Smita Parikh Mengers, MD & Wendy VanBronkhorst, MD

Smita Parikh Mengers, MD & Wendy VanBronkhorst, MD Welcome to the page of Smita Parikh Mengers, MD, FAAP and Wendy Rumble VanBronkhorst, MD, FAAP Meet our experienced pediatricians and staff.

Our entire team is dedicated to helping you and your child with your healthcare needs. Our child-focused practice works hard to meet the needs of children from infancy through adolescence. All of our pediatricians and medical staff are highly trained professionals, maintaining the highest level of accreditation in pediatrics to address the special needs of infants, children, and teens. We strive t

o treat each and every patient as we would want our own children to be treated. Our doctors and staff look forward to building a relationship with you and your family. Smita Parikh Mengers, MD, F.A.A.P

Dr. Smita Parikh Mengers is a member of The Leading Physicians of the World and was recently named Among the Best Pediatricians by readers of Washington Families Magazine. She is a board certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Mengers was born in India and moved to the United States at the age of 7 years where she completed school in Chillicothe, Ohio. She graduated magna cm laude from Case Western Reserve University with a BA in Medical Anthropology and received her medical training at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. She and her husband then moved to the DC area where she finished her pediatric residency training at Georgetown University Hospital. She went into private practice in Montgomery County in 1992 and started her own small practice in 1999 where she loves watching her patients and their families grow up. She has been on staff at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital for 25 years. And not only is she on staff at but, also is the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Holy Cross Hospital (Germantown Only). She an Assistant Clinical Professor for George Washington University School of Medicine and enjoys teaching students in her office. She has a special interest in travel medicine and has volunteered abroad on medical mission trips. She is fluent in Gujarati and speaks some Spanish and Hindi. In her spare, she likes to travel, hike, and garden. She enjoys spending time with her husband Tim, two daughters, son and pets. She looks forward to providing you and your child with quality and compassionate care. Wendy VanBronkhorst, MD, F.A.A.P

Dr. Wendy VanBronkhorst is a board certified pediatrician and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She was born in Bloomington, Indiana and lived in Colorado and Vienna, Austria before moving to Gaithersburg, where she graduated from Gaithersburg High School. Dr. Wendy received her BA with Honors in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Haverford College and then spent a year in Japan working as a Biologist. After returning to the US, she taught preschool in Seattle and in Gaithersburg. She earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, NY. After spending a year at home with her first son, Dr. Wendy completed her internship and residency at INOVA Fairfax Hospital for Children and was named Resident of the Year in 2003.She then spent two years in Virginia, dividing her time between private practice and as a residency preceptor at INOVA Pediatric Clinic. Dr. Wendy joined Dr. Mengers in 2005, and is also currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine. In her spare time Dr. Wendy enjoys traveling, camping, playing the piano and reading. She and her husband David live in Gaithersburg with their three sons. Our Office Staff

Our office staff is made up of medical assistants, who are all committed to the care of your child. Patient education is very important to all of us. We are ready to listen and answer all of your questions and concerns โ€” even the smallest ones. Our medical assistants are personally trained to provide helpful and accurate telephone advice.

๐Ÿ›‘ SAFETY PSA: Full Face Snorkel Masks ๐Ÿ›‘From Dr. Mengers:Weโ€™ve removed full-face snorkel masks from our own pool supplies...
07/26/2025

๐Ÿ›‘ SAFETY PSA: Full Face Snorkel Masks ๐Ÿ›‘

From Dr. Mengers:

Weโ€™ve removed full-face snorkel masks from our own pool supplies โ€” and I recommend you consider doing the same.

โš ๏ธ There are ongoing safety concerns with these masks, including:
โ€ข COโ‚‚ rebreathing
โ€ข Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
โ€ข Sudden loss of consciousness
โ€ข Difficulty removing the mask while distressed

They feel easier to use, especially for kids and inexperienced swimmers, but that simplicity comes with serious risk. The increased โ€œdead spaceโ€ can cause the person to breathe in the same air repeatedly โ€” dropping oxygen levels while carbon dioxide builds up. This leads to drowsiness or unconsciousness... and then drowning.

