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 to 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 β€” even the smallest ones. Our medical assistants are personally trained to provide helpful and accurate telephone advice.

πŸ”₯ Keeping Your Family Safe During Cold Weather ❄️As temperatures drop, many families turn on the heat or use space heate...
11/14/2025

πŸ”₯ Keeping Your Family Safe During Cold Weather ❄️

As temperatures drop, many families turn on the heat or use space heaters at home. Here are some important safety tips to help keep your little ones protected ❀️🏑:

🍼πŸ”₯ 1. Keep space heaters out of children’s reach.
Place them at least 3 feet away from clothing, curtains, toys, or anything that can burn.

βš οΈπŸ”Œ 2. Never leave a space heater unattended.
Turn it off when you leave the room or before going to sleep.

πŸ”₯🧯 3. Use heaters with an automatic shut-off feature.
This helps prevent fires if the heater tips over accidentally.

πŸ›οΈβ„οΈ 4. Avoid using space heaters in children’s bedrooms while they’re sleeping.
Central heat or a thermostat-controlled system is a safer option.

πŸ”ŒπŸ’‘ 5. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
Avoid extension cordsβ€”they can overheat and cause fires.

🚫🧦 6. Do not place clothing, blankets, or towels over a heater to dry.

🌬️πŸ”₯ 7. Use a humidifier if the heat makes the air too dry.
This helps with dry skin, congestion, and winter discomforts.

β€οΈπŸ‘Ά Your child’s safety is always our priority.

If you have any questions about keeping your home safe and warm this winter, we’re here to help!

✨ Happy Diwali!We wish all our little patients and their families a festival filled with light, laughter, and good healt...
10/20/2025

✨ Happy Diwali!

We wish all our little patients and their families a festival filled with light, laughter, and good health.

May your days shine as bright as the diyas and your hearts be as sweet as the treats! πŸͺ”πŸ’›

From all of us at Your Kid Doc πŸ‘©πŸΎβ€βš•οΈπŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ

πŸ’‰βœ¨ Flu vaccines are here! βœ¨πŸ’‰Protect your child this flu season β€” no appointment neededπŸ§ΈπŸ‘©β€βš•οΈπŸ‘©πŸ½β€βš•οΈπŸ“ Walk-in hours:Tuesday ...
09/17/2025

πŸ’‰βœ¨ Flu vaccines are here! βœ¨πŸ’‰
Protect your child this flu season β€” no appointment neededπŸ§ΈπŸ‘©β€βš•οΈπŸ‘©πŸ½β€βš•οΈ

πŸ“ Walk-in hours:

Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm /1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Wednesday: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Friday: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

πŸ‘Ά For children 6 months and older*
πŸ“ A flu consent form must be completed at the office before vaccination

βœ… Quick
βœ… Easy
βœ… Peace of mind for your family

Stop by during our walk-in hours to get your child vaccinated. πŸ’™

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Happy Labor Day! πŸŽ‰Our office will be closed today in observance of Labor Day and will reopen tomorrow at 9:00 AM.We w...
09/01/2025

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Happy Labor Day! πŸŽ‰

Our office will be closed today in observance of Labor Day and will reopen tomorrow at 9:00 AM.

We wish all of our families a safe, happy, and relaxing holiday! 🌞❀️

✨ From Your Kid Docs ✨

πŸ›‘ SAFETY PSA: Full Face Snorkel Masks πŸ›‘From Dr. Mengers:We’ve removed full-face snorkel masks from our own pool supplies...
07/26/2025

πŸ›‘ SAFETY PSA: Full Face Snorkel Masks πŸ›‘

From Dr. Mengers:

We’ve removed full-face snorkel masks from our own pool supplies β€” and I recommend you consider doing the same.

⚠️ There are ongoing safety concerns with these masks, including:
β€’ COβ‚‚ rebreathing
β€’ Low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
β€’ Sudden loss of consciousness
β€’ 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 β€œdead space” can cause the person to breathe in the same air repeatedly β€” dropping oxygen levels while carbon dioxide builds up. This leads to drowsiness or unconsciousness... and then drowning.

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

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

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

Let’s keep our swimmers safe this summer. πŸ’™

Please share with your village.

β˜€οΈ Happy Friday from Your Kid Docs! β˜€οΈIt’s gonna be a HOT one today πŸ”₯β€”so let’s keep those kiddos safe from newborns to t...
07/25/2025

β˜€οΈ Happy Friday from Your Kid Docs! β˜€οΈ

It’s gonna be a HOT one today πŸ”₯β€”so let’s keep those kiddos safe from newborns to teens with these cool tips:

πŸ‘Ά Newborns & Infants:
🚫 No direct sun! Keep baby shaded and dressed in light cotton.
🍼 Offer more frequent feeds to prevent dehydration.

πŸ‘§ Toddlers & Little Kids:
🧒 Don’t forget hats & sunscreen (SPF 30+)!
πŸ’§ Water breaks every 20–30 minsβ€”even if they say they’re not thirsty.
⛱️ Limit outside play between 11am–3pm.

