Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at Summit Health provides pediatric primary care for newborns to age 22.
Our pediatric team offers all the childhood services you and your child need, including check-ups, sick visits, and vaccinations. We also provide social, developmental, and behavioral assessments.
Our Approach to Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
At Summit Health, we work to create an environment that is comfortable for you and your child. To do this, we take time to get to know each child and each family.
This personal focus helps us — and your child — for many reasons. For example, it helps our pediatric team build a trusting relationship that lasts from infancy to young adulthood. And, it helps us better recognize when your child is sick because we know what wellness looks like for your child.
Our team is committed to whole-child care. That means we work closely with our pediatric specialty providers at Summit Health. When your child needs a specialist, we ensure the care is well-coordinated and communication is ongoing between you, the specialist, and our team.
Great Health from the Very Start
Are you a new parent? Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your baby’s first visit.
- While visitors are being limited due to COVID-19 safety protocols, ask your partner or another caregiver to join you on the phone for the appointment.
- Check if there is a newborn waiting area at the office.
- Dress the baby in loose-fitting, easily removable clothing.
- Pack diaper bag essentials — a change of clothes, diapers, wipes, bottle of formula if not breastfeeding, a pacifier if your baby uses one, and special blanket.
- Bring your insurance card and any documents from the hospital.
- Write down a list of questions to ask the doctor.
- Have a pen and paper handy to take notes.
- Take a deep breath. Relax and remember your pediatrician is here to help you and baby!
More information here
Meet Our New Pediatric Providers
Kelly Billig, MD
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Erica Gennaro, MD
Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Johanna Kaufman, MD, FAAP
Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Julia Sann, MD, FAAP
Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Aashiki Shah, DO, FAAP
Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Eunhee Shih, MD
Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Find a Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Specialist
View Our SpecialistsWhy Choose Summit Health
- Accessible providers: Summit Health offers convenient ways to communicate with our providers.
- Patient portal to ask our pediatricians and nurses questions directly
- Nurse help line and Pediatrics After Hours
- Summit Health pediatricians who are accepting new patients
- Collaboration with Summit Health pediatric specialty care: Sometimes your child needs the expertise of a provider who specializes in one area. When that happens, we stay in close contact with the specialist — and you — so we can answer any questions about your child’s care plan.
- Nurturing positive mental and physical health: As part of our holistic care, we look for signs of mental health issues, including eating disorders, depression or anxiety. We create a safe space where teens can ask questions and openly express themselves. This includes feeling safe to discuss any gender identity or sexuality concerns they may have.
- Keeping your child safe: Our goal is to help you keep your child safe. We take our role as health educators and providers as seriously as you do as a parent. That’s why we follow the immunization schedule standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. And it’s why we supply you with targeted education for each stage of your child’s development.
- Lactation consultants: If you have breastfeeding questions, we can help. Our expert lactation consultants evaluate mother and infant latching. They offer breastfeeding tips for a better latch and other breastfeeding concerns. To schedule an appointment, call Kathleen Mueller, DNP-C, IBCLC, at 908-233-8860.
Pediatric Primary Care Conditions We Treat
- Abdominal Pain
- Acne
- Allergies
- Anemia
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Back Pain
- Behavioral Issues
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Developmental Disorders
- Eczema
- Eating Disorders
- Fatigue
- Food Allergies
- Hives
- Insomnia
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Gender Identity
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Obesity
- Pink Eye
- Respiratory Problems
- Seizures
- Sleep Disorders
- Sprain
- Strain
- Strep Throat
- Thyroid Disease
- Weight Management
Pediatric Primary Care Treatments and Services
During a well-child visit, a provider will conduct a comprehensive assessment of a child’s physical and emotional development, guide parents on immunizations, and conduct any necessary tests. After the age of four, a provider will routinely screen vision and hearing of all patients. To learn more about well-child visits, click here.
Pediatricians routinely screen preteens (starting at age12) and teens for indicators of depression and anxiety. As your child reaches adolescence, there are times the pediatrician may ask to speak to your child privately to ensure they are getting a full assessment of their state of mind. In addition, if you as a parent ever have concerns, we are happy to bring the child in to talk.
Please note: The well-child visit (annual physical exam) meets the needs of the below physicals, unless there has been an extraordinary event since the last well-child visit.
School physical:
An annual physical not only focuses on the physical health of your child, but also the developmental, emotional, and social aspects of their health. Your child’s pediatrician will focus on the overall health of your child by performing a complete physical examination and conducting a full assessment of your child’s cognitive and social milestones. This time may also be used to discuss important topics related to drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, healthy relationships, and puberty.
Sports physical:
Most states, including New Jersey, require that kids receive sports clearance before they can start a new school sport or begin a new competitive season. A sports physical, or pre-participation physical examination (PPE), focuses on reviewing your child’s current health status and fitness level, as well as medical history to determine whether it’s safe for your child to participate in a certain sport. Due to insurance restrictions, this is usually addressed at the annual physical exam. For health care continuity purposes, the AAP recommends that the sports PEs be done at your pediatrician's office rather than at a clinic or school.
Camp physical:
During a camp physical, your child’s provider will:
- Review their medical history and check for pre-existing and possible new conditions
- Review all medications and dietary supplements he or she may be taking
- Conduct a general physical exam, which will include a check of the ears, eyes, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen
- Go over immunization history to ensure your child is up to date on shots
Traveling domestically and internationally can have potential health risks. If you are planning travel and want to learn about health care precautions and ensure your child is up to date on all appropriate vaccines, please call your pediatrician’s office to either speak to a nurse or schedule a visit.
Summit Health follows the recommended vaccine schedule put forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for all its pediatric patients. Learn more here.
Summit Health has extended hours for infant, child and adolescent health problems that can’t wait until regular office hours the next day. Click here to see our office hours.
If you have breastfeeding questions, we can help. Our expert lactation consultants evaluate mother and infant latching. They offer breastfeeding tips for a better latch and other breastfeeding concerns. To schedule an appointment, call Kathleen Mueller, DNP-C, IBCLC, at 908-233-8860.
Dr. Dardanello is a brilliant and compassionate pediatrician. She has cared for my two children since we moved to NJ in 2010. She has shown us such understanding and knowledge and skill during that time. We have moved a few times within NJ since 2010 but still drive 45 minutes to see her. She creates a calm and safe environment for my children who have two very different kinds of anxiety about doctor visits, in tailored ways for each child. We are so blessed to have her as our children's physician.