Dr. Maria Dolores Alva, MD

I saw Dr.Maria Alva when my daughter, who suffers from asthma, kept having problems getting enough air in her lungs. She didn't complain, but I could hear her inhaling stronger than normal. I followed the protocal of albuterol and pulmicort, but then she started complaining of throat pain and difficulty swallowing. I immediately took her to the hospital where she was seen by Dr. Alva. My 9 year old is ver expressive and she told her ALL of her symptoms, and I mean ALL! Even the ones that didn't have anything to do with why we were there! Dr. Alva was so patient with her. I couldn't believe it when she sat next to my daughter on her bed and said "tell me everything." 15 minutes later, she had my daughter's medical history from birth as my daughter would not stop talking. Even with her painful throat! Dr. Alva ran the regular tests, checked her lungs, lymph nodes (which were swollen) and finished off by looking deep into her throat. She told me that not only was my daughter having issues… with her asthma, but suspected strep throat! I was in shock! She assured me that it was not a big medical concern but something that needed to be treated. She also explained how contagious it is and since I brought my eldest daughter to the hospital with us, she went ahead and ran a strep test on her also. To my surprise, it came out positive! My eldest had not complained of anything more than a throat tickle, yet she had strep! "How can this be"? I asked. She pulled me aside and explained everything to me. She also told me the reason she pulled me aside was that so the kids wouldn't get scared or think there was something really wrong.I thought that was so considerate! After she explained the treatment plan for both my girls, she sat with both of them and explained in simple terms what was happening, how they shouldn't share cups with anyone and that they had just earned a few days off of school. They were ecstatic! I really do have to say that the attention to detail was amazing. I didn't even know my eldest was sick, Dr. Alva did. Her bedside manner with my kids and myself were amazing. She was so reassuring and even told me to call her if I had additional questions. Needless to say, my kids are cured and happy. I am also elated to have found someone who takes the time to test, explain and do things that common sense would tell one to do, like checking her sister, something that didn't occur to me. I wish she had an office because she would be my kids doctor until they turn 18!!!! Thanks Dr. Alva! I wish there were more of you around!

Best bed side manners! my little boy loves her too bad she doesn´t have an office.

I met Dr. Alva in the ER after my daughter's pediatrician convinced me that I was overreacting over my daughter's cold. I love my pediatrician and all, but feel that sometimes, instead of investigating an issue, he took on a wait and see perspective on treatments. 10 days into here "cold", I'd had enough and took her to the ER. Dr. Alva listened to h lungs and my observations regarding changes in mood, appetite, etc... All the things shared with her pediatrician. She informed me that she suspected Influenza A! I was not prepared for that, especially after being told for so many days that I was overreacting as a first time mom. Sure enough, Dr. Alva ran some tests, and she was spot on. She gave me the explanation of the disease, the treatments and the prognosis. Once again, she was spot on! I wish more doctors would be as direct as Dr. Alva was with me. I took my daughter to the doctor because I was afraid that there was something extremely off with her health. Instead of hand holding… and sweet talking (like her pediatrician), Dr. Alva gave me the facts, the treatment for my daughter and cured her. I will always be grateful to her.

My daughter was suffering from a horrible cough, stuffy nose and change of mood. She could not be comforted! At only 8 months old, she couldn't tell me what she was feeling. I took her to our pediatrician and was told it was a common cold. 3 days passed, and she got worse! I went back to our pediatrician and were told to give her Tylenol. 2 days later, her fever spiked to 104 and I took her to the ER. Dr. Alva listened to my concerns and I told her I wasn't comfortable excepting this was just a cold. She ordered lung x-rays, nasal swab testing, and kept her in the ER for observation until the results came in. It was RSV!!!!!!!!! What a nightmare!!!! My little girl suffered due to the lack of interest from our primary pediatrician! It took Dr. Alva's out of the box thinking and diagnostic skills that diagnosed my daughter! She admitted us into pediatric ICU where we stayed for a week! Thanks to Dr. Alva, we were spared from God knows what had I kept listening to our pediatrician. I am… cannot say enough about Dr. Alva!!! She saved my daughter's life.

I took my baby to the ER and Dr. Alva was very unprofessional, she doesnt even touch the baby, just ask want happen and make stupid comments about the problem. She shoudn't be a pediatrician, no compation at all. I woudn't recommended to anyone!