Avoid This Pediatrician - Disrespectful, Judgmental, Dismissive, and Unprofessional
I had an absolutely terrible experience with Dr. Kaldas at Alpha Pediatrics, and I feel obligated to warn other parents before they make the same mistake of trusting this facility with their child's care.
A week after my son was born, I brought him in for his first appointment while I was still recovering from a challenging pregnancy and delivery that not only left me physically drained but also nursing a spinal leak. The moment Dr. Kaldas walked into the room, the visit took a turn for the worse.
Instead of introducing himself with care and professionalism, he immediately fixated on my decision to hold off on the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth without even asking why or listening to my concerns. For the record, I come from a family with a documented history of autoimmune disorders and severe vaccine reactions, including Guillain-Barré Syndrome and SPS (Stiff Person Syndrome). I also have a debilitating muscle disease that followed with the administration of the Gardasil vaccine I received as a teenager, so naturally, I wanted to make informed choices for my son's health.
Rather than engaging in a respectful and constructive conversation, he dismissed me entirely, shaking his head in disapproval before demanding to know if I had received the RSV and Tdap vaccines during pregnancy. When I answered no, he shook his head again, making it clear that he saw me as an unfit mother rather than a parent making well-researched, personal medical decisions.
His attitude became even more unprofessional when he abruptly changed the topic, interrogating me about my education and relationship status - completely irrelevant to my child's medical care. "Did you even go to college?" he asked me condescendingly, only to cut me off when I answered.
When I told him I had a degree in Computer Science, he then asked "Is the father involved?" His tone wasn't one of concern - it was the uncalled for judgment on my personal achievements, as if he was attempting to discredit me rather than provide me valuable medical advice to come up with a logical approach to my son's health.
The entire visit was riddled with cheesy sarcasm to mask bias remarks - an utter lack of professionalism. This man is more interested in imposing his personal opinions on vulnerable new parents, placating on their fear and protective instincts towards their children, than in providing actual healthcare.
A good doctor listens to concerns, educates without condescension, and respects a parent's right to make informed medical choices.
Dr. Kaldas failed on ALL fronts.
To make matters worse, the office itself was run-down and unclean - completely unacceptable for a medical facility treating newborns. I left that appointment feeling disrespected, judged, and unheard. I paid out of pocket for an appointment just to be insulted and told information that was sprouted from low level thinking. Total joke of a facility.
I immediately found another pediatrician to ensure my firstborn child would receive care from someone who actually listens.
If you are looking for a doctor who values science, respects parental concerns, and treats patients with kindness, this is NOT the place for you.
I strongly urge parents to find a provider who actually cares about children's well-being instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all approach and passing judgment.
Do not make the mistake of trusting your baby's care to Dr. Kaldas. read more