Palo Alto Pediatricians: Who local parents recommend

As a mother myself, I know how important it is to find a good pediatrician for your kid(s). Especially for your first child, this person is your lifeline for the first few months of newborn life, when you’re worried about every little thing! You want a pediatrician who is empathetic, a good listener, and knowledgeable (and doesn’t just read from the AAP handbook!). When I moved here, I did pretty thorough research on the best Palo Alto pediatricians, and as a family photographer who serves the Bay Area, I put together a list of Palo Alto Pediatricians as recommended by numerous local parents.

PAMF (Palo Alto Medical Foundation)

These doctors are part of the well-established PAMF network and are known for their responsive care and collaborative approach.

Dr. Alexander Ball, MD, MPH

Stanford-trained and affiliated with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Dr. Ball is known for being patient, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable. Parents often describe him as approachable and great at explaining things without being overwhelming.

Dr. Hannah Tan, MD (also listed as Dr. Hannah Eliab)

Board-certified and warm in her demeanor, Dr. Tan is praised for being thorough and calming, especially with first-time parents. She has a gentle bedside manner and stays up-to-date on the latest recommendations without being rigid.

Dr. Amy Heneghan, MD

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Heneghan has seen it all. She’s particularly knowledgeable about adolescent health and is known for her calm, thoughtful presence. Many long-time Palo Alto families have had her as their go-to pediatrician for years.

Dr. Erica Goldman, MD

Dr. Goldman brings over two decades of experience to her practice. She’s a Stanford graduate with a down-to-earth personality that puts both kids and parents at ease. She’s also known for being accessible and responsive.

Dr. Robin Drucker, MD

Parents absolutely rave about Dr. Drucker’s combination of medical expertise and heartfelt care. She’s one of those doctors who really listens, and she takes time to make sure all your concerns are addressed. Great for families who want a strong, ongoing relationship with their pediatrician.

Read more about PAMF pediatricians here.

Menlo Medical Clinic/Stanford Children’s

Stanford’s pediatric care team includes many experienced and highly regarded physicians, especially for families seeking top-tier care with access to Stanford’s wider network.

Dr. Karli Cleary, DO

Dr. Cleary is known for her warm, friendly nature and her ability to make both parents and children feel comfortable. She’s fluent in Spanish and especially skilled at working with young children and new parents.

Dr. Remington Fong, MD

A local himself (Palo Alto native!), Dr. Fong is incredibly approachable and great with kids. He trained at UCLA and completed residency at Stanford, where he served as chief resident. His patients describe him as kind, attentive, and very responsive to parent concerns.

Dr. Julie Yeh, MD

With education from Harvard and Stanford, and a pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Yeh brings decades of experience and insight. She’s thorough and calm, making her a favorite among experienced parents who want thoughtful, seasoned care.

Read more about Menlo Medical pediatricians here.

Kaiser Permanente (Mountain View)

Kaiser’s network makes it easy to get care across different departments, and many families love having everything in one place.

Dr. Clarissa Fernandez‑Pol, MD

Dr. Fernandez-Pol is known for her calm, thoughtful approach and her ability to make both parents and children feel heard. She completed her medical degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH, and went on to complete her pediatric residency at Stanford University. With her strong academic background and approachable bedside manner, parents appreciate how she takes time to answer questions thoroughly and never makes you feel rushed. She’s a great fit for families looking for a kind, knowledgeable, and steady presence in their pediatrician.

Dr. Adirenne Tuch, MD

Dr. Tuch brings years of experience and a grounded, empathetic style to her pediatric care. She earned her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, then completed both her internship and residency in pediatrics at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Parents often describe her as clear, caring, and easy to talk to—qualities that make a huge difference when you’re navigating everything from your baby’s first cold to toddlerhood milestones. Her patients appreciate how she balances medical expertise with genuine warmth and attentiveness.

Read more about Kaiser Permanente pediatricians here.

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Whether you’re a brand new parent or moving to the Bay Area with little ones in tow, I hope this list helps you feel a bit more grounded in your search. A great pediatrician is more than just a medical provider—they’re part of your support system.

Since you’re a Palo Alto parent, you might enjoy these articles:
Palo Alto Toy Stores: Where To Buy The Best Birthday Gifts
6 Stroller-Friendly Hikes Near Palo Alto
Best Children’s Bookstores on the SF Peninsula
5 Drop-In Play Spaces Around Palo Alto