Simply put, my vision for Hirsch Pediatrics is to offer families an outstanding level of pediatric care through a very small, family-centered practice. Hirsch Pediatrics was designed to redefine virtually every aspect of modern pediatrics including the doctor/patient relationship, the office environment, patient/parent access to medical information, and more. When your child is not feeling well, visiting your doctor’s office should relieve stress, not increase it. Part of successful care, to me, comes from creating close relationships with the child and his or her family. My office is an extension of my home—our patients extend our families.
Like you, I am a concerned, loving parent, and I understand both your joys and challenges in raising healthy and happy children. Being selected as your child’s pediatric practice is an honor, and we will always strive to provide the highest quality care possible in a gentle and nurturing environment.
I look forward to working with you. I believe that together, we can help your children thrive.
Best regards,
Dr. Steven F. Hirsch
Awards & Articles
Hirsch Pediatrics Wins National Award for Excellent Clinical Care!
Dr. Hirsch recently traveled to Denver in July 2024 to participate in a pediatric specific conference to join fellow independent pediatric practices who are also users of the award winning pediatric electronic medical record called PCC. At the conference which focuses on practice management and improving care, Hirsch Pediatrics received three awards for top clinical including 1st place out of 300 practices in the coveted “Overall Clinical Pulse” care for the second year in a row. We are proud of the Hirsch Pediatrics team for making this award possible!
“2018 Pediatrician of the Year” award from the Montgomery County Pediatric Society (Dr. Hirsch pictured below with family accepting award.)
Washingtonian Magazine “Top Doctor” – 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Best of Bethesda “Top Doctor” – 2023
Washington Parent Magazine “Mom-Approved Doctor” – 2012, 2016, 2017
Maryland Breastfeeding Coalition “Breastfeeding-Friendly Healthcare Provider” Gold Level – 2016
NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home Level 3 recognition – 2022 – 2016
Rockville Business Recognition “Best of Rockville Award – Pediatrics” – 2015, 2019
OpenCare “Patient’s Choice Award” – 2015
Angie’s List “Super Service Award” – 2013
Goodtime Medical “Best Pediatric Room” for Fire Station exam room – 2014
Children’s National Health Network “Medical Home Innovation Award” – 2010, 2011
Consumers’ Research Council of America “America’s Top Pediatricians” – 2010, 2011
Media appearances and publications:
Dr. Kissiova co-author article published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Agreement between Parents and Children regarding Child Mental and Behavioral Health Symptoms in Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Hematology Clinics. (published 02/2017)
Dr. Olexa co-author article published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Frequency and Severity of Asthma Exacerbations in an Inner-city Population. (published 12/2021)
WJLA-ABC7 local news interviews Dr. Hirsch commenting on the recent outbreak of bronchiolitis (aired 02/02/18).
No More Potty Problems! article from Scholastic magazine quotes Dr. Hirsch (published 06/2015).
WJLA-ABC 7 local news interviews Dr. Hirsch commenting on the abysmal nutritional value of fast food (aired 11/08/2010).
Parents’ Perspective syndicated radio program interviews Dr. Hirsch on Summer Safety Tips (aired 06/2009).
The Prepared Patient – Don’t Let Germs Hitch a Ride from Your Doctor’s Office article from the Center for the Advancement of Health quotes Dr. Hirsch (published 03/2008).
WJLA-ABC 7 local news interviews Dr. Hirsch commenting on the terrible nutritional content of foods directly advertised to children (aired 09/04/2007).
Herd Immunity: Why Vaccines Matter article written by Dr. Hirsch for Washington Parent Magazine (published 08/2007).
WJLA-ABC 7 local news interviews Dr. Hirsch commenting on a recent study evaluating the frequency of undiagnosed hypertension in children (aired 08/21/2007).
The Hirsch Pediatrics Goal
We stay connected to our patients, not just from visit to visit, but from birth through college. At Hirsch Pediatrics you can always expect:
- A small pediatric practice that limits the number of patients to ensure all patients are treated like family.
- No annual fees or form fees! As your family’s medical home, our “no fee”policy will save your family over the years between one to two thousand dollars.
- Comprehensive check-ups that fully evaluate your child’s physical, emotional, and social development.
- Medical care that is based on cutting edge research and the most up-to-date information. All medical decisions are unbiased without any influence or incentives from pharmaceutical companies.
- Timely completion of school and camp forms.
- Access to an advanced Patient Portal to give you control of your child’s health care 24/7 on your phone or computer.
- The highest office standards for infection control.
Expecting the best for your child is your job, and meeting that expectation is ours!
New Patients
We are now accepting newborns (infants under 2 months of age) and their siblings. Please click here for more information.
Insurance/Fees
We participate with the following insurances listed below.
