Danielle M. Saner D.O.

Hi, I’m Danielle Saner and I’m a pediatrician at the Children’s Physicians, Bellevue Clinic.

What made you want to become a pediatrician?

I was a substitute teacher and I was trying to figure out which path I wanted to go down. I had also done some coaching for different sports activities but ultimately I realized that I just liked being around kids a lot more so it was an easy choice to do pediatrics. That way, I’d be around kids all the time.

What’s the most rewarding part of being a pediatrician?

I think the most rewarding part has to do with becoming part of the family and just building the rapport with them. I think a lot of that just comes with communication and parents ultimately feeling comfortable with you. I think being honest with them and still sitting down and giving them the attention that they deserve is what can really solidify those relationships.

In which area do you have the most experience?

I think one of my expertise is probably more musculoskeletal. I really like sports medicine. And I think that’s just coming from my long history of really liking sports and coaching for many years. I also have an osteopathic medical degree so we do focus a lot more on just muscles and bones, in general.

What would you want patients and their families to know about you?

I would let them know that I’m also a mom and so I understand what it means to try and trust a pediatrician. You want to make sure you’re giving them the best care. And that I’m also very friendly and approachable — which is very important because you’re going to be talking about some very difficult things that also include other family members. I’m also very friendly with the kiddos. That way they won’t be totally skeptical every time they have to come into the office. Hopefully, we can try to make this an enjoyable experience for everybody.