I've been going to Warrenton Pediatrics for many years now and overall they are okay, but I prefer seeing Dr. Kemerer. I was considering leaving the practice, but was told by a neighbor that Dr. Kemerer has a great reputation at the hospital and medical community and really knows her stuff. On the other hand, Dr. Amster, while generally very nice and friendly, tends to be condescending to parents. Maybe he doesn't mean to, but as a parent, if I have a concern he shouldn't make me feel stupid for having it. It was a year or so ago, my child is very skinny, now 16 years old, 6', and maybe 110 lbs. Yes, I'm overweight, but that does not invalidate my concern that my child is so thin and not eating well. I don't want my child to be overweight, but he can barely finish a hamburger and fries, which kids that age usually eat parents out of house and home. My son says it hurts his stomach to eat the full meal, which if it was a large meal I would understand. My Dad was 6'3" and 145 lbs at his healthiest, but could eat whatever he wanted and a lot of it. So I understand the thin part, it's the eating part that concerns me.
Also, I admit I don't have all the facts and I'm leaving out some details since I don't know if my neighbor would want me to share, but something parents need to know. I was disturbed to hear about a serious situation with my neighbor's 11 yr old daughter, recurring throat infections were minimized for 6 years, which led to a very painful tonsillectomy in December. The surgeon said her tonsils should have been taken out years ago and asked who her pediatrician was. Red flag. The surgeon also said the surgery for kids over 9 years old was comparable to giving childbirth! Very upsetting. If there's a chance of a child needing a tonsillectomy, and getting close to 9 years old, I'd prefer they be referred to an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist and figure it out before they are 9 to minimize the additional pain this child endured at 11 years old. There were complications and it was traumatic for the entire family. read more