These masks are also:
๐Ÿšซ It is harder to clear if water enters
๐Ÿšซ It's harder to remove in an emergency
๐Ÿšซ Riskier in kids, pregnant swimmers, strong currents, illness, or poor swimming conditions

A 2024 study has now confirmed the risks of COโ‚‚ buildup with these masks vs. standard snorkels.

๐Ÿ“š Study link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10735670

Letโ€™s keep our swimmers safe this summer. ๐Ÿ’™

Please share with your village.

โ˜€๏ธ Happy Friday from Your Kid Docs! โ˜€๏ธItโ€™s gonna be a HOT one today ๐Ÿ”ฅโ€”so letโ€™s keep those kiddos safe from newborns to t...
07/25/2025

โ˜€๏ธ Happy Friday from Your Kid Docs! โ˜€๏ธ

Itโ€™s gonna be a HOT one today ๐Ÿ”ฅโ€”so letโ€™s keep those kiddos safe from newborns to teens with these cool tips:

๐Ÿ‘ถ Newborns & Infants:
๐Ÿšซ No direct sun! Keep baby shaded and dressed in light cotton.
๐Ÿผ Offer more frequent feeds to prevent dehydration.

๐Ÿ‘ง Toddlers & Little Kids:
๐Ÿงข Donโ€™t forget hats & sunscreen (SPF 30+)!
๐Ÿ’ง Water breaks every 20โ€“30 minsโ€”even if they say theyโ€™re not thirsty.
โ›ฑ๏ธ Limit outside play between 11amโ€“3pm.

๐Ÿง’๐Ÿฝ Big Kids & Preteens:
๐ŸŒณ Encourage play in shady spots and indoor breaks.
๐Ÿฅค Refill that water bottle often (sports drinks only after heavy sweating).
๐Ÿšฟ Quick rinse after outdoor fun = less heat rash!

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“ Teens:
๐ŸŽง Remind them: water > energy drinks!
๐Ÿ‘• Loose, light-colored clothing keeps them cool.
๐Ÿš™ No sitting in hot cars, even for a โ€œminute.โ€ Ever.

๐ŸŽ‰ Enjoy the weekend! ๐Ÿ’™

๐Ÿ“šโœ๏ธ Back-to-School Season is Loading...Donโ€™t let those school forms sneak up on you like a toddler with a marker. ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ˜ฑโœ”๏ธ S...
07/24/2025

๐Ÿ“šโœ๏ธ Back-to-School Season is Loading...
Donโ€™t let those school forms sneak up on you like a toddler with a marker. ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ˜ฑ

โœ”๏ธ Schedule check-ups
โœ”๏ธ Refill meds
โœ”๏ธ Get those forms DONE before the first bell rings!๐Ÿ›Ž๏ธ

Avoid the last-minute panic โ€” your future self (and your coffee) will thank you. โ˜•๐Ÿ“†

โ˜Ž๏ธ Call us today at 301-540-7496, and letโ€™s get it checked off your list early!

๐Ÿ“ฃ Now Accepting New Patients! ๐Ÿฉบ๐Ÿ’™Looking for a pediatrician you can trust? Your Kid Doc is welcoming new patients โ€”  just...
07/23/2025

๐Ÿ“ฃ Now Accepting New Patients! ๐Ÿฉบ๐Ÿ’™

Looking for a pediatrician you can trust? Your Kid Doc is welcoming new patients โ€” just in time for those back-to-school check-ups! ๐ŸŽ’๐Ÿ—“๏ธ

โœจ We participate with most insurance plans, including Medicaid.

๐Ÿ“ฒ Tap the link in our bio to learn more and get started today!

Letโ€™s keep your kids healthy, growing, and ready to thrive this school year! ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ‘ถ๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿง’๐Ÿป๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿพ

๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๏ธ From Your Kid Docs โ€” Happy World Emoji Day! ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“ฑ๐ŸŽ‰Letโ€™s face itโ€ฆ emojis might just be the new language our kids are f...
07/17/2025

๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๏ธ From Your Kid Docs โ€” Happy World Emoji Day! ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“ฑ๐ŸŽ‰

Letโ€™s face itโ€ฆ emojis might just be the new language our kids are fluent in! ๐Ÿ˜…โœŒ๏ธ
Whether itโ€™s a ๐Ÿ˜Ž"I got this," or a ๐Ÿ˜ค for "not today," theyโ€™re saying A LOT with just a little picture.

