treatment of seizures
- Management of neurological conditions like ADHD, autism, and cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays and movement disorders
9. Dr. Emily R. Sanchez, MD - Pediatric Gastroenterologist
Location: Pacific Beach, San Diego
Dr. Sanchez is a pediatric gastroenterologist at Rady Children’s Hospital, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal issues in children. She has particular expertise in treating conditions like acid reflux, food intolerances, and chronic constipation. Her patient-first approach makes her one of the most respected pediatricians in the region.
Services Offered:
- Pediatric gastroenterology consultations
- Treatment of chronic GI conditions (IBS, GERD, etc.)
- Nutritional advice for children with GI issues
- Endoscopy and diagnostic procedures
10. Dr. Mark T. Harris, MD - Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Location: Coronado, San Diego
Dr. Harris is a board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon with expertise in musculoskeletal conditions in children. He is affiliated with the Rady Children’s Hospital, offering specialized care for children with fractures, scoliosis, and other orthopedic concerns. His innovative treatments ensure that children receive effective and minimally invasive procedures when needed.
Services Offered:
- Pediatric orthopedic consultations
- Fracture and injury care
- Scoliosis management
- Minimally invasive surgery for musculoskeletal issues
Healthcare Services in San Diego: A Comprehensive Overview
San Diego’s healthcare ecosystem is a robust one, catering to a wide range of medical needs beyond pediatrics. Let’s explore other key healthcare services available in the city.
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Medical Centers in San Diego: Institutions like UC San Diego Health, Sharp Coronado Hospital, and Scripps Mercy Hospital are recognized for their top-notch healthcare services, offering everything from routine checkups to complex surgeries.
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Urgent Care Centers in San Diego: For families who need immediate care outside of normal office hours, San Diego has numerous urgent care centers, including UC San Diego Health Urgent Care and Sharp Coronado Urgent Care, which provide quick treatment for non-emergency conditions.
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Chiropractors in San Diego: Chiropractors in San Diego, such as Dr. Michael Hudson, specialize in spinal health and offer pediatric chiropractic services to improve posture and address musculoskeletal concerns in children.
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Dental Services in San Diego: Pediatric dentists like Dr. Rachel Foster and Dr. Daniel Peters provide specialized dental care, including preventive services, orthodontics, and emergency dental treatments for children.
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Mental Health Services in San Diego: Rady Children's Hospital and other institutions offer child-specific mental health services, including therapy for anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.
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Specialists in San Diego: The city boasts a variety of medical specialists across different fields, including cardiology, dermatology, and gynecology, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for children and adults alike.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with answers related to pediatric care in San Diego City
1. What makes the pediatricians in San Diego stand out?
Answer:
Pediatricians in San Diego are known for their expertise, compassionate care, and specialization in children's health. Many are affiliated with leading hospitals like Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego Health, ensuring that children receive the most advanced and evidence-based medical care. Additionally, San Diego pediatricians often emphasize family-centered care, making both children and parents feel comfortable throughout the treatment process.
2. How do I choose the best pediatrician for my child in San Diego?
Answer:
Choosing the best pediatrician for your child involves considering several factors:
- Experience & Specialization: Look for a pediatrician who has experience with your child’s specific needs (e.g., allergies, developmental concerns, or chronic illnesses).
- Location & Accessibility: Consider the convenience of the pediatrician’s office location and their office hours.
- Hospital Affiliations: Many top pediatricians are affiliated with renowned hospitals like Rady Children’s and UC San Diego Health, which offers access to comprehensive care.
- Personal Recommendations: Ask for referrals from other parents or consult online reviews to gauge the pediatrician's approach to care.
3. What are the services offered by pediatricians in San Diego?
Answer:
Pediatricians in San Diego provide a wide range of services, including:
- Routine check-ups and vaccinations for children of all ages.
- Well-child exams that assess developmental milestones, growth, and immunization schedules.
- Management of acute illnesses such as colds, fevers, and ear infections.
- Chronic disease management for conditions like asthma, diabetes, and allergies.
- Specialized care for conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and developmental delays.
- Preventative care and nutritional advice to ensure long-term health.
4. Are there pediatricians in San Diego who specialize in certain medical fields?
Answer:
Yes! San Diego has several pediatricians who specialize in specific areas of child health. For example:
- Pediatric Allergists like Dr. Michael F. Johnson specialize in treating allergies and asthma.
- Pediatric Cardiologists like Dr. Rachel H. Kim provide heart care for children with congenital heart conditions.
- Pediatric Neurologists like Dr. Lucas M. Nguyen focus on neurological disorders.
- Pediatric Dentists like Dr. Amanda S. Foster offer dental care tailored to children. Specialized pediatric care ensures children with specific health needs receive expert attention.
5. Can I see a pediatrician in San Diego if my child needs urgent care?
Answer:
Yes, many pediatricians in San Diego offer urgent care services for non-life-threatening medical issues, including ear infections, mild fevers, and minor injuries. Some pediatricians are also affiliated with urgent care centers like Sharp Coronado Urgent Care and Rady Children’s Urgent Care, where kids can get immediate medical attention when their primary care pediatrician is unavailable.
6. How can I find a pediatrician in San Diego who speaks my language?
Answer:
San Diego is a diverse city, and many pediatricians speak multiple languages to accommodate families from different cultural backgrounds. If language is a concern, you can:
- Check with your insurance provider for a list of pediatricians who offer language services.
- Contact the pediatrician’s office directly to inquire if they have bilingual staff or translators.
- Look for pediatricians at larger medical centers like UC San Diego Health or Rady Children’s that cater to a wide range of language needs.
7. Are there pediatricians in San Diego who treat children with special needs?
Answer:
Yes, many pediatricians in San Diego specialize in treating children with special healthcare needs. Pediatricians like Dr. Judith M. Segal focus on developmental pediatrics, providing evaluations and support for children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental concerns. For children with specific medical conditions, pediatricians often collaborate with specialists and developmental therapists to ensure comprehensive care.
8. What should I expect during a routine check-up with a pediatrician in San Diego?
Answer:
During a routine check-up, the pediatrician will:
- Assess your child’s overall growth, height, weight, and developmental milestones.
- Administer vaccinations according to the CDC schedule.
- Conduct screenings for vision, hearing, and other developmental issues.
- Discuss your child’s nutrition, sleep, and activity levels.
- Address any concerns or questions you have about your child’s health and development. Routine check-ups are essential for monitoring your child’s well-being and preventing future health problems.
9. Do pediatricians in San Diego provide mental health support for children?
Answer:
Yes, many pediatricians in San Diego are equipped to identify mental health concerns in children, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Pediatricians often work with child psychologists, counselors, and other specialists to ensure that children receive comprehensive mental health support. Some practices even offer behavioral health services directly, or provide referrals to mental health professionals at institutions like Rady Children’s Behavioral Health.
10. What should I do if my pediatrician isn’t available in an emergency?
Answer:
If your pediatrician is unavailable during an emergency, you have several options:
- Visit an urgent care center like UC San Diego Health Urgent Care or Rady Children’s Urgent Care, which can treat non-life-threatening conditions.
- Go to the emergency room at a local hospital, such as Rady Children’s Hospital, if the situation is more critical.
- Call your pediatrician’s office – many pediatricians have after-hours services or will direct you to an on-call provider if your child needs immediate care.
- Telemedicine services: Some pediatricians offer virtual consultations to help assess the situation before making a decision to visit an urgent care center or hospital.
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