Kids Central Pediatrics is an exceptional practice. They give truly individualized attention to each and every child they see, actually treating them like their own kids. When we were looking for a pediatrician, we needed someone who parents AND kids wanted to talk to, patient, smart and willing to teach us. Someone who would respect our autonomy and wouldn't remain at odds with us if we disagreed, as long as life and limb aren't at stake. They check all those boxes. Dr. James is basically a big kid himself and the office is designed for children, with giant wall decals, a small playground in each waiting room, TVs, books and the noisy toys little kids love. The nurses and administrative staff are all great with kids, too. They always chat with my son and they don't freak out when he goes into "their area," in fact, they welcome him. I am one of those parents who questions everything--that can't be right... how do you know? why this treatment? what if we don't? what are the risks and benefits? and just out of curiosity...? Dr. James has patiently answered every one and taken the time to teach us how the body and illness work, what to look for. Mel has talked me through being a worried mom at my wit's end on more than one occasion. It's half an hour before close (did you know they're open late and see sick patients on Saturday?) and I call because he just won't stop crying and I don't know what else to do. Mel says "try this" and reassures us that he'll be all right, that we can call anytime. I have never once been made to feel like I am annoying them. But see for yourself. Call them up and ask to meet them. They'll do an "interview" consult. One of the most important things in choosing a physician is that you feel comfortable with them, because if you don't, you won't tell them everything and they could be missing pieces of key information in diagnosing and treating your kid. When you choose a doctor, you're putting the life and health of your child in someone else's hands. Make sure they're hands you can trust. I know I have. Dr. Cliff James and Mel Sisco, PA at KCP have been seeing my son since he was born. I am fiercely proud of them and would not take him anywhere else for primary care. read more

Dr. James is the most knowledgeable medical professional I have ever known. He makes me feel comfortable and confident by explaining conditions, treatments, procedures, and anything I want to know in understandable terms. His experience and expertise always leaves me confident in my parenting because he gives me the tools to care for my children well, even when they are sick or hurt. His humor and laid back attitude put me at ease knowing the world is not ending and my child is receiving excellent care. Kid Central's PA, Mel Sisco, is also extremely knowledgeable, comforting, and fun. We are so thankful that he stays until 9 pm on weekdays and on Saturday mornings, so we can get medical care even when babies get sick at night, kids are injured in an evening sports game, or I just need some advice after work. Everyone from the nurses to receptionists all put their hearts and souls into this practice, and it is obvious in the care patients receive. They care for my children like their own, and they care for frantic moms (like me) like friends and sisters. Kids Central Pediatrics is one of the best things to ever happen to our family! read more

I wish I could give more than 5 stars! Absolutely my favorite doctors and staff of any office....EVER! I wish Kids Central accepted adults. I whole heartedly trust that they have my kiddos best intrest as their top priority. I feel like my kids could not be in better hands than Dr James and Mel. We've been with them for 7 years now and I have zero things negative to say. We aren't just numbers there. We are friends. They know my kid's lives. From my oldest daughter's graduation plans to knowing when their grandmother died. They allow us to call and ask questions without forcing us to make an office visit. And a doctor calls you back! Even when I've paid for an office visit, out of pocket, it was extremely reasonable. And Helpmommy.com is an absolute lifesaver and quite entertaining. Dr James' book is my go to baby shower gift because it is packed with great info but mostly it's fun to read. I can't say enough great things about these folks. Dr James, his staff and his awesome wife are genuinely people that want to help make the world a better place and I am so thankful I made the choice to entrust my babies to them. read more

Great care for my kids ALWAYS! We love how fun the office is with their decor, indoor playgrounds, and creative patient room exam tables. We came from KPA which was very "by the book" and have found Kid Central to be a breath of fresh air. At KPA, we agonized after appointments over whether our kids were hitting the milestones because everything was very list oriented. I remember having to fill out an entire questionnaire that rated my child on basically how "normal" he is for his age. Then we would see one of their dozens of doctors who had never even met my child before. Talk about anxiety. Don't get me wrong, there was a lot of good going to KPA, but at KCP, I like that we see Mel each time. And though he has tons of patients and probably doesn't remember much about my kids, it still feels like we're getting consistent care. Also, they have late hours. I work full time and have two kids. We always make Friday appointments around 6 because it works so well with our schedule. It's so convenient. Would highly recommend! read more

