Often in medicine, people can feel like just another medical record number. At West End Pediatrics, parents and patients are encouraged to form a relationship with their pediatrician so they can feel known and understood.
Not only does this lead to better care, but it is the also kind of medicine in which we believe.
Scroll below to read more about our practice providers, or call 804-740-6171 to make an appointment.
9606 Patterson Avenue
Richmond, VA 23229
CONTACT US
Complete an online form that will be emailed directly to us. We try to respond within 24 hours.
BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Insurance & billing information, and important patient forms.
DO YOU HAVE PAYMENT QUESTIONS?
We accept most major insurance providers. Click here to see if your carrier is in our network.
I think I wanted to be a doctor from about the age of ten. I liked science, and as I grew and matured became more and more interested in personal interactions, relationships, and what makes people healthy in all aspects. When I finally got to medical school, I was fascinated by how the human body works and knew I was in the right place.
Why a Pediatrician?
There was that pivotal moment in medical school when I got a hug from Juliette, a sweet three-year-old French Canadian girl recovering from pneumonia, but it is more than that. Pediatricians are fun.
Kids are fun. You get to smile every day. And it's really true, kids do say the "darndest" things and it's usually hilarious.
Doing what fascinates you, doing what you're good at, laughing while you do it....doesn't get much better than that!
Tiffany Powers is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who grew up in Harrisonburg, VA and has lived in Richmond, VA for more than 20 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Randolph-MaconCollege and worked in human resources and recruiting before deciding on a career in nursing. She received her Diploma in Nursing from the Bon Secours School of Nursing and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Bon Secours College of Nursing. In May, 2017, Tiffany received her Masters of Nursing from the University of Virginia and became certified in Lactation Counseling in February, 2018. She has over seven years of experience as a Registered Nurse in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and most recently spent the last one and a half years as a Nurse Practitioner and Certified Lactation Counselor with Bon Secours Pediatrics of Mechanicsville and Hanover Pediatrics. Tiffany loves to educate her young patients and their families while showing compassion, empathy and a sincere dedication to helping others. Tiffany has been married for 20 years and has 3 sons. She has twin boys who were born at 27 weeks and NICU graduates. In her spare time, Tiffany enjoys exercising, reading, going to concerts, volunteering for local community organizations and long walks with her golden retriever.
Lucy Karn is a Pediatric Physician Assistant and a native Richmonder. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, Lucy worked in Healthcare Public Relations in New York City before returning to Virginia to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. She received her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), then completed a Pediatric Urgent Care Fellowship through EVMS and the Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters. She returned to Richmond in January of 2018 and has been working in Pediatric Urgent Care and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. She is driven by her desire to educate and empower young people regarding their overall health and to be a helpful, comforting resource for families and children. She is excited to join the West End Pediatrics team and is looking forward to building lifelong patient relationships. In her spare time, Lucy enjoys running, discovering new music and, most of all, spending time with her friends and family. Lucy joins West End Pediatrics in January 2019.
Dr. Jessica Szelc joined West End Pediatrics in January 2021. She earned her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia after receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Virginia. Dr. Szelc returned to Charlottesville to complete her pediatric residency at the University of Virginia where she was involved in the Home Visiting Program and Pediatric Curriculum Committee. There she was awarded the Resident Teaching Award by her colleagues for excellence in mentoring junior residents. Dr. Szelc’s interests include developmental and behavioral pediatrics such as ADHD and autism as well as preventive care and promoting healthy habits for life.
After growing up in Northern Virginia and living in Hampton Roads and Charlottesville, Dr. Szelc and her fiancé are excited to explore Richmond. They enjoy cooking and exploring local restaurants as well as spending time outdoors gardening, hiking and kayaking.
Why a Doctor
I was inspired to pursue medicine from watching the example of my aunt and uncle who are both physicians. I admired their dedication to their patients and it was easy to see the satisfaction that came from helping others. Over time I appreciated how being a doctor is the perfect blend of humanities and science - acquiring knowledge and then applying it to benefit others while forming lasting relationships within a community. The fact that I loved watching emergency medicine shows on television and, to the horror of my family, could stomach the more squeamish aspects of medicine didn’t hurt either!
