How to Choose the Right Pediatric Endocrinologist: Parent Testimonial

4 min read
Sep 17, 2025

"Don’t settle for rushed answers when your child’s health deserves more."Dr. Kelli Davis.

 

When “Wait and See” Wasn’t Enough

Our daughter was showing signs of early puberty, and as a result, her growth had fallen behind—we knew something wasn’t right. We were referred to a pediatric endocrinologist, but the experience was disheartening. We waited for hours, only to be rushed through a 15-minute appointment. We left with more questions than answers and were told, “Let’s just wait and see.”

Like any worried parents, we sought a second opinion. The next pediatric endocrinologist took six months to see us and gave us the same answer. He refused to order labs, explaining that research shows girls are entering puberty earlier and that there wasn’t much to do except schedule another physical in six months especially since he was not worried as girls still grow after their first menstrual cycle. 

I started to wonder if I really was just the “crazy mom.” After all, they were the pediatric endocrinologists—I wasn’t.

As parents, that wasn’t good enough. Every month mattered. We wanted someone who would take our concerns seriously, explain the science, and create a real plan to help our child thrive.


A Different First Conversation

When we began searching for better care, beyond the hospital and generic private practice, we expected to be routed through phone trees and front desk scripts. Instead, our very first conversation was with Zach Bradley, the president of Life Pediatric Endocrinology. We couldn’t believe it—who else takes the time to speak directly with parents before a single visit?

When we shared our hesitation about concierge medicine, especially the idea of not using insurance, Zach explained it with a clarity and confidence that we hadn’t experienced before:

“If you’re looking for a transactional experience, Children’s and insurance-based models will give you the best experience in the world for that. But if you want a true concierge experience where your family will feel heard, where every detail is handled with white-glove care, and where you’ll have a meaningful relationship with your care team—then welcome, this is the best place for you.”

I’ll never forget those words. This wasn’t about exclusivity—it was about being understood and welcomed into a team that wanted to be part of our family.


The LIFE Experience

From the moment we walked through their doors, we knew this wasn’t “just another clinic.”

  • Our first consultation lasted hours, not minutes. Every lab result and scan was explained in detail.

  • Our worries weren’t dismissed—they were validated.

  • Instead of “wait and see,” we left with a plan tailored to our daughter’s unique needs.

  • And between visits, we had direct communication with our care team, not a maze of phone lines.

It was a world apart from the rushed, transactional care we had experienced elsewhere. It reflected what LIFE says right on their website: “Every child has a perfect path to health.”


What Changed for Us

That difference changed everything.

“For the first time, we felt heard. LIFE didn’t just treat our daughter’s growth issue—they treated us like partners in her care. That changed everything.”

Today, our daughter is thriving! She is confident in herself, she's an appropriate height for our family and has had immense support as she went through puberty. We are so blessed for the entire team who navigated every season with us and never gave us a reason to doubt.

I mentioned earlier how I felt like the ‘crazy mom,’ but I’ve since realized so many parents feel that way. It wasn’t me—it was the doctors who dismissed my concerns and made me feel that way. 

I also realized that having a title doesn’t always mean having the answers, and it certainly doesn’t excuse dismissing a parent’s instincts.


What We’d Tell Other Parents

If you’re searching for the right pediatric endocrinologist, here’s what we wish we had known sooner:

  • Don’t settle for rushed care. Your child deserves more than “wait and see.”

  • The right doctor should make you feel like part of the team, not a bystander.

  • If something feels off, keep searching until you find a practice that listens.

For our family, that practice was Life Pediatric Endocrinology.


Ready for a Different Kind of Care?

👉 If you’re ready for a pediatric endocrinology experience where your role as a parent is central—schedule a consultation with Life Pediatric Endocrinology today: Contact Us


Meet the Experts Who Guide Families

  • Dr. Toni Kim
    – Internationally recognized for her expertise in pediatric growth and puberty, Dr. Kim leads families through complex diagnoses with compassion and precision. She provides care for families nationwide from Atlanta, GA to Southern California (Newport Beach and Beverly Hills) and beyond.

  • Dr. Kelli Davis
    – A Vanderbilt-trained pediatric endocrinologist, and native from Franklin, Dr. Davis is nationally recognized for her expertise in bone disease and complex growth disorders. She is known for her innovative strategies and dedication to long-term health outcomes. She cares for families in Atlanta, Ga and in our office in Brentwood, TN for families in the Nashville metro area.


Serving Families Nationwide

Life Pediatric Endocrinology proudly serves families from coast to coast, with offices in:

Wherever you are, our team is ready to help your child discover their perfect path to health.

Get Email Notifications