Marivic Santiago, MD

What are some of the specific conditions you treat?

Assesses, diagnoses, and treats concerns about pediatric development; behavior, attention, learning and emotional issues; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, developmental delay, learning disability, anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, cognitive impairment, challenging/disruptive behaviors.

What techniques or procedures do you use in your practice?

The neurodevelopmental assessment involved in the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with various developmental, behavioral, attention and learning problems is a comprehensive process. It entails obtaining a detailed birth, developmental, medical, behavior, school, family and psychosocial history. Behavior rating scales from parents and teachers provide valuable and critical information that assists in the diagnostic and evaluation process. The physical and neurologic examination, developmental assessment using age-specific, standardized tests/tools and clinical observation/direct patient interaction provide objective clinical data. The information that is gathered from all these various sources and assessment modalities is then analyzed and interpreted to make a diagnosis and provide treatment recommendations to the parents and school.

What would you like patients to know about your approach to care?

My personal approach to care is one that strives for holistic, individualized, culturally sensitive, compassionate and competent care for my patients and their families. I believe in the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and supporting parents so that I’m available and accessible to them if they have questions or concerns. I try to explain to parents their child's condition in understandable terms and provide direction by giving them concrete and practical recommendations. Regardless of where the parents are at the time of diagnosis, I offer them encouragement, support and commend their efforts in taking that first step of having their child evaluated.

What inspired you to become a doctor?

I have always been interested in connecting with people and found my calling in medicine where I get the privilege of being there for others when they are at their most vulnerable.