This review is long overdue. Dr Bender has been taking care of my son for the last 4 years. As a…read moreparent of 4 children, and now with one in college, I have probably had an encounter with the majority of the pediatricians that currently practice in Burbank due to various insurance changes. Dr.Bender is by far and away the best pediatrician I have encountered. Everything that others have written in previous reviews is true, he is compassionate, caring, always with a smile, approachable, and usually has me laughing within the first minute of the encounter. I think he sets himself apart from the other pediatricians I have seen for three reasons:
1) Accessibility- Dr Bender is very busy, but always will call me back on the same day that I call with question. It is reassuring that if I have a concern about my son, that I'm going to get advice that day.
2) He listens to every concern I have- Other pediatricians I have dealt with, always seem to be in a rush, and never give me time to ask my questions. At every check up, Dr Bender, will sit down, and the first question he asks is "Do you have any questions or concerns about your son that you want to talk about today". No matter how many questions I have, he answers all of them thoroughly, and never makes me feel like I need to hurry up because I'm asking too many questions (and I usually have a lot of questions). It is always reassuring to know I'm going to leave each check-up with all of my concerns addressed.
3). He EDUCATES me. When I bring in my son when he is sick, Dr. Bender will examine him thoroughly, and then tell what he thinks my son has. But it doesn't stop there, many times going into the visit, I have felt like my child was sick enough to need medication, and in these instances, Dr. Bender has explained to me why he thinks that medications are not necessary, and also counsels me on things to look for that if they occur I should notify him immediately. Prior to switching to Dr. Bender I felt like I was always going to the ER when my child was sick because I couldn't get in with my pediatrician, and needed reassurance. Now, due to Dr. Bender's counseling I feel much more confident at being at home with a sick child, at have not been to the ER in years.
My son has grown very attached to Dr Bender, and loves going to see him. I am able to use the way he feels about him to get him to do things at home. "Remember what Dr. Bender said, its important to each your vegetables everyday". Works every time.
Lastly, this review would not be complete without mentioning Dr Bender's amazing nurse Ruth. I have to agree with everything that Kenny said in a previous review. Most nurses I have dealt with always seem unhappy, and very cold. Ruth has always greeted my son with a smile, is gentle with him, and she treats him as if he were her son. On his last visit, he was scared about his vaccinations, Ruth took time to comfort him, make him at ease, and after it was done, he told me they didn't hurt at all. Thank you Ruth!!
Its simple, Dr Bender and Ruth, make a great team, and provide exceptional heartfelt care. If you want the same for your child look no further. Needless to say I won't be changing insurances any time soon