With over 20 years of experience in pediatrics and genetics, Dr. Watiker is dedicated to providing the utmost care to her patients and to educating them on their health and well-being.
Dr. Watiker is available for home visits in the greater Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley areas. She is also able to evaluate most patients via telemedicine (internet video visit). Listed below are some of the services provided. Please call (310) 360-8383 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about services…
Genetic & Genomics:
- Inherited Disorders
- Autism & Developmental Delay
- Prenatal Genetics
- Cancer Genetics
- Pharmacogenetics
- Healthy Exome
Pediatrics:
- Well Child Visits
- Sick Child Visits
- Management of Complex Medical Care
- At-home family COVID-19 testing
Testimonials
“Dr. Val has been our three sons’ doctor for 10 years and we couldn’t feel more secure in her care. She truly loves my boys and thoughtfully and thoroughly considers their specific needs as she respects the holistic picture. They have three completely different temperaments, differences, challenges and gifts and I am so grateful for Dr. Val’s partnership in keeping these guys healthy and happy.” -Song O.
“Before trying to conceive, my husband and I saw Dr. Watiker for genetic counseling. She explained everything so thoroughly and really brought us a sense of calm throughout the whole process. Less than a year later when our son was born, we felt so relieved to know that Dr. Watiker would also be our pediatrician! Being a new mom during the pandemic is so anxiety-inducing, but she has been so helpful and reassuring in taking care of our little one. I’m beyond appreciative of the home visits and the time Dr. Watiker takes in taking care of our son and our family. Highly recommend!” -Danielle T.
“I appreciate that Dr. Val always makes me feel welcome, safe and heard when I am in her care. She is super sweet and I can tell she genuinely cares about me.” -Elle M. (14 years old)
“Dr. Val has a nice smile. She gives me hugs when I see her, and is helpful when I am sick. I am grateful that she is my doctor.” -Oscar M. (9 years old)
“I am extremely grateful Dr. Val is my children’s pediatrician. She is very knowledgeable when making decisions about my children’s care; not only because of her expert medical knowledge, but also because she understands my children. Dr. Val has deliberately invested time into creating a trusting relationship with my daughter and son. She gives them the time they need to listen to their concerns and also ensure they understand what is going on. In short, Dr. Val has shown us time and time again that she is there for me and my family.” -Hilary M.
Know your DNA: Learn more about reasons for genetic evaluations and counseling…
Per the CDC website, please see reasons for a genetic appointment below:
Reasons for Genetic Counseling
Based on your personal and family health history, your doctor can refer you for genetic counseling. There are different stages in your life when you might be referred for genetic counseling:
- Planning for Pregnancy: Genetic counseling before you become pregnant can address concerns about factors that might affect your baby during infancy or childhood or your ability to become pregnant, including
- Genetic conditions that run in your family or your partner’s family
- History of infertility, multiple miscarriages, or stillbirth
- Previous pregnancy or child affected by a birth defect or genetic condition
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) options
- During Pregnancy: Genetic counseling while you are pregnant can address certain tests that may be done during your pregnancy, any detected problems, or conditions that might affect your baby during infancy or childhood, including
- History of infertility, multiple miscarriages, or stillbirth
- Previous pregnancy or child affected by a birth defect or genetic condition
- Abnormal test results, such as a blood test, ultrasound, Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), or amniocentesis
- Maternal infections, such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and other exposures such as medicines, drugs, chemicals, and x-rays
- Genetic screening that is recommended for all pregnant women, which includes cystic fibrosisexternal icon, sickle cell disease, and any conditions that run in your family or your partner’s family
- Caring for Children: Genetic counseling can address concerns if your child is showing signs and symptoms of a disorder that might be genetic, including
- Abnormal newborn screening results
- Birth defects
- Intellectual disability or developmental disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
- Vision or hearing problems
- Managing Your Health: Genetic counseling for adults includes specialty areas such as cardiovascular, psychiatric, and cancer. Genetic counseling can be helpful if you have symptoms of a condition or have a family history of a condition that makes you more likely to be affected with that condition, including
- Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome
- Lynch syndrome (hereditary colorectal and other cancers)
- Familial hypercholesterolemia
- Muscular dystrophy and other muscle diseases
- Inherited movement disorders such as Huntington’s diseaseexternal icon
- Inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease
Following your genetic counseling session, you might decide to have genetic testing. Genetic counseling after testing can help you better understand your test results and treatment options, help you deal with emotional concerns, and refer you to other healthcare providers and advocacy and support groups.
Valerie Watiker, M.D., FACMGG 