Pediatrics (Children's Health)

Expert care for every stage of your child’s growth

Dr. Daniel Lichtmann, Pediatrician at Scripps Clinic holding an infant patient with the mother smiling.

Daniel Lichtmann, MD, Pediatrics, Scripps Clinic

Expert care for every stage of your child’s growth

Scripps understands that raising healthy, well-rounded children is the number one priority for parents. From managing picky eaters and screen time limits to bedtime routines, our pediatricians can help guide you, always taking into account your parenting goals and philosophy.

Trusted pediatric care

Generations of San Diegans have relied on Scripps for excellence in health care. Scripps has pediatricians throughout San Diego in locations that are convenient for you and your family. Find a board-certified pediatrician to care for your children.


Our pediatricians provide expert primary care for your children at every stage of development — from birth through their teenage years. 


Find a pediatrician today

Answering your questions about pediatricians

What is pediatric medicine?

Pediatricians specialize in children’s health, focusing solely on caring for infants and children through adolescence. Pediatricians act as primary care physicians for children, providing preventive and general medical care. This care includes annual exams, developmental screenings, immunizations and the treatment of illness and injuries, such as ear infections. asthma and the flu. Annual wellness exams for your child may also include hearing and vision screenings.


If your child needs specialized care, our pediatricians will coordinate care with specialists at nationally recognized Rady Children’s Health.

What do pediatricians do?

Pediatricians provide many services, including:


• Newborn and infant care

• Wellness visits

• Adolescent care

• Camp, school and sports physicals

• Developmental, hearing and vision screenings

• Vaccinations

• Routine lab work

• Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness

• Health education

• Consultation on school or behavioral issues

• International travel preparation

Locating children's doctors near you

Scripps has pediatricians at more than 20 locations throughout San Diego, from North County to South Bay. At Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center offices, many of our board-certified pediatricians offer early morning, evening and Saturday hours. You can schedule an appointment for your child online and through MyScripps, our secure online patient portal. In addition, our pediatricians offer telemedicine options including video visits and e-visits. Call your physician’s office to find out if this option is appropriate and to schedule your child’s visit. 


If you need language assistance, qualified medical interpreters are available seven days a week at Scripps' locations during regular business hours.

Scripps Clinic pediatric care locations

Scripps Clinic pediatricians provide the highest-quality care for children at every stage of their lives. Scripps Clinic pediatric physicians are board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and trained at some of the most rigorous medical programs.


You can choose a Scripps Clinic pediatrician at:


Scripps Coastal Medical Center pediatric care locations

Scripps Coastal Medical Center pediatricians provide expert, compassionate care for infants, children and teens. Our pediatricians are board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and partner with families to help keep ypur child healthy — physically, emotionally and mentally — from birth through adolescence.


You can choose a Scripps Coastal Medical Center pediatrician at:


Choosing a pediatrician

Our Doctor Finder can help you choose a pediatrician who is right for your family. Whether you’re looking for a pediatrician who speaks a certain language or has specific expertise in nutrition or sports medicine, our Doctor Finder can help.


The Doctor Finder tool can be used to search for a doctor by name, specialty, hospital affiliation, gender, language and practice location. Many of our physicians have videos online to help you get to know them.


If you’re expecting a new baby, we recommend selecting a pediatrician in your third trimester. Many Scripps pediatricians will schedule a prenatal visit so you can get to know each other before the baby arrives. Ask as many questions as you need to be sure you’ve found the right doctor for your family.


Once you have made your choice, let your obstetrician know the pediatrician you have chosen. When you are ready for delivery, the hospital may also ask you for this information. Please be aware that you cannot schedule an appointment for your infant until after the baby is born.

Where can I get same-day care for my child?

When your child is ill or injured, your Scripps Clinic or Scripps Coastal Medical Center pediatrician's office may have a same-day appointment available. If not, Scripps Virtual Care, HealthExpress walk-in clinics and urgent care locations may be an option.

Virtual care

Virtual care at Scripps allows your child to receive care with a Scripps provider at your convenience from home or another location. Telemedicine options include video visits and e-visits; we also offer a free symptom checker so you can evaluate your child’s symptoms and determine the best route of care. 

Walk-in clinics

Scripps HealthExpress same-day, walk-in clinics provide care for minor illnesses and injuries and administer select vaccinations. HealthExpress clinics are open every day, including weekends and holidays. You can go online to view wait times at nearby HealthExpress clinics, then select the On My Way option to let us know you're on your way.


HealthExpress Rancho Bernardo offers pediatric walk-in care for minor illnesses and injuries. The express pediatric clinic is open in the evenings, weekends and holidays to care for infants as young as 3 months, toddlers and teens.

Urgent care

When it’s a more serious illness or injury, but not serious enough for the emergency room, our three urgent care centers see infants and children as well. 


Always go the emergency room when life or limb are at risk. The emergency physicians and staff are ready for any critical situation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.