โœจ Parents: If you ever get a ๐Ÿ’€ or ๐Ÿซ  in a text from your teenโ€ฆ don't panic โ€” it might just mean they found something really funny.

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Tip of the day: Try sending a message to your kid using only emojis โ€” theyโ€™ll either laugh or be totally impressed. ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ“ฒ๐Ÿ’ฌ

๐Ÿ‘‡ COMMENT BELOW:
What's YOUR most-used emoji?
Ours is probably ๐Ÿฉบ๐Ÿ‘ถ or ๐Ÿงƒ๐Ÿคฃ

๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’ฌ Parenting Teens: The Balance Between Support & IndependenceRaising a teenager means learning when to guide and when t...
07/09/2025

๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’ฌ Parenting Teens: The Balance Between Support & Independence

Raising a teenager means learning when to guide and when to let them try on their own. As your child grows, so does their need for independence โ€” but your presence still matters more than ever.

โœ… Give them room to make decisions (and mistakes)
โœ… Set clear boundaries with love
โœ… Be a safe space they can always come back to
โœ… Keep conversations open โ€” even when itโ€™s tough

They may act like they donโ€™t need you... but they do. Just in a different way. ๐Ÿ’›

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๏ธ From your kid docs โ€” we are here to help you grow with your teen!

๐ŸŒˆ Hey families โ€” itโ€™s finally the weekend! ๐ŸŽ‰Your Kid Docs are sending big smiles and sunny vibes your way ๐Ÿ˜Žโ˜€๏ธWhether you...
07/05/2025

๐ŸŒˆ Hey families โ€” itโ€™s finally the weekend! ๐ŸŽ‰

Your Kid Docs are sending big smiles and sunny vibes your way ๐Ÿ˜Žโ˜€๏ธ

Whether you're chasing toddlers through the sprinkler ๐Ÿ’ฆ, hitting the playground ๐Ÿ›, or just sipping coffee while the kids bounce off the walls โ˜•๐Ÿ˜… โ€” we hope itโ€™s full of joy, laughter, and maybe even a nap or two!

๐Ÿ’ฌ Whatโ€™s your perfect Saturday family vibe? Let us know below ๐Ÿ‘‡

DrMengersApproved DrWendyApproved

๐ŸŽ†๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Boom! Bang! Happy 4th of July from Your Kid Docs! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐ŸŽ†We wish all our amazing families a day full of fun, food, and s...
07/04/2025

๐ŸŽ†๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Boom! Bang! Happy 4th of July from Your Kid Docs! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐ŸŽ†

We wish all our amazing families a day full of fun, food, and safe celebrations! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ‰๐ŸŒญ

๐Ÿ”ฅ Fireworks Safety 101:

โœจ Sparklers may look cuteโ€”but they burn hotter than a blowtorch (yikes!).
๐Ÿ™…โ€โ™€๏ธ Skip the backyard fireworksโ€”let the pros light up the sky.
๐Ÿ‘€ Keep little hands far from anything that pops, bangs, or sizzles.
๐Ÿ’ฆ Have water nearbyโ€ฆ just in case your party gets too lit!

๐ŸŠโ€โ™‚๏ธ Pool Party? Great! But keep eyes on the kiddos at all times.

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ๐ŸŽก Big Crowds? Hold hands, set meeting spots, and stay close.

Have a blast (the safe kind)! ๐ŸŽ‡

From your pediatric team ๐Ÿ’™โค๏ธ

๐Ÿ“ฃ Holiday Hours Alert! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธYour Kid Docs will be CLOSED on Friday, July 4th, for Independence Day.๐ŸŽ† Weโ€™ll reopen Monday, J...
07/03/2025

๐Ÿ“ฃ Holiday Hours Alert! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

Your Kid Docs will be CLOSED on Friday, July 4th, for Independence Day.
๐ŸŽ† Weโ€™ll reopen Monday, July 7th at 9:00 AM.

