Star and Fox Pediatrics

04/20/2026

School Break Hours:
Monday/Wednesday: 9-4
Tuesday/Thursday: 9-12
Friday: office open, Dr. Berrick off

04/01/2026

Chag Sameach!

03/26/2026

Announcing a New Healthcare Initiative!

Star and Fox Pediatrics will now be offering penicillin allergy challenge testing (covering penicillin/amoxicillin/Augmentin) in the office.

It is estimated that approximately 10% of patients in the United States have a documented penicillin allergy, which makes it the most common antibiotic allergy. It is further estimated that over 90% of patients with a documented penicillin allergy do not have a true allergy (an immediate hypersensitivity reaction when exposed to a penicillin).

In fact, many documented penicillin allergies are based on remote unspecified reactions (“I don’t know why it’s listed in my chart, someone told me one time, a long time ago that I was allergic”), mild cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity rashes (“my right arm was itchy a day or two after taking it”, or “a rash appeared seven days later”), or a family history of reaction alone (a parent was allergic).

The result is that many patients with a documented history of penicillin allergy can actually tolerate penicillin (penicillin/amoxicillin/Augmentin). Having an incorrect penicillin allergy documented in your medical record can have a negative impact, and it may lead to treatment with less effective antibiotics which may have more side effects than other options.

Antibiotic allergy challenges are an important way to confirm if a person with a suspected or under-documented antibiotic allergy is truly allergic. If an antibiotic allergy is confirmed, the challenge may also have the benefit of verifying the type of reaction for the patient while in a controlled medical setting under the supervision of Dr. Berrick.

If you are interested in learning more about the penicillin (penicillin/amoxicillin/Augmentin) challenge or to schedule an appointment, please contact us via phone, the Spruce app, or Patient Gateway.

Sincerely,
The Star and Fox Pediatrics Team

03/13/2026

It's officially TICK SEASON!

Here are some helpful tips and tricks:

- Do a thorough head-to-toe tick check every night before bed (check in the hairline, under the armpits, and all the creases as well)
- If you find a tick, you can gently but firmly grip it all the way at the base and pull straight out
- Please take a clear picture of the front and back of the tick (you can send it to us in Spruce if you have questions or concerns)
- As long as the tick is not engorged, it would not have been on long enough to transmit anything and your child does not need antibiotics
- Mark on your calendar when you removed the tick and just watch for any concerning symptoms for the next few weeks (swollen or painful joint, bulls-eye rash, flu-like symptoms, or any odd symptoms)

- If the tick is engorged, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Berrick within 24 hours of removal to further discuss options

- No need to send the tick off for testing as it does not change our management in anyway

Happy Spring!

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention

02/25/2026

We are open! If you cannot make your appointment, please call or send a Spruce message (if able).

02/23/2026

Unfortunately due to Snowmageddon, we will be closed Tuesday 02/24/26. Dr. Berrick will be available via Spruce and phone. Stay safe! Enjoy the snow! ❄️

02/22/2026

We will be closed on Monday 02/23/26 due to the impending storm. Dr. Berrick will be available via Spruce and phone. Stay safe and warm! ☃️

02/15/2026

⭐️ School Vacation Hours 🦊

Monday 9 AM-12 PM
Tuesday 9 AM-4 PM
Wednesday 9 AM-4 PM
Thursday 9 AM-12 PM
Friday 9 AM-12 PM

02/01/2026

Exciting opportunity for registered nurses!

Do you have a child age 4 or older? Are you looking for help with childcare? Camp Wingate Kirkland is looking for an RN to volunteer 2 shifts per week (8:30 AM-5 PM) in exchange for free tuition for your kiddos (5 days per week 8:30 AM-5 PM). Camp runs for 8 weeks from 07/06-08/28.

Please reach out to Sandy Rubenstein if interested at heysandy@campwk.com.

***You must be a registered nurse in the state of MA***

01/26/2026

We will be closed on Monday 01/26/26 due to the snow storm. Dr. Berrick will be available via Spruce and by phone. Stay safe and warm! ⛄️

01/13/2026

⭐️ We would like to announce the addition of our newest medical assistant, Amy! 🦊

Fun fact: Amy is planning on going to medical school in 2027 and we are very excited to be a part of her journey.

Welcome Amy, glad you’re joining the team!

01/08/2026