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15 Best Pediatricians in San Diego

Choosing a pediatrician in San Diego is about more than finding an appointment: families need care that fits a newborn visit, a detailed evaluation, or years of routine guidance. The selection includes doctors associated with well-baby care, early childhood, research-informed advice, and a calm manner for children who feel uneasy.

When comparing practices, consider how thoroughly the doctor answers questions, how continuity is handled as your child grows, and how clearly care is coordinated. Parents should also ask about appointment timing, communication between visits, and what to expect during the first consultation.

Our method for this guide

Our ranking of pediatricians in San Diego is editorial. It combines public reputation, how focused each business is on this service and the information it gives about its work.

No business can pay to be included. Those already in the guide may buy extra visibility, and it is always shown.

Top 3Complete listMapHow to pick one

Browse 15 local options

Eric J. Reed, MD, San Diego#1

Eric J. Reed, MD

5.0180 reviews
5525 Grossmont Center Dr Fl 5, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States
Recommended for
Families seeking clear, reassuring pediatric communicationChildren who benefit from a relaxed clinical manner

Eric J. Reed, MD provides pediatric care in La Mesa for families seeking thoughtful communication and a reassuring manner. His visits combine careful evaluation with clear explanations, helping children feel comfortable while giving parents a practical understanding of their child’s health and care options.

Dr. Reed’s style is relaxed yet attentive. He is known for listening closely, responding to questions with patience, and maintaining continuity with families over time. The office is also described as organized from arrival through follow-up, with communication that supports a smooth visit. This makes the practice a strong fit for parents who value clarity, trust, and a pediatrician who connects naturally with children.

GLocal business
#2

Gordon C. Cheng, MD

5.0196 reviews
8975 Balboa Ave Fl 2, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
Recommended for
Newborn and well-baby careParents seeking unrushed, collaborative consultations

Gordon C. Cheng, MD is a San Diego pediatrician with a calm, attentive approach to children’s care. Visits are characterized by thorough evaluations, thoughtful explanations, and enough time for parents to discuss concerns without feeling rushed. His communication style is personable and reassuring while remaining measured rather than alarmist.

Dr. Cheng is particularly well suited to families looking for individualized pediatric care, including newborn and well-baby support. He encourages collaboration between physician, child, and parents, helping families understand their options and feel more confident about next steps. Appointments are required or recommended, so arranging care in advance is important.

Sara S. Rourke, MD, San Diego#3

Sara S. Rourke, MD

5.0158 reviews
5525 Grossmont Center Dr Fl 5, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States
Recommended for
Parents seeking research-informed pediatric guidanceChildren who benefit from a gentle, approachable doctor

Sara S. Rourke, MD brings a warm, family-centered approach to pediatric care in La Mesa. She listens carefully to both children and parents, explains medical topics in accessible language, and uses evidence-based guidance to address concerns without imposing personal preferences. Her style is especially reassuring for families who want informed decisions and room for questions.

Dr. Rourke also focuses on helping children understand what is happening during their visits, which can build trust and reduce anxiety. Her care emphasizes individualized attention rather than a rushed, one-size-fits-all interaction. Families should plan appointments in advance, as visits are required or recommended.

MLocal business
#4

Michael D. Antos, MD

5.0164 reviews
1400 E Palomar St Fl 2, Chula Vista, CA 91913, United States
Recommended for
New parents with detailed questionsFamilies seeking long-term pediatric continuity

Michael D. Antos, MD is a San Diego pediatrician recognized for a personable, thorough style that puts both children and parents at ease. He takes time to understand the child, answer questions, and discuss concerns without judgment, making the visit feel approachable for new parents as well as established families.

His care is marked by attentive listening, clear guidance, and a warm connection with young patients. Families seeking pediatric support over many stages of childhood may appreciate the continuity and rapport he builds during appointments. The Otay Ranch setting serves San Diego families, and appointments are required or recommended, making advance scheduling an important part of planning care.

