Avalon Pediatrics - Pismo Beach, California

Michelle A.

Dr Finley (who took over for the amazing Dr Webb) is awful. His bedside manner is horrendous. The following sums up our experience with him:

My then11yo, had a bad sore throat over the weekend. Urgent care had us make a follow up appointment. It was our first visit with the new doctor; a routine follow up on strep. Upon Dr Finley entering the room, after the initial introductions, he looks at her chart, looks at her and says, “you know you are morbidly obese” (She’s 5’ and around 125; not ‘big’ at all). My poor kid bursts into tears. I was in shock that he said that directly to my child. Yes, health and diet is important, but talk to the parent. Don’t say damaging words to my developing child. It’s been over a year now and her self image has tanked. She won’t take off her oversized sweatshirt.

He might be a great doctor otherwise, but he really needs to work on gentle communication and study up on adolescence mental health.

Cynthia L.

Me and my family have had the most wonderful experience. My kid's love Dr Finley and we just adore the staff. They make us feel so comfortable and are very attentive to are needs.

taylor R.

Coming from an overthinking, first time mom of a newborn, Dr. Finlay truly is the best and will advocate for your child as if they’re his own. Could not recommend him enough!

Melissa M.

My original review was a glowing 5-star review; however, I am updating that review to one star. Below please find the reasons I can no longer recommend this pediatric office.

My one-visit with Dr. Finley remains the same - he appeared to be a kind and competent doctor who was great with my kids. Unfortunately, he's not in the office full-time and no other doctor is there to help patients. SEVERAL TIMES last winter while the office was allegedly open to see patients, my 2 toddlers were sick, but no medical person was in the office to see or treat them. On another occasion, when I called the "after-hours" line, the nurse wouldn't give me any telehealth help (except to recommend that I go to the ER or Urgent Care) because she said Dr. Finley wasn't the doctor of record for this medical practice, and I wasn't a known patient. So... I have no idea what's wrong with their admin office. Finally, I didn't receive the bill for my co-pay visit until approx. 5 months after actually visiting this office. All to say, this office clearly isn't prepared to see or treat patients.

ORIGINAL REVIEW, which I can no longer endorse because of the update provided above:
Dr. Finley was amazing!
So so so good with kids! He was also Knowledgeable and personable with me, the parent! I was grateful we got to see him on our last sick visit, and I’ll be back to have him see my kids again!

Kristina R.

We had the best experience today with the new pediatrician! So sweet and friendly. My daughter is 2 and is in the “stranger danger” phase, and she took to him so well. He asked great questions and gave very comforting feedback. He’s incredibly knowledgeable so I feel good knowing he has such an incredible background a medicine and really knows what to look out for. He’s lovely and I couldn’t have had a better experience today!

Brian C.

Our 15 year old daughter, who has only been seen by Dr. Webb her whole life, thought Dr. Finlay was very nice and welcoming. Everyone working at this office are also very nice. She is looking forward to her wellness visit next month

Kathryn W.

Met the new perm MD, Dr. Finlay, today. He was very kind and my grumpy baby warmed up to him quickly. The staff was helpful and didn’t make us feel rushed to leave. Exam felt thorough.

Suellen W.

Great customer service, Thank Doctor Amy to take care my Daughter health since she was born. Bless you.