Pediatric ENTs Moms Recommend on the Treasure Coast: A Parent’s Guide

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether your child is sick again or if something else might be going on, you’re not alone.

One of the most common questions we see from Treasure Coast moms involves chronic congestion, snoring, repeat ear infections, enlarged tonsils, hearing concerns, and sleep issues. Many parents start by assuming it’s allergies, only to find themselves searching for answers months…or even years later.

When we asked local moms for pediatric ENT recommendations, several names came up again and again. Whether you’re in Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Fort Pierce, or Vero Beach, here are the specialists local families consistently recommend.

Important Disclaimer: This article shares experiences from local families and is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider regarding your child’s care.

When Moms Realize It Might Be More Than Allergies

One theme came up repeatedly in our conversations with local parents: many initially thought their child’s symptoms were allergy-related.

Common concerns included:

• Chronic congestion
• Mouth breathing
• Frequent sinus infections
• Recurrent ear infections
• Enlarged tonsils
• Loud snoring
• Restless sleep
• Failed hearing screenings

For some families, allergy testing provided answers. For others, an ENT evaluation uncovered enlarged adenoids, chronic fluid buildup, nasal polyps, airway concerns, or other underlying issues.

Several moms shared that after years of hearing “it’s probably allergies,” an ENT helped identify the root cause.

Allergist or ENT?

One of the most common questions parents ask is:

“Should we see an allergist or an ENT?”

According to many local families, the answer is sometimes both.

Parents reported finding answers through:

• Allergy testing
• Hearing evaluations
• Sleep studies
• In-office scopes
• Adenoid evaluations

If your child continues to struggle with congestion, mouth breathing, chronic ear infections, recurrent sinus infections, snoring, or sleep concerns, it may be worth discussing both specialties with your pediatrician.

Pediatric ENTs Moms Recommend on the Treasure Coast

Coastal ENT (Port St. Lucie Area)

Dr. Chris Slack

Dr. Slack was one of the most frequently recommended providers in our Treasure Coast Mom community.

Parents mentioned positive experiences with:

• Ear tubes
• Tonsil procedures
• Adenoid surgery
• Hearing concerns
• Nasal polyps

Several moms specifically noted that he worked well with children who have autism, sensory sensitivities, or anxiety surrounding medical appointments. Families described him as knowledgeable, experienced, and someone they would confidently recommend to other parents.

Dr. Michelle Richards

If your child tends to feel nervous at doctor appointments, Dr. Richards was a name that came up repeatedly.

Parents described her as:

• Kind
• Patient
• Gentle
• Wonderful with young children

Many moms shared that she helped their children feel comfortable and at ease throughout evaluations and procedures.

Dr. Lanza (Fort Pierce)

Dr. Lanza received strong recommendations from families throughout Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and the surrounding Treasure Coast.

Parents frequently highlighted:

• Compassionate care
• Thorough evaluations
• Helpful office staff
• Tonsil and adenoid procedures

Several families shared that both Dr. Lanza and his team helped guide them through what can often feel like an overwhelming process.

Dr. Reisman (Stuart)

For Martin County families, Dr. Reisman was another provider who received consistent positive feedback.

Parents reported good experiences during both consultations and treatment and appreciated his communication style and approach to care.

Dr. Baggett (Vero ENT)

Families in the Vero Beach area frequently recommended Dr. Baggett when discussing local ENT options.

Several parents shared positive experiences and appreciated having a trusted specialist closer to home for appointments and follow-up care.

Pediatric ENTs Moms Say Are Worth the Drive

One thing we noticed while gathering recommendations is that many Treasure Coast parents are willing to travel for a pediatric specialist they trust.

Dr. David Mandell (Jupiter/Boynton Beach)

Dr. Mandell was one of the most frequently recommended names in local discussions.

Parents commonly mentioned him for:

• Recurrent strep infections
• Tonsil removal
• Adenoid removal
• Ear tubes
• More complex pediatric ENT concerns

Many families said his expertise made the drive from Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Jensen Beach, and surrounding areas worthwhile.

Dr. Visaya (Jupiter/Boynton Beach)

Dr. Visaya was another highly recommended pediatric specialist.

Parents frequently mentioned him for:

• Chronic congestion concerns
• Adenoid evaluations
• In-office scopes
• Ear tubes
• Tonsil procedures

Several moms specifically appreciated seeing a provider who focuses primarily on pediatric patients.

Dr. Zeiders (Fort Lauderdale)

Although farther from the Treasure Coast, Dr. Zeiders was recommended by several families whose children required pediatric ENT procedures involving tonsils, adenoids, or ear tubes.

Parents who made the drive reported positive experiences and felt the specialized care was worth the trip.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Specialists

Several moms also recommended:

• Dr. Balbosa
• Dr. Samuel Ostrower

These specialists were often mentioned by families seeking highly specialized pediatric ENT care outside the immediate Treasure Coast area.

Tips Local Moms Shared Before Scheduling an ENT Appointment

Parents in our community recommended:

• Keeping track of ear infections and strep diagnoses
• Bringing previous hearing test results
• Asking where procedures are performed
• Finding out whether in-office scopes are available
• Asking whether allergy testing may also be beneficial
• Getting a second opinion if you’re unsure about surgery recommendations

What We Learned From Local Moms

One thing became clear while gathering recommendations: there wasn’t one provider that every family chose.

Some parents prioritized finding someone close to home. Others were willing to drive to Jupiter or beyond for a pediatric specialist. Many families ended up seeking an ENT after allergy treatments weren’t solving the problem or after repeated ear infections, snoring, hearing concerns, or enlarged tonsils continued to affect daily life.

The good news is that local parents consistently recommended several providers across the Treasure Coast, giving families multiple trusted options to explore.

Have experience with one of these providers? Share your thoughts in the comments so we can continue helping local families make informed decisions.