I'd give 100 stars if it was possible on YELP. Dr James and Mel are tremendous in every way possible. I'll never forget meeting Dr James for the 1st time. My 1st son was just born the day before, got a knock at our hospital room and aman wearing cargo shorts and a Micky Mouse tshirt walked in and introduced himself as our chosen Pediatrician Dr Clifford James. Was sold immediately and the level of personalised care is second to none. In office visits are always quick and even when the kiddos are sick or getting shots, Dr James or Mel and their staff go out of their way to make everyone as comfortable as possible while listening to concerns and questions. The office is open late into the evening saving us from an urgent care or emergency room for those illnesses after work hours. Only negative is Mel is a Kentucky fan. Thats almost unacceptable but we forgive him. If you or someone you know is looking for the best, look no further, its right bere Kids Central. read more

Dr. James and Mel have been the the only doctors to ever care for my children since they reached 3 days old and I wouldn't have it any other way. They are both so great with kids from newborns to small children. I have 3 kids. A 3 year old little girl, a 2 year old boy, and a 5 month old boy. All 3 of my children absolutely adore them both. The doctors interact with all of my kids so well and genuinely kindhearted men that love what they do. They are intelligent yet don't speak down to you. They explain exactly whats going on so you don't feel stupid or left in the dark. No question is a stupid question to them. They are down to earth and don't dress like how you would think doctors should dress which helps when your kid is already nervous enough as it is. I will always love going to this practice and recommend to any and everyone. read more

Dr. James, Mel, and all the nurses are absolutely the best. They are awesome with my kids, and with me. I have access to help whenever I need it. I have called the after hours phone on weekends and holidays because my kids are maniacs. And when I'm ready to pack them up and head to Children's Hospital, I find out that whatever happened is going to be ok. They have never misdiagnosed my kids or given what I thought to be bad advice. I don't even know how many times I have taken my kids in to see Mel late in the evening because they suddenly get much worse in the afternoon. I would be seriously distraught if Kids Central was no longer available to me. I have recommended them to every friend expecting kids and on community facebook pages. And my kids are actually patients here, not someone with a vendetta from California. read more

I met Dr. James 19 years ago at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge when my first son was born. I knew from the way he spoke that he would be the pediatrician that I would want for my children. He was at one pediatric group when we began seeing him. But he was the only doctor my son and I felt comfortable with. He was very compassionate to my little one. He understood my new mom fears. So when he started his own practice, we followed. He provides so much more than just a child doctor. He helps parents be better parents in the care of their children. He calms fears. He offers logic, but he is also fun. My 5 sons love him. My 19 year old doesn't want to outgrow him. Dr. James and his staff are pretty awesome. They really feel like family in that they get to know your children and you, and they care. read more

Dr. James Clifford is one of the best pediatricians in the East TN area, in my opinion. Me and my wife had our first daughter, Everly, over a year ago and having someone like Dr. James literally sit with us and explain everything from shots, fevers, to whatever we asked of him in detail was invaluable and Everly loves him and is very calm around him. Being a new parent is terrifying, so having someone like him to call and bug the crap out of over every sneeze(sorry Dr. James!) taught us a lot. We will be seeing Dr. James for our potential future children as well. Also, the wait times are super minimal at his office, office personnel/nurses are friendly, and the entire office is a very clean looking environment. What more could you ask of a pediatrician? read more

I have taken all 5 of my kiddos to Dr. James (and now Mel as well) for almost 18 years. I first saw Dr. James before he opened Kids Central Pediatrics, and I was one of the mom's that didn't even question transferring with him when he opened his own practice. There is nobody else I would trust more with my children's health. After moving out of Oak Ridge, there was no question that I would continue going to Kids Central Pediatrics. Dr. James has gone above and beyond ALWAYS to make himself or someone available. We went through some pretty scary health issues with my youngest, and Dr. James was our only saving grace. I would recommend this practice to absolutely anybody looking for someone to love their babies!!! read more

