Dawn M. Zapotok, MD

Dr. Zapotok is excellent. We need to evaluate what we want from our children’s doctors—they’re children’s health advocates, not cheerleaders. Doctors need to be professional, knowledgeable, helpful, and kind to our children. Dr. Zapotok is not overly effusive, nor does she mince words. She is an advocate for children’s health, and she does it extremely well. She is always kind to my kids. She also saw us immediately, and was extremely compassionate when my baby started having health issues.

I went to see Dr. Zapotok in 2022, when I had just turned 18 and was pregnant, despite using contraceptives. I was scared and confused; I knew my parents wouldn’t be a safe resource, so I decided to see a doctor instead. When I told Dr. Zapotok my story, she replied that she was cancelling our appointment. I tried asking her for resources and help, and she told me that since “I was old enough to have sex, I could figure out what to do alone”—something awful that shouldn’t be told to any patient. What if I had been assaulted? Abused? Dr. Zapotok’s job as a doctor is to be kind and caring with her patients, and telling her teenage patient to “figure out a pregnancy alone” after I had contacted what was one of my only resources is completely unacceptable.

We went to the practice of Dawn Zapotac for almost 10 years as we were new to the area & really loved the staff. Dr. Zapotac was always condescending to me & irritable with my children. I finally switched pediatricians several years ago & the change was INCREDIBLE! The final straw that caused me to look elsewhere: I scheduled a consultation appointment to discuss issues we had been having with my 8yo daughter, who Dr. Zapotac had seen since birth. Dr. Zapotac said to me of my concerns, “I think you need counseling. There are no issues with her.” We saw the new pediatrician, who didn’t dismiss my concerns & discovered our daughter had a GENETIC DISORDER that should have been caught at birth! Pediatricians need to be able to relate to children & to answer parental questions without getting offended or becoming pompous. Our current pediatrician is all of this. ASK around, parents—other parents know who to trust with your little ones!

Why the diverse reviews for Dr. Zapotok? Well, she is incredibly bright and knowledgeable. Her confidence helped ease my worries when I was a new mom. She is fine (somewhat warm and friendly) with my one kid, but she has become increasingly awful with my other, who has always been nervous at appointments (which is not that uncommon for people of any age). This kid does things like jerk away. Nothing awful. After a recent visit to another doctor, I saw how easily this doctor overcame nervousness through being silly and playful. Upon a follow-up a few days later with Dr. Zapotok, I finally noticed the stark contrast - Dr. Zapotok rapidity became frustrated, rose her voice, spoke within inches of my child's face, yelling at her as to why she should "cooperate." As one might easily guess, yelling at a nervous child will only make it worse. I've noticed her frustration grow with each visit - followed by condescending parenting advice for me. So, why the diverse reviews? Dr. Zapotok… has many strengths, but overall is not terribly warm with kids. This might be fine with some kids, but is certainly not going to work for everyone. I've seen her be a great doctor, but I've also seen her frustration and frankly, her unkindness.

My child suffered for several months with ear infections before I demanded to be referred to an ent. Upon arrival at the specialist, I was informed she should have referred me long beforehand. Would never recommend her. Very dismissive & when you question her she seems annoyed

Dr. Zapotok has been taking care of my kids for 12 years. She is excellent. I fully trust her. Her diagnosis are always right. She has a warm bed side manner. I think very highly of her and I would recommend her to anyone that is looking for a pediatric doctor. I feel very blessed to have found her and she takes excellent care of my kids which is the most important thing to me.

i'm surprised at the positive comments for this physician. i've found her condescending and dismissive when concerns are raised. she acts as though any questions regarding her medical advice are a personal insult. i always leave angry after an appt. with her. good riddance to her.

I was shocked when I stumbled across the bad review on this site. My son has been a patient since birth and Dr. Zapatok and their office always go out of their way to ensure my son has the very best care. They do not "milk" you for money - they provide good, accurate healthcare. I have been going to this practice for over 7 years and it has only gotten better. Not a rush you in rush you out experience of some physicians, Little wait time and always accomodating and caring bedside manner

Both of my teenagers (14 and 17)have been patients since the late 1990s. Dr. Zapotok has always been professional and helpful. We have not had many urgent medical issues, but when we have needed "sick" visits the office has been able to fit us in, often the same day we call. I recommend this doctor and practice to everyone I know.

She is the kind of a Dr where she cares more about making money than the kids. Doesnt evaluate kids right. You take your sick kid for a visit one week, and then she asks for a follow up visit so she could make her money out of patients. DO NOT RECOMEND!!!!!!!