Why a Pediatrician
I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician before entering medical school so making the choice was a no-brainer! I always enjoyed being around children, from babysitting to working as a camp counselor to organizing shows and games with my younger cousins. Kids are bright and funny and just plain entertaining to be around. I am continually amazed by the natural process of child development and privileged to be able to step in to help all children achieve skills to the best of their abilities. Finally, I love the variety in pediatrics that comes from working with kids of all ages and getting to know families over years and even generations.
ABOUT OUR PRACTICE
We want parents and patients to form a relationship with their us so that they can feel known and understood. This not only leads to better care for your child, but it is the kind of medicine in which we believe.
At West End Pediatrics, we provide comprehensive medical care for patients from birth through college age based on the Medical Home Model. This means our office works with your family to help manage and coordinate care for all aspects of your child’s health: physical, emotional and other special needs. We also work in close communication with you, your schools, therapists and pediatric specialists throughout the community to ensure comprehensive care and wellness.
To schedule well child care appointments:
We ask that you call the office to schedule an appointment. It is best to schedule your child’s future appointment as you check out after each visit. Scheduling in advance ensures a convenient day and time and your provider of choice.
If your child is sick:
Please call our office for an appointment as early as possible. Children with long-standing symptoms or medical problems that are not of an urgent nature may be scheduled for another day.
If you are running late for your appointment, please call and let us know; however, you may be asked to reschedule.
Dr Simmelink and her nurse are absolutely Phenomenal. I’ve also seen Lucy and Dr Dawson, who have also been AMAZING. Hands down the best Pediatric office in the area. They get you in quickly and are also so friendly and helpful. The girls that work up front are so kind and the whole practice seems to really care about my sons experience and well being. 10/10.
West End Pediatrics is the best. It’s a small practice, so you get to know the staff well and you know that they care about yours kids. We’ve been going there for 7 years and are so grateful for their excellent care for our 2 kids since birth!
My experiences have always been good! Dr. Dawson is awesome and very knowledgeable. The nurses are very nice and my kids love coming to the doctor besides getting shots.
Tiffany Powers is just amazing! Very intelligent and experienced and easily forms a good rapport with her patients. Love all the providers at West End Pediatrics!
Awesome pediatric care! The doctorsand staff were amazing and my children were comfortable during their visit. I moved to Henrico and was looking for a great pediatrician for my children and this office has definitely made me a proud parent. I'd recommend this practice to anyone seeking caring and knowledgeable Doctors and Staff. Dr. Powers is my children's Pediatrician and she is great!
My kid is coming here for almost a year now and definitely the doctors and nurses here are very loving and professional. My kid have seen all of them and everyone spend good amount of time with kid and parents, answering all questions without any hurry. This place is worth to be recommended...
As a 1st time parent, there are a handful of things that you hope are up to par with your expectations. From the time we left the hospital with our daughter to today in fact, almost 18 months later, the staff, nurses & doctors at West End Pediatrics have been INCREDIBLE. They have always had the best customer service & quick response time to any questions, regardless of the time or day. They are truly a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos of parenting. We are constantly informed on what to expect from our growing child & the care has always exceeded expectation! I would recommend this practice & specifically Dr. Dawson, thought the entire staff is wonderful, to anyone looking for an amazing group of medical professionals to take care of your children.Thank you all for everything that you do & for providing only the best care to the most important little person in our lives!!
Dr. Dawson has been our pediatrician for our three children since 1996. He has taken the time to get to know each of the children and address their individual needs with a wonderful “bedside manner”, great sense of humor and precise medical expertise. You could not ask for a better doctor to guide the healthcare of your children from birth to early adulthood. I am only sorry my kids are growing up and won’t be able to stay with Dr. Dawson forever!
Always helpful no matter when I go there. All their staff is very detail oriented and incredibly nice. Have been going there for 20 years and would not even want to try a different place. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to be treated well and get amazing service.
We’ve been seeing the doctors at West End Pediatrics for 24 years. They helped me as a new mom feel confident and eased my fears. We’ve been though a lot with four very different children and at each turn, I knew I had an ally in West End Pediatrics. We moved about an hour away 14 years ago but still make the trip because the trust level is second to none. Our original doctor retired but we’ve been very happy with the transition and met our new doctor recently. Highly recommend this practice.
