Annemarie Fanselau, M.D.

PHYSICIAN Q&A
Annemarie Fanselau, M.D. really babies her patients

After living in cities throughout California, Annemarie Fanselau (pronounced “fawn’s low”) decided to make Pasadena her home—if she could find the right place to practice. Her credentials and strong recommendations made her the perfect addition to HMF.

“My job is very rewarding because children can be very ill and rebound remarkably well. It’s great to be part of the recovery,” Dr. Fanselau says. And she appreciates her patients’ honesty and directness. “Kids just tell it like it is,” she says. In this issue, she gets to do the same:

Name and Specialty?

Annemarie Fanselau, M.D. Pediatrics.

That’s just babies, right?

Actually, pediatricians treat patients into their late teens.

So you might see a high school quarterback, a fourth-grade math prodigy and a newborn on the same day?

And more. Since parents are so busy, I really try to make sure my appointments start on time.

How do you calm a scared, tearful child?

I don’t get too close, too fast. I let the child get used to the surroundings. If he or she brought a doll or stuffed animal, I might start by using my stethoscope on the toy.

Ever pick up a heartbeat on a Tickle-Me Elmo?

Not yet!

But what about those scared, tearful parents?

Moms and dads can be anxious, especially when their child isn’t feeling well. I talk about the examination and what tests might be needed. Most parents calm down once they know what is going on.

Did you learn this in medical school?

Not from textbooks. I earned my medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, but it was during my internship and residency at UCLA that I saw how pediatricians interacted with young patients. I learned lots of effective techniques, and developed a few of my own.

Where did you work before joining HMF?

I’ve worked in medical practices throughout the Los Angeles area, but my most memorable experience was in Bishop, a town of approximately 4,000. Just two pediatricians served the area and they were married to each other. When they went on vacation, I served as Bishop’s sole pediatrician.

On my first day, I was called to the emergency room to treat three young passengers from an SUV that had rolled over. None had been wearing seat belts, and two had to be airlifted to Reno for special treatment.

Was that your first time transporting patients?

No. As chief resident of the pediatrics department at Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA, I became a transport physician and worked with a nurse and a respiratory therapist to stabilize sick patients during ambulance or helicopter rides. I’ve done more than 50 transports.

How do you relax after that kind of adventure?

A little Chopin works. I started piano lessons when I was five, so music has always been a part of my life. In fact, I started Pacific Union College [in Agwin, Calif.] intending to focus on science. But my piano teacher at the time was the head of the music department, and he encouraged me to switch majors. So I entered medical school with a Bachelor of Science in music. Now that I’m settled in Pasadena, I’ve started taking piano lessons again. It’s a great counterpoint to pediatrics.

So you’re either practicing medicine or practicing piano?

Well, practice does make perfect, but I also enjoy riding my mountain bike around town. I’ve even competed in a triathlon.