Dr James and his entire staff are the absolute best. They were recommended to me by friends and my OB/GYN. When I was a new mom - he listened to my questions and answered them, never belittled or made fun of my new-mommy anxiety. We have been seeing him now for over 12 years and will stay with this practice for as long as possible. My daughter trusts him and he has always made her comfortable there. He has called me outside of office hours to check back in us to make sure things were getting better. His PA Mel is awesome too - very knowledgeable, very friendly. I cannot say enough good things about Dr James and everyone at Kids Central Pediatrics. read more

Great, Clean and up to date office! They have the coolest Play area in the sick and well waiting rooms. Front end staff is amazing!! Every time I call they answer the phone! No phone prompts which is a major plus for me! Love both Dr. James and Mel. They are great with the kids to where my kids are not scared but view them more as friends. It took me a long time to find a peds office I was comfortable with that was also clean and was able to get us in any time we called. We have found our doc till the kids age out. And even then I wish they could see Dr. James and Mel. The staff has become our "family" and we are grateful! read more

ALL THE STARS & MORE. We've been with Kids Central for almost 5 years!!! We don't have ONE single complaint. Dr James is the most knowledgeable, CARING, easy going pediatrician I could have ever ask for. Mel (PA) has taken great care of and loved on my boys several times also. Availability cannot be beat. Kindness and understanding of your thoughts and fears as parents cannot be beat. The level of healthcare this office provides children cannot be beat. The office staff and nurses make getting appointments, records, questions answered a breeze. I can't say enough about how fantastic this office is. My family LOVES them. read more

Our children have been going to Kids Central Pediatrics for years. Switching to their practice was the best decision we've made!From the time you check in til the time you leave everyone is super nice!! You won't find someone better than Dr James or Mel to take care of your kids. They take the time to actually speak with your child and with you. The kids love the waiting rooms and themed rooms are awesome. But the fact they aren't suit and tie with the white coat is even better. They are relaxed and that helps the kids be too! Never left there worrying if something got missed. read more

Dr. James and his staff are the best! I have a 9 year old and a 4 month old and have never had a bad experience with anyone in the office. Mel is the PA that works with Dr. James and we love him too. They have extended hours during the week and are open Saturday mornings as well. They are always great about making the correct diagnosis and telling you how to differentiate between a cold and allergies, what type of changes indicate a bacterial infection, etc. If you want a friendly, approachable Doctor that knows his stuff then this is the place for you. read more

This is Dr James and YELP said I should respond to my 1 star review. The one star review is from an activist troll who was attacking me over circumcisions. I've never met her, never seen her children, just attacked by her. The response she speaks of was me calling her a "moron" because I don't even know how to do a circumcision. I've never done or even assisted in doing one. Her accusing me of disfiguring babies and violating my oath to do no harm was dumb. I stand by my previous assessment. She is a moron. read more

My son has been a patient for almost 16 years, and all my grandchildren are seen here. The entire staff here love children and are here to help both the child and parents during illnesses or just normal child development. I highly recommend this office to everyone possible. I'll be very disappointed when my son out grows his care, but am relieved to know my daughters have him to care for my grandchildren. If you aren't happy with the care your children receive here, you probably won't be happy anywhere. read more

I can not say enough good things about everyone at this place! My oldest has been a patient here for 18yrs & my youngest for 6yrs now. I can not imagine taking them anywhere else. The staff, nurses, & doctors are all very personable, knowledgeable, & informative in a way that you always understand what is going on. Definitely not your boring everyday doctors office. Dr. James & Mel are awesome with their patients from birth up to their teenage years. Highly recommend Kids Central Pediatrics! read more

Dr. James and Mel have taken excellent care of my child since she was just an infant. They have taken us short notice (called on the way, they said come on in!) evening hours, and Saturdays too. Always been available and extremely tentative to our concerns and our sick girl. I love that they both are down to earth and really treat us like family. I would never go anywhere else. They have always gone above and beyond for my family. We just love the whole practice. read more