pediatrician recommendation...we're leaving Whole Child

We've had our children see the docs at Whole Child in Ashburn since they were newborns (in 2003). Ever since Dr. Pasternak became ill (and passed away), I think this practice has gone downhill.

The record keeping, office staff competence, and pediatrician turnover has been sub-standard. After learning that Dr. Torres had left, that was it--we're leaving.

One big problem I've had with Whole Child is that they don't notify patients of any major changes to the practice (such as physicians leaving). Also, the fact that their record keeping is all done with paper copies, when most practices have switched to electronic verisions, seems anachronistic in 2008.

So, we're looking for a new pediatrician...espcially since we'll have a newborn soon. I've read other threads on this board, and Ashburn Peds seems quite popular. However, we're looking for a pracitce that's a bit smaller.

Any current recommendations?

 

Ashburn Medical Center, which is on the second floor of the center off Claiborne and Truro Parrish in Broadlands. 703-729-1660. Dr. Ditranto is great, and the NP, Cynthia Hersh is great. They have a few other medical peeps there. They always have openings so last minute appts can be done the day you call. Been with them for 6 years. They see the whole family from newborns on up.

 

Ditto for Dr. Ditaranto. We've been with him for about a decade I think - also take the whole family to him. He's our genius doctor - best doctor I've ever had, extremely thorough and careful.

 

We use Ashburn Pediatrics and have been very pleased with "most" of the doctors. There was one we didn't like--but the rest have been great--and the staff is great. We just make sure we dont' get the one, and we're okay.

 

I had no idea Dr. Torres left. I was there yesterday with my son for a check up. We saw the new Dr. - also Dr. Chamberlain was working that day. I just thought Torres had the day off. Is Dr. Bunger still there?? We've been there since Dr. Pasternak opened the practice - there has been a lot of change.

 

Dr. Bunger is still there. The only reason I knew about Dr. Torres leaving was becaused I just happened to ask the staff what days she is usually there. At our most recent appointment, we saw a physician's assistant that I'd never seen before.

 

we just used (as in for the first time yesterday) Dr. Scott of Sterling Pediatrics. I REALLY liked her a lot and the practice seems to have the things I was looking for - Saturday appointments, sick and well child waiting rooms, etc. They are located close to the BRU in Sterling. Not too far at all!

 

We are leaving Whole Child for the same reason. I did find out that Dr. Torres is working at Pediatrics at Night now. Which is good in case of an emergency. I also have a problem with the fact that Whole Child will not call in prescriptions to the pharmacy - you have to go in, pick it up, and then wait at the pharmacy to fill it. When you have a sick child, this is not always easy.

 

My son really likes Dr. Chamberlain so we will hang on there a while longer. What bothers me though is it seems that whenever I go, they are always running behind. Our appt. the other day wasn't that bad - but it was still an hour to get in and out. Good to know about Dr. Torres at Peds at Night. Although hopefully we won't need it.

 

Dr. Cohn with Broadlands Family Practice! I really like all their doctors (awesome practice), but our family doctor is Dr. Cohn... he's really great!

 

Wow, we didn't know Dr. Torres left either, but frankly, no great loss. My kids didn't really respond that well to her.
Dr. Bunger and Dr. Chamberlain are great. Saw the new NP the other day when I brought my daughter for a sick visit and liked her as well. She took a lot of time with us, both on the current problem and getting to know us since she hadn't seen us before.
It does bother me that they use a total paper system and also that if you call to ask to talk to a nurse for advice, not necessarily needing to bring your child in, the front desk staff interrogates you as to why you want to speak with them. Seems like other ped. offices include this as one of their services.
Also might be worth mentioning that Dr. Chamberlain just had a baby so she is working part time right now. Not sure if she plans to return to full time in the future but perhaps that is also reason for some of the staffing changes/issues.

 

Wow thanks for letting us know. Dr. Torres was our backup and Dr. Chamberlain is our favorite. We'll miss Dr. Torres though... she is good. I really like the quick response from the docs there, it seems more personal too than other practices. We may still stick with it.

 

Thanks everyone for your recommendations so far.

I have heard some good things about Capital Area Pediatricians at both the Ryan Park and Ashburn Village locations. Does anyone have any experience with them?

 

We've used both offices of Capital Area Peds. My favorite is Dr. Sanusi at the Ryan Park office. She's very knowledgeable and has the perfect personality to be a peds doc. My kids love her. Dr. Williams at the Ashburn Village office is also fantastic.

 

We are very happy with Kaiser Permanente in Ashburn (Ryan Park), Dr. Malati. His staff is also great with the kids.

 

Dr. Williams is at the Ryan Park office of Capital Area Pediatrics. (Actually, she's Dr. Hill now.) She is wonderful.