Desert Shores Pediatrics

This review is specifically for the Chandler office as their Gilbert office is slightly better.
We came from a very vibrant pediatric office and this was a step down for us for sure.
The front desk and PAs are all very stone cold — having experienced genuine warm and casual conversations at the previous facility, I still can’t get used to the plastic faces and curt instructions here after a year. It makes for an overall uncomfortable visit.
The wait times can be a bit ridiculous sometimes, especially when you have a sick infant or a mischievous toddler. I was once there for vaccinations, I was told the doctor had come in when I had taken the just-​potty-​training toddler to the restroom, so I had to wait for a good 45 mins again. After that the doctor came in and said «so you need the X vaccine, right?» Hmm, NO, it is Y. So goes back to check on documentation, is gone for a while again, and then comes back to say «oh yeah». Then the PA comes in for the vaccine. An in-​and-​out that should have been 5 mins took well over 1 hr 15 mins. I was hoping this was a one-​time thing, but another time I had to wait just as long and a toddler cannot just sit still for 45 minutes in a closed room.
The waiting room has no toys or books but has two TVs running cartoons. So much for the AAP suggesting no screen time for toddlers. Thankfully my son couldn’t care less for it (as of 2 yrs). The rooms all have NO toys, just a couple of very tattered children’s books and a few adult magazines (yeah right, you can just have your children sit still and quiet in that tiny room while you catch up on the latest Hollywood gossip on People). I have been to several OBGYN and pediatric offices where they thoughtfully have toys distributed in all rooms and the waiting room. They are a relief when your toddler needs to wait in the closed room for 45 mins and the toy you have brought along is too familiar. This is not required at all, of course, but it sets apart the thoughtful offices.
I have never been to a pediatric office that has not had its cabinets locked or sensitive material put in upper cabinets, except this one. The lower drawers are all filled with needles and syringes and antibiotic creams. Then the PA or doctor spends half the appointment time saying NO as though the 18 month old will understand. And it really makes me feel like I am dealing with adults who’ve never had kids before. NO don’t touch that. NO don’t open that. NO don’t use a pen on it. Now, I am that parent that has no child proofing at home and no means no at home, but a new place is far too interesting for an explorer.
As for attitudes, they are not very attachment parenting friendly. I’m constantly advised that we need to not co-​sleep and have him sleep alone, that the toddler should be self feeding by a year, that he is taking advantage and being spoiled, etc. but they were a bit taken aback when my son was potty trained well ahead of the «national average for boys» and cautioned me not to push.
Now, I like Dr Nason. But everyone’s demeanor here, including the doctors’, is morbid and well visits are not fun anymore. I know there are many, many people who love them and constantly recommend them, but I just can’t vibe with the place, so I’ll give the lone dissenting opinion. I think the Gilbert office is slightly better on all counts.

Great Pediatrician

We followed Dr. David Ciminello from Pueblo Pediatrics in Mesa to Desert Shores Pediatrics. Dr. Ciminello is an outstanding pediatrician in all ways. He has a wonderful bedside manner that allows him to connect with kids and his diagnosis’s have been accurate. He takes his time with patients and parents. He thoroughly explains things and is prompt with follow-​ups. I have nothing but great things to say about him!

I saw Amy the PA she was wonderful. Very supportive of our more natural approach to treating our son. Answered my very long list of questions without ever making me feel rushed. I wish the after hours was a little better but so far I’m really happy with this provider

Absolutely love it here! One of the doctors came highly recommended by our pediatrician back in California and we’re so glad we found her. The facilities are very clean, bright, and welcoming. The doctors and staff are friendly and accommodating. Although there are many other offices closer to our home, we’re happy to drive over half an hour to have all three of our children seen here.

So glad we found a wonderful Pediatric office for our son. New to parenthood, we started researching all Pediatricians in the area and found this facility to have great doctors on staff. The office is clean and well organized. Calling in for an appointment is never an issue. Everyone is friendly and supportive of the family’s wishes. We are extremely happy we take our son here.