Nakashima George MD — Local services in Los Angeles

My child just turned a healthy 18 months old and I'm finally leaving the negative review of Dr. Nakashima that has been brewing inside me for a year and a half. Nakashima was the pediatrician assigned to us by the hospital where we delivered. The first thing he did when he introduced himself was take our 1-day-old baby, shake him vigorously, and say "this is how you make him stop crying."

2 days later, Nakashima informed us that our baby was not gaining weight at the desired rate and that my wife had to begin feeding formula. I understand that this directive for babies who do not hit a certain weight bar is standard in the medical field, but the way Nakashima explained it made it sound like it was a problem of the mother. Our issue was not with his medical opinion, it was his complete lack of empathy and bedside manner. My wife left the hospital in tears, as well as after the follow-up appointment. After that appointment, I took our baby to the office two more times but my wife refused to go because of the emotional trauma. When I explained to Nakashima that breastfeeding was deeply important to my wife for bonding with the baby, he brushed my comment aside and handed me two bottles of Similac. Looking back, if asked what was the most difficult thing about the postpartum period, our response is dealing with Nakashima.

Nakashima represents an old school, chauvinistic approach to doctoring that does not take into account the mental and emotional state of a new first-time mother. We are grateful that we had midwives, a doula, and eventually a much better pediatrician, who have the capability of addressing medical needs while being mindful of the fact that they are talking to new parents who are going through a very vulnerable moment in their lives.

BONUS: On our child's first birthday, we received a phone call from Nakashima's office. We thought it was really nice that they would call to wish him a happy birthday. Nope, it was the receptionist telling us that we owe a copay that they had...

Dr. Nakashima knows his stuff. Great and knowledgeable pediatrician. Has a good attitude, down to earth personality, and cool humor. The two ladies working in the front office are friendly and helpful too. Just one thing I think his office can improve on, being better on-time with patient appointments. When it's busy, it can take a while for him to come see you at your appointment. You can wait almost as long as an hour after your appointment time. At other less busier times, you don't wait too long.

Also, I wish his office validated parking tickets. Just coming to his office for a short visit only having to pay $10, $12 or more for parking. On top of any co-pays for office visits you have to pay too....

We left Nikkei Pediatric almost 5 years ago when our insurance changed to an HMO plan. I just took my kids to their HMO provider and while he was fine, it reminded me of how much I missed the care that Dr. Nakashima and Dr. Inouye provided my children. Dr. Nakashima was our pediatrician for our kids from newborn until when my son was 4 and daughter was 2. Dr. Nakashima is older but I found his approach refreshing. He always listened and addressed our concerns. We appreciated his expertise and knowlege and felt that he truly cared for our kids. We would go back in a heartbeat if our insurance...