Labor and Delivery at Washingtion Hospital Center?

[nclarke]

I currently see Dr. Beckerman at Foxhall OBGYN, but I'm concerned about who will deliver me. The newest Drs. at the practice have less than ideal training, Dr. Lightfoote is not yet board certified, Dr. Pardo did her training in the military at Walter Reed/Bethesda Navel, and Dr. Engel previously practiced at Kaiser. I'm thinking of changing to Dr. Mechelle Silva at Washington Hospital Center, as the physicians in her practice seem to have been training. I also like the fact that Washington Hospital Center has a level III NICU and is located next door to Children's Hospital. Does anyone have any experience/views on labor and deliver at Washington Hospital Center?

[Anonymous]

I have been seeing the doctors at Foxhall and the previous posting seriously concerns me. How do you know Dr. Lightfoote is not board certified? How can an uncertified doctor deliver babies?

[Anonymous]

I'm sure she is a fine Dr. The website makes clear that she is not yet Bd. certified, but "will become board eligible in 2007." She appears to have graduated in 2005 -- so it may be she has to practice a few years before becoming bd. certified? I'm not sure, but it seemed strange to me. Its also possible that she did not pass her boards the first time. Drs. can practice without being board certified, but the lack of certification did have me concerned. Perhaps we should just ask someone at the practice.