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Warrenton Pediatrics
Warrenton, VA
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Practice website
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Kaiser Permanente - Mid-Atlantic States
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Private Healthcare Systems, Inc (PHCS)
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About
Bio
As a community doctor, I engage in all manner of local medicine and prevention. I am a member of the Public School Health Advisory Board, multiple quality improvement committees at the hospital, and teach the Baby Care class. Being proactive in the health of my community means the most to me.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Pediatrics
Doctor Q&A
658 Answers
13 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Depends: Most arterial blood draws are from the wrist, since that's the biggest blood vessel that's close to the skin and away from any other major organs. Art... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Everybody's goal: Painless child delivery is a "holy grail" of a lot of people. It's very difficult. The traditional way would be a spinal or epidural catheter. This ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Yes and yes: As you get older, have more risk factors, or if something looks odd on the first ultrasound, a higher level ultrasound can be done to look for more ad... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
No: Pentobarbital is highly dangerous, and is even out of practice with most anesthesiologists. I believe it may even be on limited production. If you're ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Lots: Prednisolone is a steroid used to shut down inflammation that causes asthma symptoms, trouble breathing, etc. Used infrequently in short bursts, it ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Possible twins: The fetus is "really small" at 8 weeks, and another could be hiding. Usually they won't say something like that unless there is some hint at twins tho... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Not that likely: It is possible, as for most allegies, that yes, they will outgrow it. However peanut allergy is one of the more recalcitrant, and can take several yea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Yes: Working out of course runs the gammut of cardio, weight lifting, running, etc. Good light to moderate weight training, reasonable cardio and aerobics,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Kids are kids: It's always important to remember that kids are going to be kids, church or no. As a pediatrician, i very definitely know that church going kids are o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Have to see it: A lot of infants are born with something called "pustular melanosis", an innocent newborn rash that looks like small pustules that rub off and turn da... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Transition slowly: Breast milk tastes radically different from formula, and babies get used to what they have been on. I'm assuming that you pump and feed with a bottle,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Depends on your def: Most pediatricians recommend not starting solid foods until closer to 6 mo, and of course starting with rice cereal. Starting with rice cereal between... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Light / dark: The brain takes in light in decreasing and increasing amounts depending on time of day and time of year, and a center in the brain, the suprachiasmati... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Fabric or irritant: She is having something that is irritating and inflaming her skin. Could be fabrics and detergent, or grass and pollen if she's been outside. Cool com... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Pregnancy wheel: I'm not sure what exactly you're asking for here, but i'm assuming you need a guide to calculating pregnancy dates. Usually you can figure it by the d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
You mean a "DNR"?: It is unfortunate and sad when a loved one gets sick to the point where further treatment will just cause more pain without helping. At that point we ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Yes: Bacterial infections cause fevers which as they cycle can cause night sweats. There are other things that can, but yes, bacterial infections can too. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Doesn't matter: Sickle cell disease will affect his blood cells over time as they sickle with dehydration and illness, or as they live a shorter duration in the body.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Yeast: Thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth, generally in young babies in the first few months. There's white plaques on the inside of the lips, on the t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Grow up: You may love her, but clearly you need to do more emotional maturing before getting into a committed relationship. It's not fair to you and certainly ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Sometimes: There are a couple heart conditions that are genetic, such as cardiomyopathy, and some arrhythmias. For the "ordinary" heart disease caused by cholest... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Dehydration: The main issue with vomiting is dehydration. If you truly can't stop them vomiting, then you should call your physician for help and assessment. Howev... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Totally normal: Assuming the shaking is brief, it's totally normal. Usually myoclonic jerking in the muscles. If it's really more of a shaking and it's prolonged, mor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
