Shlafer, Stephen J, Md - North Sound Pediatrics

10/13/09

Excellent Pediatrician to be found

by MCFamily at Citysearch

Dr. Shlafer is an excellent pediatrician that a parent can find in the area. He is trustworthy, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. Both of my kids have been with him since we came to the area 4 years ago and we have been very happy with him and his service. We put our kids 100% to his hand and trust his sound judgments on all occasions. He is a very cool doctor with exceptional experience. He always make the right diagnoses and provide thoughtful and educational information to us so that we understand what is going on and what we should be expecting during any treatments. He is willing to take/make calls from/to us out of his office hours to discuss any situations that we have concerns over our kids' health.

In comparison with other doctors who always treat their patients in a hurry, he is very patient to listen to our concerns and address them timely. Obviously all medicines have some side effects and it is better to not take any unless it is absolutely necessary. He would not hesitate to tell you that your child does not need to take any at some situations. We should have had many more such doctors as Dr. Shlafer in the region and the country.

Like others I do feel sorry for Brandy Young and her loss of her child. I am not in a position to make any judgment over her case but our experience with Dr Shlafer has been exceptional.

The only drawback is that some of his nurses are not so professional in some cases and I hope that they can also live up to the high standard that Dr. Shlafer has for his patients.

• Pros: Cares about his patient without boundary
• Cons: Some of his nurses are not so professional sometimes

10/09/09

Exceptional Pediatrician

by BlockhanFamily at Citysearch

Dr. Stephen Shlafer is an amazing pediatrician. We were referred to him 5 years ago when my daughter was clearly sick, but her pediatrician at the time was just chalking it up to her just being a "small" baby. Even though we had only met him during our initial appointment (In which he recommended that I bring her into Children's Hospital right away) he called to check up on her 2-3 times, each day, for the week that we were there. He even went over with me what I should expect from the hospital before I even drove down there.

Where most Dr’s seem to want to get you in and out of their offices as fast as possible, Dr. Shlafer takes his time with his patients, always thoroughly explains EXACTLY what is going on with your child, and answers any questions you may have. Throughout our years with him we have unfortunately had some financial setbacks and he has still never turned us away. He truly cares about each one of his patients.

I am not sure exactly what happened in the case of Brandy Young, but none of what Dr Shlafer is accused of sounds like his way of practicing at all. My heart aches for her loss, but there has got to be part of the story that is missing.

I highly recommend Dr. Shlafer! There should be more Dr’s out there just like him...In fact I wish I could find a Dr that cared about my health as he does his patients!

Nikki Blockhan

02/02/09

A Rare Physician in Today's Managed Health Care Environment!

by BeCurious at Citysearch

Dr. Stephen Shlafer was recommended to me by another parent when I voiced my unhappiness with the passive care my then-1 y/o son was receiving from his pediatrician. We switched to Dr. Shlafer, and I am SO glad we did (my son is now 10, and my daughter is 7). With my background as an emergency room nurse and as the mother of two children who have had health problems, I believe I am qualified to recommend Dr. Shlafer.

Dr. Shlafer is an example of what physicians used to be more like before managed care turned the vast majority of them into employees who are forced to see an unreasonable number of patients (spending only a few minutes with each) and who feel pressured to limit referrals and treatment. Unlike most physicians these days, Dr. Shlafer never hesitates to refer to a specialist when needed and never hesitates to order important tests to assist in his diagnosis. He is hands-on and accessible nights and weekends. He rarely takes time away from his work, and (the last time I checked) he is in his office 5 1/2 days/week as a sole practitioner.

Even if Dr. Shlafer had a less-than-ideal "bedside manner," I would take my children to him because of his genuine care and concern for them and because of his high level of medical competence. Fortunately, Dr. Shlafer is also highly-personable, funny, and great with kids and parents! :)

I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Shlafer!

• Pros: Highly Competent, Personable, Genuinely Caring & Concerned About Children