πŸ§’πŸ½ Big Kids & Preteens:
🌳 Encourage play in shady spots and indoor breaks.
πŸ₯€ Refill that water bottle often (sports drinks only after heavy sweating).
🚿 Quick rinse after outdoor fun = less heat rash!

πŸ§‘β€πŸŽ“ Teens:
🎧 Remind them: water > energy drinks!
πŸ‘• Loose, light-colored clothing keeps them cool.
πŸš™ No sitting in hot cars, even for a β€œminute.” Ever.

πŸŽ‰ Enjoy the weekend! πŸ’™

πŸ“šβœοΈ Back-to-School Season is Loading...Don’t let those school forms sneak up on you like a toddler with a marker. πŸŽ¨πŸ˜±βœ”οΈ S...
07/24/2025

πŸ“šβœοΈ Back-to-School Season is Loading...
Don’t let those school forms sneak up on you like a toddler with a marker. 🎨😱

βœ”οΈ Schedule check-ups
βœ”οΈ Refill meds
βœ”οΈ Get those forms DONE before the first bell rings!πŸ›ŽοΈ

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

☎️ Call us today at 301-540-7496, and let’s get it checked off your list early!

πŸ“£ Now Accepting New Patients! πŸ©ΊπŸ’™Looking for a pediatrician you can trust? Your Kid Doc is welcoming new patients β€”  just...
07/23/2025

πŸ“£ Now Accepting New Patients! πŸ©ΊπŸ’™

Looking for a pediatrician you can trust? Your Kid Doc is welcoming new patients β€” just in time for those back-to-school check-ups! πŸŽ’πŸ—“οΈ

✨ We participate with most insurance plans, including Medicaid.

πŸ“² Tap the link in our bio to learn more and get started today!

Let’s keep your kids healthy, growing, and ready to thrive this school year! πŸŒŸπŸ‘ΆπŸ½πŸ§’πŸ»πŸ§‘πŸΎ

πŸ§ πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ From Your Kid Docs β€” Happy World Emoji Day! πŸŒπŸ“±πŸŽ‰Let’s face it… emojis might just be the new language our kids are f...
07/17/2025

πŸ§ πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ From Your Kid Docs β€” Happy World Emoji Day! πŸŒπŸ“±πŸŽ‰

Let’s face it… emojis might just be the new language our kids are fluent in! πŸ˜…βœŒοΈ
Whether it’s a 😎"I got this," or a 😀 for "not today," they’re saying A LOT with just a little picture.

✨ Parents: If you ever get a πŸ’€ or 🫠 in a text from your teen… don't panic β€” it might just mean they found something really funny.

πŸ—£οΈ Tip of the day: Try sending a message to your kid using only emojis β€” they’ll either laugh or be totally impressed. πŸ˜†πŸ“²πŸ’¬

πŸ‘‡ COMMENT BELOW:
What's YOUR most-used emoji?
Ours is probably πŸ©ΊπŸ‘Ά or πŸ§ƒπŸ€£

πŸ§ πŸ’¬ Parenting Teens: The Balance Between Support & IndependenceRaising a teenager means learning when to guide and when t...
07/09/2025

πŸ§ πŸ’¬ 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 β€” but your presence still matters more than ever.

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

They may act like they don’t need you... but they do. Just in a different way. πŸ’›

πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ From your kid docs β€” we are here to help you grow with your teen!

🌈 Hey families β€” it’s finally the weekend! πŸŽ‰Your Kid Docs are sending big smiles and sunny vibes your way πŸ˜Žβ˜€οΈWhether you...
07/05/2025

🌈 Hey families β€” it’s finally the weekend! πŸŽ‰

Your Kid Docs are sending big smiles and sunny vibes your way πŸ˜Žβ˜€οΈ

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

πŸ’¬ What’s your perfect Saturday family vibe? Let us know below πŸ‘‡

DrMengersApproved DrWendyApproved

πŸŽ†πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Boom! Bang! Happy 4th of July from Your Kid Docs! πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ†We wish all our amazing families a day full of fun, food, and s...
07/04/2025

πŸŽ†πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Boom! Bang! Happy 4th of July from Your Kid Docs! πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸŽ†

We wish all our amazing families a day full of fun, food, and safe celebrations! πŸŽ‰πŸ‰πŸŒ­

πŸ”₯ Fireworks Safety 101:

✨ Sparklers may look cuteβ€”but they burn hotter than a blowtorch (yikes!).
πŸ™…β€β™€οΈ Skip the backyard fireworksβ€”let the pros light up the sky.
πŸ‘€ Keep little hands far from anything that pops, bangs, or sizzles.
πŸ’¦ Have water nearby… just in case your party gets too lit!

πŸŠβ€β™‚οΈ Pool Party? Great! But keep eyes on the kiddos at all times.

πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈπŸŽ‘ Big Crowds? Hold hands, set meeting spots, and stay close.

Have a blast (the safe kind)! πŸŽ‡

From your pediatric team πŸ’™β€οΈ

Address

19803 Executive Park Cirle
Germantown, MD
20874

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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