8 to 10 usually: This is a very specific question. Some do well with 7 to 8 hours, some need 10 or more. If you find that you are refreshed in the morning then you are... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Behavioral change: As a fellow overweight individual, i understand the struggle. The only way to truly lose weight is to change eating behaviors. Record what you eat and... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Possibly: Of course these symptoms could be a virus too. If you suspect you could be pregnant, then you should take a pregnancy test to make sure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 65-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Sort of: Barrett's esophagus is generally caused by chronic reflux more than smoking, but smoking can help contribute to reflux. Smoking less of course is bett... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Very soon: Usually by 6-8 weeks they can see a small fetus along with a beating heart. If that is really not popping up on ultrasound, then lab work might want t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Call them back: If the medicines worked a bit, then there was some response, suggesting they were on the right track. Often there are escalating forms of treatment, m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Consistency: I will preface by saying i'm glad i don't live in your house. First, a calm, consistent bed time routine. Put them to bed while almost asleep but stil... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Nearly, but not zero: I am really sure your OB told you not to have sex for several weeks after having a baby. Truthfully, i'd be more concerned about post delivery complic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Do what's natural: Most ob's have gotten away from making people gain weight, since moms were gaining too much weight, and not losing it, or becoming very unhealthy. Sim... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Take more breaks: Of course this answer depends on how old you are, medical conditions, etc. When you go on a long trip, muscles will cramp when held in the same positi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Heavy is the head...: Your head is an immense object. Weights at least 15 to 20 pounds, as it's a large ball of bone filled with water and "other stuff". If your shoulders ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Normal anatomy: Most likely your child looks like one of you, and if you stood them next to you and looked in the mirror, you'd see the legs bending in like yours or ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Any other probs?: Stiff neck most likely is a muscle pull or a contusion. I would ask calm but directed questions (remember, they can get defensive) to see if perhaps t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Pear or Apple juice: For simple constipation, i usually start with pear juice (in the baby aisle), and mix it with the formula. So a 4 oz bottle of formula would hold 2 oz... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Unlikely: A ct scan is an incredibly detailed image of the brain. Of course a lot goes into the quality of the test, but for larger issues, they are easy to spo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Indirectly: Coumadin (warfarin) will inhibit clotting factors, which prevent you from bleeding. Blood vessels are always leaking, and low levels of clotting is al... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
A world apart: On the surface at a social event, the two entities can look similar: poor eye contact, little discussion, odd utterances. However, a child with social... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
No: If you ask my wife, she'd answer differently, but no, bright green diarrhea is not going to cause any harm. Most diarrhea is viral, and the virus caus... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
No: Babies army crawl, they accidentally crawl backwards and get mad, they crawl while dragging one foot behind them. All these get parents worried, and t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
A nasty virus: "flu" is often applied to any virus kids get, (like "stomach flu") but specifically it refers to influenza virus, a respiratory virus that causes coug... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Some of both: Pacifiers seem to cause a great deal of angst in some, and be a life saver for others. Babies like to suck, and some really like to suck. For those, u... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
No: For the most part, no. You cannot get polio, pertussis, or measles from the vaccines. Vaccines do have small side effects and occasionally bigger ones... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
No: We all love cute bumpers and stuffed animals. They're great in photos and grandma loves 'em. However, there should be nothing in the crib other than a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Urate crystals: Especially in newborns who are mildly dehydrated or aren't feeding particularly well, urine can get concentrated to the point where urate crystals app... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Talk to your doc: Can you? Sometimes. Claritin (loratadine) usually, not Allegra at that age. However, a classic allergy is a rarity at that age. Not impossible, but ra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Oh yes: Children with autism have very definitive ideas of what normal is for them. They are often risk adverse and do not want to feel out of control. Riding... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
For what? : I'm afraid the question doesn't really ask what your condition is. If it's for the period itself, then the question is whether the period is too heavy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
6
Recommendations
1.1K
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Amster is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Amster is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Amster is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
My son is on the Feingold diet x1 yr. Its like he has been awake for 2 weeks. Its been nice, I just dont want it to go away. I love that he is testing my patience, telling me no instead of screamin...Read More
HealthTap member
Appreciate the response but felt answer was generic and not helpful. Of course I would try to give him enough to keep him peeing and hydrated. I needed a suggested amount. Ease view the other docs ans...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you! I do pump here and there but I mostly breast feed her dIrectly but the other Issue Is she does not lIke any bottles and weve trIed all types of bottles and nIpples! Is It just a matter of t...Read More
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Illinois College of Medicine, IL
MD
Awards
Highest inservice exam score all years of residency
Top Doctor, First Place, Arlington, VA - Winter
2013
Most Influential, Second Place, Arlington, VA - Winter
2013
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