The first three weeks of my son's life were spent in Children's Hospital's NICU, and we were by his side 14-16 hours a day. Spending that much time gave us the opportunity to become intimately familiar with all of the neonatologists and NICU nurses. When we were asked who would be our child's pediatrician, we were clueless. We started inquiring with all of our son's doctors and nurses to see if they could make a recommendation. Although it was not totally politically correct to make recommendations, they were happy to let us know who they used as their pediatrician. Keith Collins was by far the overwhelming choice by all of the doctors and nurses I spoke with, and since these neonatologists and nurses had practically saved my son's life, we immediately chose him for our son's pediatrician. Within 2 minutes of our very first visit, we knew we had made an excellent choice. Dr. Collins was extremely personable and very down to Earth; and spent a great deal of time with us getting to know our son's already extensive medical history.
Keith Collins is a "local boy" and was Valedictorian of De La Salle High School's class of 1987. He graduated from Boston University in biomedical engineering in 1991 and worked as a computer programmer for 5 years before returning to school and receiving his medical degree from LSU in 2000. After finishing his pediatric residency at LSU in 2003, he joined a group practice in Metairie; and in April 2005 he started Collins Pediatrics.
Collins Pediatrics is located at 2017 Metairie Road and now has a second location in Lakeview near Robert E. Lee and West End Blvd (7211 Regent St. Suite B). He has a hand selected staff of four female pediatricians that have all been personally trained by him. Therefore, no matter which doctor you see, you can rest assured that they are all giving you the best of care, which is equal to the same care you would get from Dr. Collins himself. I can personally say that I have seen every doctor on his staff several times and speak from first hand experience.
Dr. Collins wonderful pediatricians are Doctors Heather Porsche, Gabrielle Glasgow, Suzy Kingston and Lauren Hernandez. I will review these pediatricians in a separate review as there is simply not enough allowed space in one review.
Doctor Collins is a father of 6 children and each of his pediatricians are mothers to their own kids. Therefore,they can relate to how we feel as parents. Every one of his physicians are local New Orleanians and have strong ties to the community. They are a young staff of talented doctors and will be here for a long time. Therefore, you don't have to worry about any of them retiring any time soon, and you can rest assured that your child will have the same group of pediatricians until he/she reaches adulthood. They are very patient in answering questions and explaining anything and everything that you may want to know regarding your child's medical care.
The nurses are also in a class of their own and were also hand selected by Dr. Collins, which is just another testament to his great judge of character. They are very friendly and quickly gained our son's trust. They give shots and/or vaccinations so quickly that our little one barely knew what happened before it was all over, he had a band aid on the injection site and was handed a lollipop for being so "brave".
The exam rooms (7 or so on Metairie Rd) and the entire office are impeccably clean as it the waiting room; which has enough toys and puzzles to keep your kid occupied until it is time to go to the back. I can't say enough good things about Keith Collins or Collins Pediatrics, but we are blessed to have him and his team as our pediatricians. If your child is already a patient, you know what I'm talking about. However, if you are looking for a pediatrician, look no further, as you cannot do any better.
On a separate and side note, please keep Dr. Collins in your prayers as he is facing a significant medical challenge of his own, and his story can be followed on Caringbridge.org, which is regularly updated by his incredible wife Jennifer.
Just remember that every one of his pediatricians was personally trained by him, so Collins Pediatrics will continue to give your child the same excellent care that they've always been given. I believe in the power of prayer and look forward to Dr. Collins' return to regular practice. In the meantime, I will "KEEP CALM" and pray that they "CURE KEITH". read more