As you celebrate, keep these safety tips in mind:
๐ŸŒญ Grill Safety: Keep kids at a safe distance from hot grills.
โ˜€๏ธ Sun Protection: Lather up with SPF 30+ every 2 hours.
๐ŸฆŸ Bug Safety: Use child-safe insect repellent to prevent bites.

Wishing all our families a safe & happy 4th of July! โค๏ธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’™
โ€” Your Kid Docs

๐Ÿช– Helmet Safety Matters! ๐Ÿ›ด๐Ÿšฒ๐Ÿ›ผProtecting your childโ€™s brain is as easy as putting on a helmet โ€” every time they ride!๐Ÿ‘ง๐Ÿ‘ฆ Wh...
07/02/2025

๐Ÿช– Helmet Safety Matters! ๐Ÿ›ด๐Ÿšฒ๐Ÿ›ผ

Protecting your childโ€™s brain is as easy as putting on a helmet โ€” every time they ride!

๐Ÿ‘ง๐Ÿ‘ฆ When should kids wear helmets?

โœ… Biking
โœ… Scootering
โœ… Skateboarding
โœ… Rollerblading
โœ… Hoverboarding
โœ… Even sledding!

๐Ÿง  Why itโ€™s important:

Helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury by up to 85%!

๐ŸŽฏ Helmet Tips for Parents:

๐Ÿ‘€ Make sure it fits snugly
๐Ÿ“ It should sit level, about 2 fingers above the eyebrows
๐Ÿ”’ Always buckle the chin strap
๐Ÿ›  Replace if itโ€™s been in a crash or damaged

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๏ธ At Your Kid Docs, weโ€™re here to keep your little ones safe and strong.

๐Ÿ“ฒ Have questions about helmet fit or head injuries? Call us anytime!

๐Ÿคง What is Enterovirus?Enteroviruses are common viruses that usually spread in the summer and fall. They can cause anythi...
07/01/2025

๐Ÿคง What is Enterovirus?

Enteroviruses are common viruses that usually spread in the summer and fall. They can cause anything from mild cold-like symptoms to more serious illnesses.

๐Ÿงผ How It Spreads:

๐Ÿ‘‹ Touching contaminated surfaces
๐Ÿ˜ท Coughs, sneezes, or saliva
๐Ÿšฝ Contact with p**p (especially while changing diapers)

๐ŸซฉCommon Symptoms:

โ€ขRunny nose or cough
โ€ขFever
โ€ขBody aches
โ€ขRash
โ€ขVomiting or diarrhea
โ€ขIn some cases: wheezing or difficulty breathing

๐Ÿ’Š Treatment:

Thereโ€™s no specific medicine for enterovirus. Care is supportive:
โœ… Rest
โœ… Fluids
โœ… Fever control (like Tylenol or Motrin)

๐Ÿ“ž When to Call Us:

๐Ÿšจ Trouble breathing
๐Ÿšจ High fever lasting more than 3 days
๐Ÿšจ Dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet diapers)
๐Ÿšจ Seizures, confusion, or severe headache

Your Kid Docs are here to help you through it! ๐Ÿ’™

๐Ÿ“ฒ Call us if youโ€™re worried โ€” weโ€™re just a phone call away!

๐ŸŒž Fresh Air > Screen Glare ๐ŸŽฎ๐Ÿ“บAt Your Kid Docs, we know screen time is here to stay โ€” but so is the sunshine! โ˜€๏ธ Encourag...
06/30/2025

๐ŸŒž Fresh Air > Screen Glare ๐ŸŽฎ๐Ÿ“บ

At Your Kid Docs, we know screen time is here to stay โ€” but so is the sunshine! โ˜€๏ธ Encourage your kids to trade the controller for a soccer ball โšฝ, a bike ๐Ÿšฒ, or even just a walk in the park.

๐Ÿง  Outdoor play boosts mood, improves sleep, and supports healthy development.

๐ŸŽฏ Balance is key! Try:
โœ… Setting screen limits
โœ… Scheduling daily outdoor time
โœ… Joining in the fun as a family

Letโ€™s raise happy, healthy kids โ€” one outdoor adventure at a time! ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿ’ช

Address

Germantown, MD

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 12pm
1:30pm - 5pm
Friday 9am - 2pm

Telephone

+13015407496

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