Choosing the Right Pediatric Surgeon in Los Angeles

When your child needs surgery, choosing the right surgeon can feel overwhelming. You want to know that the doctor has the training, experience, and judgment to keep your child safe, and you also want a team that is compassionate and easy to reach. This guide explains what board certification means, how pediatric surgeons differ from other specialists, which licenses and credentials matter, and what questions to ask so you can feel confident in your decision. You will also learn about Dr. Philip K. Frykman’s qualifications and approach to care, which many families in the greater Los Angeles area have trusted for years.

Board Certified vs. “Surgeon”: What the Difference Means for Your Child

All surgeons complete medical school and a surgical residency, then obtain a medical license to practice. Board certification is an additional, voluntary credential that signals a higher standard. It requires completion of accredited training, successful written and oral examinations, and ongoing participation in continuing education and quality improvement. For pediatric surgery, this involves first becoming board certified in general surgery, then completing a rigorous pediatric surgery fellowship and passing separate pediatric surgery board exams.

In practical terms, a board certified pediatric surgeon has demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills specific to caring for infants, children, and adolescents, including the nuances of anesthesia, fluid balance, pain control, growth considerations, and family-centered recovery. While many surgeons are skilled, board certification in pediatric surgery gives you independent confirmation that the surgeon meets nationally recognized standards designed for children.

What a Pediatric Surgeon Does, and Why It Matters

Pediatric surgery is a distinct specialty. Pediatric surgeons diagnose, operate on, and support children with conditions that may be congenital, acquired, traumatic, or oncologic. They manage everything from appendicitis and hernias to complex colorectal anomalies, chest wall deformities, and childhood tumors. They are trained to use minimally invasive techniques when appropriate, which can reduce pain and scarring and shorten recovery for growing bodies.

The role extends beyond the operating room. A pediatric surgeon coordinates with pediatricians, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and subspecialists. They tailor preoperative planning to your child’s age and development, use child-appropriate anesthesia and dosing, communicate clearly with families, and oversee post operative care geared to safe healing at home or in the hospital. When prenatal imaging suggests a concern, they provide early counseling so that delivery and newborn care plans are in place.

Pediatric surgery is a subspecialty recognized by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Medical Specialties. It requires additional fellowship training and a separate board certification beyond general surgery.

Licenses and Certifications: What You Should Expect

Do you need a license to be a pediatric surgeon? Yes. Every surgeon must hold an active, unrestricted medical license in the state where care is delivered. Licensing confirms fundamental qualifications and adherence to state practice standards. For pediatric surgeons, you should also expect:

Completion of a general surgery residency and a pediatric surgery fellowship accredited by the ACGME.
Board certification in general surgery, and board certification in pediatric surgery, with ongoing maintenance of certification.
Hospital privileges at accredited facilities where pediatric anesthesia and child specific perioperative support are available.

These credentials, together with experience and case volume, help you gauge whether a surgeon is prepared to manage both routine and complex pediatric conditions safely.

Questions to Ask Before Your Child’s Surgery

You deserve clear, thorough answers. Consider asking:

Are you board certified in pediatric surgery, and how many times have you performed this procedure in children of my child’s age?
Which approach do you recommend, open or minimally invasive, and why? What are the expected benefits and risks for my child?
What pain management plan do you use for children? How do you minimize nausea, discomfort, and anxiety?
What is the expected recovery timeline, including time away from school, sports, or activities?
How do you manage complications if they occur, and who will be available to us after hours if we have concerns?
How do you coordinate with our pediatrician, and what follow up visits will we need?

Bring a written list and ask for plain language explanations. A trusted pediatric surgeon will welcome your questions and give you time to decide.

Meet Dr. Philip K. Frykman

Dr. Philip K. Frykman is a board certified pediatric surgeon with over 20 years experience serving families in the Conejo Valley and the greater Los Angeles area. He holds an M.D., Ph.D., and M.B.A., and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics. His training and experience include complex pediatric gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal care, minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy and thoracoscopy), chest wall deformity repair, tumor surgery, and neonatal conditions. He teaches, participates in international surgical outreach, and is known for treating each child as if they were his own.

At Pacific Coast Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Frykman provides comprehensive evaluation, clear preoperative planning, evidence based technique selection, and careful follow up. Families value his accessibility, the time he spends explaining options, and the warm support his team provides throughout recovery.

If you are researching options for pediatric surgery in the Los Angeles area or seeking a second opinion, his office can help you understand choices and timing, coordinate imaging, and review prior records so you can move forward with confidence.

How to Compare Surgeons Confidently

As you narrow your choices, look for:

Verified board certification in pediatric surgery, visible through the American Board of Surgery or the hospital’s credentialing office.
Experience with your child’s exact condition and age group, including minimally invasive options when appropriate.
Access to child focused anesthesia, nursing, and facilities, since this infrastructure affects safety and comfort.
Communication that is calm, direct, and empathetic, with a clear plan for after hours questions and urgent concerns.
A track record of collaborative care with pediatric subspecialists, which is essential for complex cases.

Parents in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties often ask about specific services. Dr. Frykman provides advanced minimally invasive procedures, including pediatric laparoscopic surgery when it is the best approach, and he offers comprehensive counseling so families can weigh benefits and tradeoffs.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a pediatric surgeon is about qualifications and fit. The pediatric surgeon’s experience, board certification in pediatric surgery, specialized fellowship training, and hospital support designed for children all matter. So does the way your surgeon communicates and partners with you. By asking focused questions about experience, technique, anesthesia, recovery, and follow up, you can make a well informed decision that prioritizes your child’s safety and comfort.

Dr. Frykman and the team at Pacific Coast Pediatric Surgery are committed to expert, compassionate care for children from newborn through adolescence. If you are ready to discuss your child’s needs or would like a second opinion, contact the office to schedule a visit. Families seeking children’s surgical care in Calabasas can expect the thoughtful, family centered support that makes a difficult moment feel manageable.