MLocal business
#5

Michael D. Berent, MD

5.0129 reviews
8975 Balboa Ave Fl 2, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
Recommended for
Children who feel uneasy about medical visitsFamilies seeking a long-term pediatric relationship

Michael D. Berent, MD offers pediatric care in San Diego with a notably patient and personable bedside manner. He speaks directly with children as well as parents, taking time to establish trust, answer questions thoroughly, and explain care without making families feel hurried. His gentle humor and ability to connect with young patients can make appointments feel less intimidating.

The practice is a natural fit for families looking for a long-term pediatric relationship built on attention, empathy, and consistency. Staff interactions are described as kind and organized from check-in onward, supporting a comfortable visit. Appointments are required or recommended, so families should arrange a time ahead of their visit.

Yousuke Horikawa, MD, PhD - Sharp Rees-Stealy Santee, San Diego#6

Yousuke Horikawa, MD, PhD - Sharp Rees-Stealy Santee

5.0112 reviews
8701 Cuyamaca St Second floor, Santee, CA 92071, United States
Recommended for
New parents with many questionsFamilies seeking calm, ongoing pediatric care

Yousuke Horikawa, MD, PhD provides pediatric care for San Diego families from the Santee location. His calm manner, careful listening, and ability to explain concerns clearly create a reassuring setting for parents and children alike. He is especially appreciated for taking questions seriously, including those from new parents, and for giving families time to understand what comes next.

Dr. Horikawa’s approachable style and steady communication also support children who have been in his care over multiple years. Appointments are recommended, making advance planning worthwhile for families seeking his care.

MLocal business
#7

Meenal Swami, MD

5.096 reviews
10243 Genetic Center Dr Fl 2, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
Recommended for
Newborn and early-childhood care

Meenal Swami, MD provides pediatric care in San Diego with a warm, patient approach that is particularly reassuring during newborn and early-childhood visits. She explains care clearly, listens carefully to parent questions, and helps families feel more comfortable when navigating everyday concerns such as feeding, development, or common childhood illness.

Her practice emphasizes a welcoming relationship with both child and parent. Families looking for a pediatrician who combines attentive conversation with practical guidance may find the Sorrento Mesa office appealing. Appointments are required or recommended, so scheduling ahead is an important part of arranging care.

Veda C. Wu, MD, San Diego#8

Veda C. Wu, MD

5.078 reviews
8975 Balboa Ave Fl 2, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
Recommended for
Newborn care and follow-upParents seeking detailed guidance

Veda C. Wu, MD is a San Diego pediatrician known for gentle communication, careful explanations, and attentive follow-through. She works comfortably with children while giving parents detailed guidance, making it easier to understand a diagnosis, procedure, or recommended next step. Her calm manner can be especially valuable during newborn visits and questions that require extra reassurance.

Dr. Wu emphasizes an ongoing partnership with families as children grow. The practice suits parents looking for a pediatrician who listens closely, treats concerns seriously, and communicates with warmth and clarity. Appointments are required or recommended, so families should plan ahead.

LLocal business
#9

Lisa L. Deleon, MD

5.065 reviews
Corridor C, 10670 Wexford St Fl 1, San Diego, CA 92131, United States
Recommended for
Families seeking attentive, continuous pediatric care

Lisa L. Deleon, MD provides pediatric care in San Diego with a warm, engaged, and highly communicative style. She listens carefully to parents, explains care options clearly, and offers practical recommendations without making visits feel hurried. Her approachable manner helps children feel valued while giving new parents space to ask detailed questions.

Dr. Deleon is a strong choice for families seeking continuity, thoughtful problem-solving, and a doctor who remains attentive to the whole family’s concerns. Her care is described as reassuring from newborn visits through later childhood, with a personal connection that supports trust over time.

GLocal business
#10

Gargi G. Kubal, MD

4.9112 reviews
8975 Balboa Ave Fl 2, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
Recommended for
Parents seeking detailed, calm pediatric evaluationsFamilies who value clear care coordination

Gargi G. Kubal, MD provides pediatric care in San Diego with a thorough, rational, and compassionate style. She listens closely to parent concerns, works to identify underlying issues, and explains recommendations in clear, informative language. Her ability to connect warmly with children creates a calm setting for both routine visits and more involved questions.

