Dr. Melissa Ellen Elder, MD

Very arrogant doctor -- she refuses to see my poor child simply because I had to reschedule twice due to an ailing family member. Now I am not allowed any pediatric rheumatologist in central Florida as she is the only one. I was apparently too much of a bother for her.

We love Dr. Elder! We saw a different rheumy closer to home at the start of my daughter's illness. We quickly realized that while board certified, he was not a good fit for us. Dr. Elder accurately diagnosed my daughter. Her treatment is on point, and my daughter quickly did much better under her care. She also oversees my son's care. I absolutely trust her with my children's health more than anyone outside of family.

I am stunned to read so many positive reviews about this doctor. I know so many parents of children with rheumatic diseases that have removed their children from Dr Elder's care. In each case, the child was severely ill, and on multiple biologic drugs at the same time as well as high doses of steroids and (often) painkillers. When these children were brought to another rheumatologist, that doctor was shocked and disbelieving of the combinations of medications that had been prescribed. They were put on a reasonable cocktail of medications and - as if by magic - their conditions dramatically improved. Dr Elder justifies her treatment protocols by leading parents to believe that their child is more severely impacted by their disease and must be treated very aggressively. While I support aggressive treatment, dangerously high doses or steroids and non-FDA approved combinations of multiple biologic drugs is reckless and compromises the long term health and well being of children. … I was sucked in by this doctor too. My child was left with severe osteoperosis, adrenal insufficiency, cataracts before the age of 18, and damage to joints that would not have occurred if proper medication protocols had been followed. I found out, too late for my kid, that many of the medications Dr Elder prescribed over the years were known to not be effective for my child's diagnosis. Even if you think you "LOVE" Dr Elder, do your child a favor and get a second opinion outside of the UF Health system. You may just be shocked by what you learn. You may even be stunned to see how much better your child will do under a competent rheumatologist's care. Two years after taking my child elsewhere, he is out of hospital/homebound, excelling academically, participating in sports, and generally loving life. Dr Elder led me to believe that those things would not be possible. She was so very wrong.

We had previously seen a rheumy that we trusted until my daughter's conditions became more complicated than he had time for. We decided that the long drive to Dr. Elder was worth the care that we received. She properly tested everything that was applicable to give us a correct diagnosis. We never saw our previous doctor at her infusion appointments but we see either Dr. Elder or Dr. Modica at every appointment, as well as one of their nurse practitioners. They return phone calls!!!

We were met with uncaring and unprofessional staff and dr. They did not return calls to two different emergency room doctors who were begging them to call about our sick child. We have found a different Rhuematologist who was able to diagnose our child and actually returns our calls.

Dr. Elder is absolutely wonderful treating my granddaughter. She is very attentive and caring, her staff is also excellent. She is the best doctor I've ever met and anyone is very lucky to be taken into her care.

Our overall experience with Dr Elder is very positive. My husband and I are very greatful to have her as our son's doctor.She trully cares about our son and his treatment has been very effective. I went to 3 different doctors before Dr Elder and I'm confident she is the BEST! I also want to mention that her team is excellent too!

It can be difficult to get an appt. However, if your child's pediatrician feels the need for urgent attention all he/she has to do is "call". This office worked very willingly and promplty with my son's doctor. When the issue was turining around for the positive, she quickly saw my son the next day. I believe that she isn't able to spend as much time with each patient as she'd like....but feel she would spend more time if she could. She's the only Pediatric Rhuemetologist in N.E. Fl. so she's got a lot of kids to take care of.

Appointments are difficult to get because this office is so busy. Excellent group.