Dr. Barbara A. Bernstein, MD

I am a former pediatric patient of Dr. Bernstein and, to this day, have trouble not crying at the doctor's office as a result of my experience with her. I am in school to ultimately go into pediatrics and learned exactly what NOT to do from my time being seen by Dr. Bernstein. I had an enlarged liver and spleen and thrombocytopenia my entire childhood and it all went unnoticed by Dr. Bernstein (doctors are TRAINED to assess for organ distention and I'm still unsure how she missed such pronounced abnormalities). I wasn't diagnosed with my disorder until I was 18 and saw a different doctor. I went unmedicated for years as a result of her poor practice. Further, I developed a severe eating disorder as a teenager and vividly remember Dr. Bernstein continuously telling me I could stand to lose another 10lbs every time I saw her, despite my discussion of healthy eating habits and proper exercise pre-eating disorder. After losing nearly 20lbs in a year with minimal height growth, she still… commented I could lose a little bit more if I wanted; my mother interrupted her to ask her not to say that considering how much weight I had lost (I'm petite also so 20lbs is all the more significant on my small frame). Dr. Bernstein never asked any questions about the weight loss and just performed a physical, as usual. I have a mood disorder that wasn't diagnosed until I was in college. Dr. Bernstein never asked any questions about my mental health or mood. All in all, I've never forgotten Dr. Bernstein. She was a terrible doctor and provider, and I hope to never repeat any of these mistakes when I ultimately practice. I recommend if she is still in practice to not bring your child to her or, if you do, please educate her by interrupting and probing further and recommending new practices to her. I truly hope no child has the same experiences I did.

My son has asthma requiring medication: dr Bernstein denied that my son needed the medication to help him breathe. He has been on multiple rounds of steroids, numerous ER visits and yet he doesn’t need medication for his breathing that he has been on for 15 months??? What’s wrong with you? This is a child- is the money the insurance pays you worth your integrity? You must have be absent on the day they taught “Do no harm” .

The doctors at this practice are first rate. Unfortunately, the staff is causes the waiting to dip. Dr. Bernstein is terrific with my children and never hesitates to give referrals when necessary. She's a twin which has been incredible helpful for us when dealing with our twins. Also, KidsFirst is affiliated with CHOP. If you call after hours you are connected to a CHOP nurse. This service is wonderful for answering questions and determining care until a doctor is avaialbe. It's very reassuring for new parents. When needed, the response time from the doctor on call was immediate.