Adventist Health
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Care First
Cigna/Great West
Coventry
Johns Hopkins Employee Health Plan
Tricare Standard PPO
UnitedHealthCare (in-network as of 11/2017) – private insurance only
Note: Hirsch Pediatrics does not participate with any state insurance or Medicaid plans.
Note: If your insurance plan requires you to designate a primary care physician (“PCP”), you must select our office prior to your first visit. If Dr. Hirsch is not designated as the PCP prior to the first visit, you may incur extra costs if the insurance company processes the claim as an out-of-network visit.
Hirsch Pediatrics does not charge an annual fee or other additional fees for school/camp forms, prescription refills, or after-hours call. As your family’s medical home, our “no fee”policy will save your family over the years between one to two thousand dollars!
Our Commitment to You
The trust you place in your pediatrician is an honor as well as a significant responsibility. To ensure the optimal physical, emotional, and social development of your children, it is important to have a pediatrician who shares your philosophies on healthcare.
I would like to tell you about some of the core principles that drive my practice of medicine:
- Care for your children with a team approach that involves input from the family.
- Educate parents and children on all medical decisions via discussions, handouts, and Internet resources.
- Embrace technology in managing health information to provide a higher level of care.
- Advocate for optimal physical, emotional, and social health of all children.
- Utilize principles and recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics for guidance.
- Commit to the most up to date medicine by reviewing the leading medical journals and attending medical conferences.
- Act conservatively with antibiotics and use only when there is a clear indication.
See Our Office!
Please click here to enjoy the Hirsch Pediatrics Virtual Tour and see why many families have called our office the most beautiful and relaxing office they have ever visited.
Expecting a Baby?
Schedule a practice interview with our team!
Hirsch Pediatrics is currently accepting infants under 2 months of age and their siblings, and we have made it easy to learn more about our practice, please click the link below if you are expecting and interested in scheduling a practice interview.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Meet Dr. Hirsch
Dr. Steven Hirsch, MD, FAAP
A native of the Washington, D.C., area, Dr. Steven Hirsch, MD, FAAP, is the founder of Hirsch Pediatrics, a small family-centered pediatric practice in Rockville, MD. Since opening in 2007 with a vision of redefining how pediatric care is delivered, Hirsch Pediatrics and Dr. Hirsch and his office are proud to have received multiple awards and recognitions from patient families, peers, and professional organizations.
Dr. Hirsch received a BS in biology from Duke University in 1996, graduating with magna cum laude honors. He then earned his MD with cum laude honors from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2000. Upon graduating from Georgetown, Dr. Hirsch completed his pediatric residency training at Emory University. While engaged in his residency, Dr. Hirsch was awarded an American Academy of Pediatrics scholarship.
Dr. Hirsch is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is past president of the Montgomery County Pediatric Society. He also previously served on the board of directors for the Children’s National Health Network and as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Georgetown University and George Washington University School of Medicine as a mentor to medical students and pediatric residents in his office.
Though extensively trained with experience in every area of pediatrics, Dr. Hirsch also has a special interest in infant and toddler behavior, developmental screening, and patient education.
Dr. Hirsch lives in Bethesda with his wife, Jennifer, and they adore their two daughters Lucy in high school and Anna in college.
Meet Dr. Olexa
Dr. Gloribel Olexa, MD, FAAP
Dr. Olexa joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in August 2021 as our second pediatrician! Dr. Olexa is also a board certified pediatrician and works closely with Dr. Hirsch to implement the vision of Hirsch Pediatrics to provide outstanding pediatric care in a small, family-centered practice.
Dr. Olexa grew up in Silver Spring and is very excited to return to Montgomery County. She received her BS in Global Health Policy from the University of Maryland and graduated with both cum laude honors and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. While in college, Dr. Olexa received a scholarship to live in India to study global health and volunteered at free clinics in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. After graduation, Dr. Olexa remained at the University of Maryland to earn her MD and complete her pediatrics residency.
Dr. Olexa excelled both as clinician and a leader during medical school and residency as shown through her election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and her roles as co-founder and President of the Women Resident Collective as well as President of the residency House Staff Association. Dr. Olexa is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is the incoming 2024-2025 president of the Montgomery County Pediatric Society.
In her spare time, Dr. Olexa enjoys running and yoga and giving back to the community with her corgi, Scooter. Scooter and Dr. Olexa volunteer with Pets on Wheels, a pet therapy organization in Maryland. Dr. Olexa currently lives in Baltimore with her husband, Josh, who is a neurosurgery resident, and their son, Jack.
Dr. Olexa looks forward to meeting the families of Hirsch Pediatrics and to helping Hirsch Pediatrics families thrive!
