02 Mar Finding a Pediatrician in the Playa Coronado Area
By Natalie Warner
Anyone new to an area or situation will typically have questions regarding healthcare. Living here for over four hears has helped me navigate doctors and clinics which I feel comfortable. The birth of my daughter gave me a whole new thing to worry about. What are the options for pediatricians around Coronado?
I have heard that the Coronado area is rural…well, anything outside of Panama City is rural in many respects. Sure, Coronado has shopping centers, restaurants, and a small movie theater. My basic needs are met in a lot of ways. Coronado did not feel that rural until the task of finding a pediatrician came up.
Until recently, there was only one part time pediatrician in the area without going to a public clinic in San Carlos. He visits Consultarios Médiocs Costa Pacifico (better known as Dr. Levy’s office), located on the west side of The Village Plaza, on Tuesdays and San Fernando Clinic located in Coronado on Thursdays.* He is primarily Spanish speaking but does speak some English. Dr Levy’s office can be contacted at 344-7557. San Fernando Clinic’s phone number is 240-1167.
Another option is to visit Dra. Marta Caberellos’ office, Clinica Pediatria, located in Chame on the right side of the highway as if you were heading into Coronado from Panama City. Dra. Marta is Spanish speaking. The clinic’s phone number is 6805-7360. Appointments and inquiries can be made via Whatsapp.
Dra. Young’s office has a pediatrician that works out of her office. Dr. Christian Gonzales can be contacted at 6210-4154. I have not personally worked with him but have read positive reviews online. Dra. Young’s office, Villa Fortaleza Wellness is located at the first turnoff in Chame, heading to Panama City from Coronado.
Finally, the public clinic located in San Carlos is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to the Caja de Seguro Social website. The pediatric office is located directly across the street from the hospital. This location is also where children can get vaccines. Free vaccines are given Monday-Wednesday.* They request that you and your child show up at 7am. Expect to wait at least an hour prior to your child being vaccinated.
Panama City has many options for pediatricians. If you have insurance, check with them to find a doctor. Each private hospital has a directory which allows you to search for doctors by specialty. The Facebook group Panama Mamas is also a helpful resource in finding a pediatrician specific to your child’s needs.
I think it is safe to assume that we all want the best for our children. Coronado may be rural, but there are capable pediatricians in the area that may work for your family. Panama City may be a bit further but also has more pediatric options.
* Check with the clinic for the most updated dates and times.