Brett Pickering MD

Dr Pickering has a wonderful way with both children and nervous parents. I have a fourteen-​month-​old, and we have visited for both regular check-​ups/​immunizations and sicknesses. There is something intangible about his peaceful, yet very confident manner that puts my mind at ease each time we visit. I would (and have) recommend him to any of my friends or family.
I do not understand the vague comments left by other Unilocalers about the way UCSD runs their practice. Hmmm. What I do know is that this is our second pediatrician. Our first, through our daughter’s first six months of life, was in Colorado. She was also great and her office was clean, running on time and never busy. Dr. Pickering’s office, on the other hand, has been busy for every visit (except Saturdays– more on this later). In speaking with other friends and family, it sounds as though this is commonplace throughout San Diego practices. Why? Who knows? Taking into account these drawbacks, we still love him and would not think of changing for fear of losing his expertise just for our own conveniences. To clarify, we usually get into a room and checked out by a PA or nurse, but we have to wait for Dr. Pickering at least a half an hour each visit. And, as anyone with a one-​year-​old knows, keeping a child happy in a small cubicle-​sized room is a challenge; sick or otherwise.
Dr. Pickering is not the only advantage to this practice. They also answer the phones quickly, make calls back that day if you have a question for the nurse (usually within a couple of hours), and have Saturday hours (until noon). We have had to take advantage of this option twice since moving to SD. It is much nicer to take your daughter with a new, scary rash to her regular doctor than to take her to urgent care with countless other very sick people nearby. Dr. Pickering is usually not there on Saturdays, but will be if it is exceptionally busy. We have gotten lucky this way, but his partner was also very kind and professional.
I hope this helps.

My daughter is 14 months old and we’ve been seeing Dr. Pickering from the beginning based on two recommendations from two different people. I’m so glad for references! Dr. Pickering is calm, soothing, and really cares about what he does. Although my little one absolutely hates the doctor office now, Dr. Pickering really does such a great job with her.
Since she is my first child, I have no experience with sick child appointments but they are able to get you in right away, which is great if something is urgent. Plus they are open on Saturdays!
Another bonus is the staff. Typically front office staff is — how should I say it — apathetic towards patients but I have not encountered this with the staff here. As if bringing your child to the doctor isn’t stressful enough, dealing with rude staff makes things so much worse. I really like them though.
Four stars because I too, don’t really care for the way UCSD runs their practices either (and I’m former staff!)
Aside, I highly recommend Dr. Pickering and I think you will enjoy him as well.

He did an in-​office procedure on my 8-​week old son. He is a fantastic doctor and really helped to calm my nerves. He explained what he was doing so I wouldn’t freak out. I would recommend him based on that one visit. The only reason he doesn’t get 5 stars is that I don’t like the way the practice is run at UCSD!

My husband, my daughter and myself love Dr. Pickering. He is a fantastic Doctor and gave us more information about our daughter then we ever imaged. He was very thorough and helpful to our daughters needs. I have seen 4 pediatricians since my daughter’s birth and he is by far the best. We highly recommend him for any new or seasoned parent.