About Dr. D™

Professional

Dr. Stuart Ditchek is a board-certified pediatrician and author with a large practice in Brooklyn, New York. He is an attending physician and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Tisch Hospital of the New York University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. A recognized expert in the screening and care of families with Jewish genetic diseases, he is also an attending physician at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn. Dr. Ditchek is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Ditchek is also one of the authors of the pioneering book on integrative pediatrics, Healthy Child, Whole Child: Integrating the Best of Conventional and Alternative Medicine to Keep Your Kids Healthy (HarperCollins 2001). The book, which was named one of the best parenting or health books of that year by Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Library Journal, is currently being revised and updated for publication in 2008.

Practice Philosophy

In his practice, Dr. D™ makes use of the latest in conventional medicine as well as proven techniques from "alternative" approaches such as mind/body medicine, nutrition, and herbal remedies. He is comfortable with the use of such therapies in children, but remains aware that even "natural" therapies must be monitored closely.

As a pediatrician who cares for a large number of high-risk patients, he makes use of the latest research, both therapeutically and diagnostically. He does not hold back from using prescription drugs when it is necessary, but he does try to minimize their use.

However, Dr. D™ firmly believes that there are times when it is best to hold back from a short-term pharmaceutical solution in order to engage the body's natural methods of repairing and protecting itself. It is to support this natural healing capacity that Dr. D™ also focuses on preventative medicine for families, with a strong emphasis on minimizing chemical and toxic exposures very early in life, even prior to conception.

Dr. D™'s style can best be described as minimally invasive, maximally diagnostic, and always supportive. He has helped raise two generations of children in his practice with a calm and reassuring approach to parenting.

Personal

Dr. D™ has been married to his wife Ruby for more than 23 years. They have three sons and two daughters aged eight to nineteen.

Because of his love for children, Dr. D also co-founded Kids of Courage (www.kidsoc.org), a completely volunteer organization, not for profit that has created year round travel and a summer camp program in beautiful upstate New York for seriously sick children. The organization charges no fees for participation and hosts children with extremely high risk medical problems in a medically supervised but fun setting.He supervises a volunteer staff of over 250 young adults and a medical staff of 15 physicians, nurses,paramedics and physical therapists.

Publications & Appearances

Dr. Ditchek has been published in the following publications:  Newsweek, Parenting magazine, Parenting.com, Baby Talk magazine, Prevention magazine, Prevention.com (coming soon!), The Wall Street Journal, The Doctors Book of Home Remedies and has appeared on the Today Show.