Selecting a pediatrician is a massive deal. It’s not just about who has the cleanest waiting room or the shortest hold music. You're basically auditioning a partner for the next eighteen years of your kid’s life. In the East Syracuse and Greater Syracuse area, Pond View Pediatrics doctors have carved out a reputation that feels a bit different from the giant, corporate medical groups that seem to be taking over every street corner. It’s a practice that feels rooted.
When you walk into a doctor’s office with a screaming toddler and a million questions about a weird rash, you don't want a lecture. You want someone who knows your name. That’s the vibe people talk about when they mention this group. It’s located right on Fly Road, and honestly, the location itself is a bit of a relief because it’s easy to get to without fighting downtown traffic.
What Sets These Doctors Apart?
Most parents worry about being "just a number." We’ve all been there—sitting in a cold exam room for forty minutes only to have a doctor rush in, look at a tablet, and rush out. Pond View Pediatrics doctors tend to stick to a more traditional, high-touch model. The practice is part of the larger pediatrics landscape in Central New York, but they’ve maintained a certain level of independence in how they interact with families.
Take a look at their team. You have professionals like Dr. Richard S. Zogby and Dr. Alicia S. Pekarsky. These aren't just names on a door. They are practitioners with decades of combined experience. Dr. Zogby, for instance, has been a fixture in the local medical community for a long time. When a doctor has seen thousands of cases of croup, they don't panic. That calm transfers to the parents. It’s infectious.
Then there’s the clinical diversity. Pediatrics isn't just about vaccinations and height charts anymore. We are seeing a massive spike in childhood anxiety, ADHD, and developmental delays. Having doctors who actually listen to those "gut feelings" parents have—instead of dismissing them as over-anxiety—is crucial. They work closely with the Golisano Children’s Hospital when things get serious, which is a huge safety net for families in the region.
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The Reality of Modern Pediatric Care
Let’s be real for a second. Healthcare is kind of a mess right now. Staffing shortages are everywhere. Sometimes you might wait longer than you’d like for a well-visit. But there is a reason people stay with Pond View. It’s the continuity. There is something deeply comforting about the same doctor seeing your kid from their first "newborn" visit until they are heading off to college.
They handle the basics—the bread and butter of medicine.
- Immunizations (following the CDC schedule is pretty standard here).
- Sports physicals (always a mad dash in August).
- Sick visits (the dreaded 2:00 AM ear infection).
- Developmental screenings.
But it’s more than the checklist. It’s the way they handle the "small" stuff. Like when your teenager is struggling with school and the doctor takes an extra ten minutes just to talk to them, person to person. That’s the stuff that doesn't show up on an insurance claim but matters more than anything else.
Why Choosing Local Matters
Some people prefer the massive networks like Upstate or St. Joseph’s. And hey, those have their perks. But a smaller, dedicated practice like Pond View Pediatrics offers a level of familiarity that is getting harder to find. You start to know the nurses. The front desk staff recognizes your voice. It feels less like a factory and more like a community resource.
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Wait times can vary. Honestly, Mondays are usually a nightmare at any pediatric office because every kid in the county seemingly gets sick on Sunday night. If you can, aim for mid-week appointments. Also, utilize their patient portal. It’s 2026; if you aren't using the portal to ask non-urgent questions or request refills, you're making your own life harder. It saves everyone time.
A Closer Look at the Team
It’s worth mentioning that the team often includes Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Some parents get hung up on "only seeing the doctor." Don't do that. In a practice like this, the PAs and NPs are often the ones with the most time to sit down and explain the mechanics of a nebulizer or the nuances of starting solid foods. They are highly trained and work in lockstep with the MDs.
Dr. Alicia Pekarsky, for example, is known for her thoroughness. When you’re dealing with something like a complex developmental milestone or a chronic condition, you want that level of detail. You want someone who stays up to date on the latest American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines but also knows how to apply them to a real-world kid who hates vegetables and won't sleep through the night.
Practical Advice for New Parents
If you are looking for a new pediatrician, don't just take my word for it. Or the internet's word.
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- Schedule an interview. Most practices, including this one, allow for "meet and greets." See if your personalities mesh.
- Check your insurance. This sounds obvious, but networks change constantly. Ensure they are "in-network" before you get hit with a surprise bill.
- Ask about after-hours care. Kids never get sick at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday. You need to know who answers the phone at midnight. Pond View has a solid system for on-call coverage, which is a lifesaver.
- Observe the waiting room. Is it chaotic? Is it clean? How does the staff treat the person who forgot their insurance card? Those interactions tell you everything you need to know about the office culture.
Pediatrics is changing. We’re seeing more integrated behavioral health. We’re seeing more telehealth options for those days when you just cannot get the kid into the car. The Pond View Pediatrics doctors have adapted to these shifts without losing the "small town" feel that made them popular in the first place.
It’s about trust. Plain and simple. You are handing over the most precious thing in your life to these people. You need to know they care as much as you do. While no medical practice is perfect—and you’ll always find one person with a bad review because they had to wait twenty minutes—the overall track record here is one of stability and genuine care.
Moving Forward with Your Child's Health
If you're in the Syracuse area and feeling overwhelmed by choices, start by calling the office. Ask specifically about their approach to whatever issue is weighing on you most—whether that’s vaccination schedules, mental health support, or just general wellness.
The next step is simple. Call their office at 315-463-2013. Ask if they are currently accepting new patients (this changes based on patient load). If they are, grab a "meet and greet" slot. Bring a notebook with your top three concerns. If they answer them with patience and clarity, you’ve likely found your kid’s medical home. Don't overthink it—trust your gut and the data.