The office is described as smoothly organized, with efficient visits that still leave room for careful discussion. Dr. Kubal also supports families with referrals and practical medical guidance when additional care is appropriate. Appointments are required or recommended, so advance scheduling is important for families seeking her ongoing care.

CLocal business
#11

Cherie G. Chu, MD

4.9100 reviews
5525 Grossmont Center Dr Fl 5, La Mesa, CA 91942, United States
Recommended for
Families seeking approachable preventive pediatric care

Cherie G. Chu, MD provides pediatric care in La Mesa with a calm, knowledgeable, and approachable manner. She takes time to answer questions, offers practical guidance for infancy and childhood, and explains recommendations in a way that helps both children and parents feel comfortable. Her preventive focus includes healthy habits alongside attentive care for immediate concerns.

Dr. Chu’s style is a good fit for families who want thoughtful conversations, patient explanations, and a balanced approach to children’s health. Appointments are required or recommended, so arranging care in advance is important.

Peggy L. Manuel, MD, San Diego#12

Peggy L. Manuel, MD

4.970 reviews
8975 Balboa Ave Fl 2, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
Recommended for
Families interested in preventive nutrition guidanceParents seeking integrative pediatric conversations

Peggy L. Manuel, MD offers pediatric care in San Diego with a preventive and integrative focus. She discusses nutrition, healthy habits, and research-informed options alongside traditional medical care, giving families room to consider a broader picture of child wellness. Her consultations are described as thoughtful, accessible, and unhurried, with prompt attention to questions and concerns.

This practice may appeal to families who want detailed conversations about prevention, nutrition, and complementary approaches while maintaining a grounded medical framework. Dr. Manuel’s recommendations are individualized, making it important for families to discuss their health priorities and preferred care approach during an appointment.

Velasco Pediatrics, San Diego#13

Velasco Pediatrics

4.958 reviews
1741 Eastlake Pkwy Ste 102-540, Chula Vista, CA 91915, United States
Recommended for
Families seeking pediatric house calls

Velasco Pediatrics brings pediatric care directly to families’ homes in Chula Vista, Coronado, and La Jolla, serving newborns, children, and adolescents. The practice provides urgent care, well-child visits, immunizations, newborn care, and mobile lab services, with a model designed to avoid waiting rooms and make visits more personal and convenient.

Dr. Victor Velasco is described as patient, thorough, and comfortable working with children in their own surroundings. The in-home format is especially useful when a child is sick, when parents need detailed explanations, or when arranging routine care and vaccines at home is preferable. Scheduling is required for house calls.

TLocal business
#14

Teresa M. O'Dea, MD

5.042 reviews
Corridor C, 10670 Wexford St Fl 1, San Diego, CA 92131, United States
Recommended for
New parents seeking collaborative guidanceFamilies wanting approachable, nonjudgmental pediatric care

Teresa M. O’Dea, MD provides pediatric care in Scripps Ranch with a warm, relatable, and collaborative style. She takes time to answer questions, explains recommendations clearly, and supports families as they make decisions about newborn and childhood care. Her approach welcomes informed parents and treats the physician-family relationship as a partnership.

Dr. O’Dea is also recognized for being attentive, responsive, and comfortable discussing different feeding and care paths without judgment. Children tend to feel at ease with her approachable manner, while parents receive practical guidance and reassurance. Appointments are required or recommended, making advance scheduling important.

JLocal business
#15

Jennifer H. Dolby, MD

4.955 reviews
10243 Genetic Center Dr Fl 2, San Diego, CA 92121, United States
Recommended for
New parents seeking reassuring pediatric guidanceChildren who need a calm, engaging visit

Jennifer H. Dolby, MD provides pediatric care in Sorrento Mesa with a patient, attentive approach that helps children and parents feel supported. She listens carefully, explains health concerns in reassuring language, and pays close attention to details during appointments. Her manner is particularly helpful for new parents managing the many questions that come with early childhood.

Dr. Dolby’s ability to connect with young children, including those who arrive energetic or uneasy, adds a relaxed quality to visits. Families seeking thoughtful communication and thorough pediatric care may appreciate her approach. Appointments are required or recommended, so planning ahead is advisable.

