Meet the Heroes of Children's Health at Vista Ridge Pediatrics!

At Vista Ridge Pediatrics, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for children and their families. Under the expert leadership of our Chief Pediatrician, Dr. Emily Carter-Smith, MD, our team of highly skilled and compassionate pediatricians is committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment. Dr. Carter-Smith, with over 15 years of experience in pediatric medicine, leads our practice with a deep commitment to the health and well-being of every child. Our team includes specialists in various fields of pediatrics, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. We look forward to partnering with you on your child’s health journey, from infancy through adolescence, and ensuring they receive the highest quality of care in a warm and welcoming setting.

Meet our dedicated team of pediatricians and learn more about their backgrounds and specialties by reading their bios below. We invite you to get to know the faces behind Vista Ridge Pediatrics, and discover the expertise and passion each doctor brings to our practice.

Dr. Emily Carter-Smith, MD

Chief Pediatrician

Dr. Emily Carter has been dedicated to pediatric care for over 15 years. She graduated with honors from Stanford University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Carter specializes in newborn care, preventive health, and adolescent medicine.
Her compassionate approach and dedication to her patients have earned her numerous accolades. Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Carter enjoys hiking with her family and volunteering at local schools to promote health education.
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Dr. Michael Hernandez, MD

Pediatric Endocrinologist

Dr. Michael Hernandez brings a wealth of experience in pediatric endocrinology to Vista Ridge Pediatrics. After earning his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco, he completed his residency and fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Dr. Hernandez is passionate about helping children with diabetes, growth disorders, and hormonal imbalances. His patient-centric approach ensures each child receives personalized care. In his free time, Dr. Hernandez loves playing soccer and participating in community health fairs.
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Dr. Sarah Johnson, MD

Pediatric Pulmonologist

With a deep commitment to respiratory health, Dr. Sarah Lee has been a vital part of Vista Ridge Pediatrics. She obtained her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed her residency at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Dr. Lee’s expertise includes treating asthma, cystic
fibrosis, and other chronic respiratory conditions. She is known for her gentle demeanor and thorough approach to patient care. Dr. Lee enjoys spending her weekends exploring the San Diego coastline and engaging in environmental conservation projects.
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Dr. Daniel Schneider, MD

General Pediatrician

Dr. Daniel Patel is a board-certified pediatrician who has been serving the San Diego community for over a decade. He graduated from UCLA School of Medicine and completed his residency at Rady Children’s Hospital. Dr. Patel focuses on comprehensive pediatric care, from routine
check-ups to managing chronic illnesses. His dedication to building long-term relationships with families ensures every child receives consistent, quality care. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Patel is an avid reader and enjoys coaching his daughter’s little league team.
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Ready to provide your child with top-tier pediatric care? Schedule an appointment with us today and experience the exceptional care that Vista Ridge Pediatrics is known for. Click the button below to book your visit now!