Ann Arbor MI family practice or ped who is non vax friendly

[Gucci&Granola]

My husband and I are expecting our first baby this December. We are choosing not to vaccinate our child and need a pediatrician or family practice doctor in the area (Ann Arbor, MI) who accepts unvaccinated patients.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[scrandall1173]

Our ped is non-vax WILLING but not necessarily a supporter. He is Moore Pediatrics in Chelsea.

Just posting in case you don't find anything else. I couldn't find a ped who was supportive and happy about not vaccinating.

[Amatullah0]

There are a couple listed on the Dr. Sears website, but I don't have any personal experience with them. Actually, I just came to this forum for a similar purpose looking for a ped

[WifeofAnt]

Bumping this for myself, lol. Also due in December and moving back to Michigan in February. Considering delayed vaccination.

[mcimom]

John Scheerer, MD
http://www.yelp.com/biz/john-scheerer-md-ann-arbor

[haurelia]

We moved away about 6 months ago, so I'm not totally "current, up to the minute." But, when we lived in Ypsi, we used Liberty Pediatrics for our son. They weren't supportive of non-vaxing, but kept us as clients although we did not vaccinate at all. They may not be taking new families, though...it's hard to get in there.

I have heard good things about Amanda Kaufman as well (UM Family Medicine at Domino's Farms).

Best wishes on your new LO and finding a supportive provider.

[kjdebord]

This seems to be the most recent thread on this topic and I too am in search of a pediatrician or family practitioner in Ann Arbor.  I have 1 1/2 yr. old & am expecting in April.  We are vaccinating on an extended schedule provided by our previous doctor in Chicago.  Everyone has said to go to Liberty Pediatrics as they are willing to be flexible but I haven't found that to be the case.  We were actually told how irresponsible our previous doctor was (for providing the schedule we use) asking if he was a real m.d. and told us the body was meant to handle things like vaccines.  I didn't find them to be accommodating, to listen, and like so many pediatricians these days, came to the table defensive about vaccines.  I'm looking for someone new as we're paying out-of-network for them and so far I've found them to be quick to prescribe and definitely pro vaccine via the AAP's schedule.  The only people who take our insurance would be someone with the Univ. of Michigan practice.  We're going to try Amanda Kaufman, the Integrative Family Practice at U of M and possible John Scheerer.  Dr. Sickels seems great but I called and they're not really set up to be a primary pediatric office and actually they said he's moving more towards working with Cancer patients.  However, they were willing and very nice.  I'll report back.

[La Sombra]

AMANDA KAUFMAN!!!! She is amazing, completely and utterly supportive of non-vaxing and is thoughtful, kind, informative and generous with her time. Couldn't be happier with her.

[Banana731]

I really like Dr Kaufman as well, super laid back about vaxing and very generous with her time.

[MumtazG38]

Okay, just called Dr. Amanda Kaufman's office and upon asking the receptionist on the doctors views on non-vaxing I was told that she is completely vaccine pro and will only do a delayed schedule.....

Are you guys all doing the delayed schedule then? Because I'm in need of a doctor who'll see my kids and won't vaccinate period! Is this just the receptionist talking or does the doctor really, as you guys say, not vax?
 

[MumtazG38]

I'm guessing she simply "used" to be non-vax friendly, but it seems that isn't so any longer. I seriously need help finding a non-vax friendly doctor in MI for my children ASAP!
 

[zoebug]

Don't know how willing you are to travel but we went to see Dr. Alling-Jones at Mott Childrens Health Clinic in Flint.  It is part of the Hurley Children's Clinic.  I was pretty skeptical at first considering we have never had good experiences with doctors.  We do not vax at all.  All they made me do was sign a paper saying we denied vaccinations and there were no hassles or questions about it at all.  She is a younger doctor and seemed very open and accepting of our parenting style.

[Banana731]

I don't think that talking to receptionist is the best way to find out if a provider is right for you and your family. She may indeed be "pro vax", if you were to ask that pointed a question, but she is first and foremost respectful of your wishes and views as a patient (or parent). That is not something that is terribly common in a place like a university healthcare system.

[Rebecca123]

MumtazG38-Any luck? I'm also looking for a non-vax pediatrician in the same area!

[MumtazG38]

Well, not especially much luck. However, I'vee been going to Dr. Amanda Kaufmanns office. Haven't seen her yet, as she's booked for the next 4-5 months oddly enough. But, my kids have seen another doctor from her office and I told her straight that I won't be vaccinating. She tried her best to make me change my mind, but I got no other contact regarding the vaccines due for both my kids. So far, I think it's good. But if they try to pressure me, I'll have to go back and re-explain myself. And if that doesn't work, I'll just have to find another doc. So far though, it's working out. No one is bothering me, and the doctor never said anything about not seeing me or my kids because of the non-vaccinating or coming back to vaccinate either. Guess we'll see what happens next. If you want the address or number, just PM me and I'll send it right over.
 

[SquidMommy]

We're seeing Amanda Kaufmann right now, and let me let you in on a secret:

The office staff SUCKS. They'll lie straight to your face about what your doctor does and does not support, and whether or not they're available at a certain time. That's how my LO almost ended up with a double-dose of Tdap. Mamma went ballistic on that one. You DO have to be on top of paperwork-things as a parent, which I think is part and parcel of the U of M health system. It's so big that the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing, half the time.

However, SHE is wonderful. She doesn't push you one way or the other on vaccines, the vaccines they offer are preservative free, and she actually told us to take our newest and go home because, and I quote, "I'm not giving him a HepB shot today. Why? He doesn't need it, you aren't carriers and he doesn't go to day care. He can come back later if you still want to do it." He was also a home birth, and she did ask if I wanted vitamin K and the eye goop then said, "Oh, nevermind, he's fine." That was the last it was mentioned, and it was probably only brought up because it had to be per policy. She's also VERY pro breastfeeding. Very gentle, will write you a referral for ANYTHING that gives you a concern, spends a ton of time with you, etc etc. Her best day to get in is Friday, and they do make cancellation lists. If there's a day you want, always ask to be put on it. I've never seen a "sub" doctor, either. A resident has sat in with her once, and I told her she was not to touch my son. And Kaufmann made sure all she did was observe.

She does give you vaccine information, though. Just roll with it. It's not angry or pushy. She wants you to be informed, even if you're already informed....a better way to put it is, she wants you to be aware of what U of M thinks, even if she already knows it's not what you think. Go in open-minded...or at least, open-foldered, even if it's all going to go in a trash can. I get the feeling she's following hospital policy more than anything she personally believes in, when it comes to explaining the benefits of vaccines and standard medical treatments.

Currently, she's booked through March. I just made follow-ups for my two, so that's the most current schedule info I have. If there's anything else you want to know, feel free to PM me.