How the options stack up

#BusinessRatingReviewsRecommended for
#1Eric J. Reed, MD 5.0180Families seeking clear, reassuring pediatric communication
#2Gordon C. Cheng, MD 5.0196Newborn and well-baby care
#3Sara S. Rourke, MD 5.0158Parents seeking research-informed pediatric guidance
#4Michael D. Antos, MD 5.0164New parents with detailed questions
#5Michael D. Berent, MD 5.0129Children who feel uneasy about medical visits
#6Yousuke Horikawa, MD, PhD - Sharp Rees-Stealy Santee 5.0112New parents with many questions
#7Meenal Swami, MD 5.096Newborn and early-childhood care
#8Veda C. Wu, MD 5.078Newborn care and follow-up
#9Lisa L. Deleon, MD 5.065Families seeking attentive, continuous pediatric care
#10Gargi G. Kubal, MD 4.9112Parents seeking detailed, calm pediatric evaluations
#11Cherie G. Chu, MD 4.9100Families seeking approachable preventive pediatric care
#12Peggy L. Manuel, MD 4.970Families interested in preventive nutrition guidance
#13Velasco Pediatrics 4.958Families seeking pediatric house calls
#14Teresa M. O'Dea, MD 5.042New parents seeking collaborative guidance
#15Jennifer H. Dolby, MD 4.955New parents seeking reassuring pediatric guidance

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Map of pediatricians across San Diego

Specific neighborhoods are not supplied for this selection, so families should begin with the practice location and the type of visit needed. A newborn appointment, an ongoing relationship, and a child who is anxious about medical visits may call for different practical priorities. Before traveling, ask whether the office is accepting new patients, how first visits are scheduled, and what happens when a concern needs attention between appointments. Confirming the visit format in advance can make the trip easier for both parent and child.

What each one offers

  • Newborn careArrange early visits and well-baby guidance for newborns and families beginning pediatric care.
  • Well-child careSupport routine care through early childhood with a doctor who can build familiarity over time.
  • Calm evaluationsSeek detailed, unrushed assessments when parents have many questions or a child needs a relaxed clinical manner.
  • Parent consultationsDiscuss concerns openly with a pediatrician known for clear, reassuring communication.
  • Research-informed guidanceExplore pediatric advice grounded in current evidence when families want help weighing care decisions.
  • Long-term continuityChoose ongoing pediatric support for families who prefer a consistent relationship as their child grows.
  • Care coordinationAsk about organizing information and next steps when a child's care involves more than one provider.

Choosing pediatricians in San Diego

  1. Match the first visitTell the office whether you need newborn care, a well-child visit, or an evaluation so they can explain the appropriate appointment type.
  2. Test the communication stylePrepare two or three questions and note whether the doctor explains options plainly, welcomes discussion, and leaves room for follow-up concerns.
  3. Ask about continuityFind out whether the same pediatrician usually follows your child and how the practice supports care as needs change.
  4. Plan for anxious childrenAsk how the office approaches children who feel uneasy, including how the visit is introduced and whether parents can stay involved.
  5. Clarify between-visit helpConfirm how families raise non-emergency questions, who responds, and what guidance is given when an issue cannot wait for a routine appointment.

Frequent questions

What should new parents ask before booking a pediatrician?

Ask whether the practice is accepting new patients, how newborn and well-baby visits are structured, and who usually provides follow-up care. It is also useful to understand how parents communicate questions between appointments and what information to bring to the first visit.

How can I find a pediatrician for a child who dislikes doctor visits?

Explain the child's concerns when scheduling and ask how the clinician creates a calmer visit. A gentle introduction, patient explanations, and parent participation may matter as much as the clinical appointment itself, so discuss the approach before committing.

Is continuity important in pediatric care?

A continuing relationship can help the pediatrician understand a child's history, development, and family questions over time. Ask how often your child can see the same doctor and how the practice shares information when another clinician handles an appointment.

How should I prepare for a pediatric evaluation?

Write down symptoms, timing, questions, medications, and relevant changes at home. For a detailed evaluation, bring prior records if available and describe what you have already tried. Clear notes help the appointment stay focused and make next steps easier to understand.

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