Meet Dr. Kissiova
Dr. Kristina Kissiova, MD, FAAP
Dr. Kissiova is excited to join Hirsch Pediatrics in August 2022 as our third outstanding board-certified pediatrician as we continue to provide unsurpassed, family-centered, evidence-based care to all patients.
Dr. Kissiova was born in Sofia, Bulgaria and moved to the Baltimore suburbs in 2001. She later migrated to Washington, DC, to attend the George Washington University (GWU), where she earned a BS in Biology with a minor in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude. After graduation, she remained at GWU to attend medical school and earned her MD. While in medical school Dr. Kissiova volunteered all four years at the student led free clinic providing high-quality care to underserved patients, even becoming clinic manager.
After medical school, Dr. Kissiova stayed in DC to complete her pediatrics residency at Children’s National Hospital. During her residency, she was part of the Primary Care Track, attaining focused primary care teaching and experience in general outpatient pediatrics. Dr. Kissiova also excelled during her residency, earning a commendation for medical student education as well as being first author on an article evaluating the use of telemedicine in pediatric primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic, accepted for presentation at a national pediatric conference. Dr. Kissiova is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Outside of work, Dr. Kissiova enjoys spending time outside, traveling, reading, and cooking. She currently lives in Northern Virginia with her husband Michael, an internal medicine physician, as well as their dog and cat, Teddy and Charlie.
Dr. Kissiova is thrilled to be part of the Hirsch Pediatrics team and looks forward to meeting your family!
Meet Our Care Team
Sharon Curry, Lactation Consultant, IBCLC
An experienced breastfeeding specialist, Sharon became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2006. She has worked extensively with mothers and babies in area hospitals and private practice. After experiencing firsthand the challenges and rewards of breastfeeding her own babies, Sharon began volunteering as a La Leche League Leader in 2000.
Originally from New Hampshire, Sharon has lived in the DC area since 1991. Sharon received her BA from Bates College and then went on to earn her BSN from the University of Maryland where Sharon was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. Sharon’s range of experiences makes her well equipped to help mothers and babies from birth, through babyhood, teething, and the toddler years. Sharon has also developed and taught Prenatal and Back-to-Work breastfeeding classes.
Diana Kochan, LMFT
Diana joined the Hirsch Pediatrics family in June 2020 to provide on-site counseling services to our patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and difficult behaviors at home or at school. In addition to working part-time at Hirsch Pediatrics, Diana works as a therapist providing solution-focused, short term counseling to at-risk children and military families. When working with a family, Diana’s additional training as a family therapist is invaluable to optimize family dynamics and develop proactive strategies for the child to succeed emotionally.
Diana holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Guilford College and received her Master’s in Family Therapy from Drexel University in 2007. Diana lives in Montgomery County with her husband and daughter and in her spare time enjoys going for walks with the family, long runs and spending time with her loved ones.
Sandra Umanzor, Medical Assistant
Meet Sandra! Sandra joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in 2020 with nearly a decade of pediatrics experience. Sandra provides excellent direct patient care to our families as a medical assistant. Originally from El Salvador, Sandra moved to the area at age 2 and calls Washington, DC, her hometown. Sandra lives in Rockville with her boyfriend and their “fur” child Leo, a Shih tzu Pomeranian. She enjoys spending her days off at the beach making frequent trips to Myrtle Beach.
Lynn Taylor, Medical Assistant
Meet Lynn! Lynn joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in 2013 and has over 12 years of pediatric experience. In addition to being one of our highly trained Hirsch Pediatrics Medical Assistant, Lynn is also a Certified Breast Feeding Counselor and enjoys supporting moms in the office. Lynn’s easy smile and outstanding medical skills have quickly made her an invaluable part of the Hirsch Pediatrics Family. Lynn lives in Clarksburg with her husband and four kids.
Melissa Daly, Medical and Billing Assistant
Meet Melissa! Melissa joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in 2021. Melissa works with our families as both a medical assistant and billing assistant. Originally from Montgomery County and a graduate of Rockville High School, Melissa has been a Certified Medical Assistant since 2016 with a focus on pediatric care. Melissa lives in Montgomery Village with her chihuahua, and in her spare time enjoys spending time outdoors exercising and hiking.
Sarah Ramdat, Receptionist
Meet Sarah! Sarah joined the Hirsch Pediatrics team in 2023. Having worked 6 years as a medical receptionist Sarah is excited to join Hirsch Pediatrics team as our “Director of First Impressions.” Sarah enjoys making families and their children feel at home, making sure they are our number one priority. Sarah grew up in Montgomery County and is a graduate of Gaithersburg High School. In her spare time Sarah enjoys spending time with friends and family including yearly family vacations to a tropical island (so far Bora Bora is her favorite). Sarah lives in Gaithersburg with her husband and their daughter and mini golden doddle “Bailey.”