Dr. Mark Gerber

My 10 year old daughter had her adenoids and tonsils removed 3 weeks ago. She has Down Syndrome, so I was worried about the recovery (she can be super stubborn) and how she would handle everything. Dr. Gerber and the entire medical staff were wonderful. Dr. Gerber was extremely kind and is at the top of his game as far as surgeon’s skill goes. He also seemed to have a lot of experience with kids with Down Syndrome goes, which made me feel better. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome and recovery. Given the several horror stories I’ve heard from other parents, it was a piece of cake. My daughter was back at school 9 days later and is doing great! I’d highly recommend Dr. Gerber. He’s a great doctor!

I only wish we had a positive experience like the other moms. I took my two-​year-​old to see him; I got a feeling that this guy clearly should not be dealing with children because he obviously hates them. Dr. Gerber was very rough with my son and then
snapped at me when my little guy didn’t respond well to his manhandling. I was in tears after I left his office, because I felt like I never should have put my son through this horrifying ordeal.
I am an easy going, clean, and educated person, yet he treated us like trash and spoke to me like I’m an idiot. Just be aware that this doctor is not all he’s cracked up to be.

We also had a great experience 4 years ago for my son at Children’s for full tonsil removal (Dr. Gerber use to work there). I have also sent friends to him and everyone was happy. I’m going back soon to see him for my daughter’s cronic ear infections. I will update you if I think things have changed but I was really impressed 4 years ago so much that I wrote him a thank you note. I was also a nervous mom and was shocked on the fast recovery just like the last post mentioned. I’m really hoping things go well this time around.

My little munchkin had her tonsils removed by Dr Gerber about 10 days ago. I’ve suspected for a long time now that her tonsils had to go, but have been avoiding the issue… and hoping they’d just shrink on their own. When we visited to our pediatrician, Dr Rauen,* for my daughter’s 3^rd year appointment it was highly suggested that we see a pediatric ENT in the very near future because they were pretty much blocking her entire throat.
I was very nervous about putting my daughter thru this surgery and even more so because the pediatric ENT** that we’d used (and loved) in the past was currently on temporary leave due to a broken wrist. Dr Rauen suggested we pay Dr Gerber a visit who she insisted was just as talented as Dr. Rastatter. She also mentioned that Dr Gerber was known for doing partial tonsillectomy, which had the same results, but a much easier recovery. Easier recovery? Based on those words alone I made an appointment with Dr. Gerber at his Northbrook office and he was, by some miracle, able to see us later that week.
Dr Gerber took one look at my daughter’s enormous tonsils, listened to us describe her breathing (or lack of breathing especially at night) and agreed she needed them out. He gave us the options of a full vs partial tonsillectomy. ‘We opted for the partial tonsillectomy, realizing that there’s a .2% chance that the tonsils could grow back. Let’s hope those small odds end up in our favor!
Throughout the next few weeks whenever I’d mention to someone my daughter was getting our tonsils out they’s respond «I hope you’re going to Dr. Gerber because he’s the best.» At least 20 times! He’s either paying people to say he’s the best or perhaps he truly is the best. I discovered it’s the latter.
I liked Dr. Gerber when I met him in his office, but I was an even bigger fan on surgery day. He was calm, warm & took the time to explain every detail of the surgery. I was a nervous wreck, but put somewhat to ease after chatting with Dr. Gerber. Forty-​five minutes my daughter was lured into surgery (thanks to a fun game on the phone of the anesthesiologist) Dr. Gerber came out all smiles to tell us the surgery had gone well. He also provided very specific instructions and I was thrilled to see everything was given to us later on in written form since it turned out to be a very long day.
That night I received a phone call from Dr. Gerber himself checking in to see how she was doing. And the next day a call from his office checking in. I was super impressed with the bedside manner of the entire office.
The recovery has been much better than expected. The first few days you would have never even known my daughter had just gone thru surgery. She was acting so «normal» that I was even tempted to send her to school, but of course let her rest. Days 5 – 7 weren’t as much of a picnic since it’s apparently painful with the scab falls out (ouch), but 10 days later she’s as good as new. Actually better than new because she can breathe normally, talk so much clearer and even has more energy since her tonsils aren’t waking her up constantly throughout the night. And I“m enjoying a bit more shut-​eye as well!
During my son’s recent 1 year old appointment the pediatrician remarked that his tonsils look large as well (sigh). While I“m crossing my fingers that his don’t cause any issues for him, at least I know there’s a talented and caring pediatric ENT to help us.
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