Welcome Dr. Lauren Santos!

We’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Lauren Santos, who will be joining our pediatric team on May 4, 2026. You can read more about her education, training, and credentials on our  Meet Our Team page. But here’s a virtual Meet-and-Greet—a chance to get to know Dr. Santos beyond her CV.

Why Pediatrics?

Dr. Santos has wanted to be a pediatrician since childhood, inspired by her own doctor who made every visit fun with silly fish names and great stickers. After starting her career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, she realized she was most drawn to the people behind the lab test tubes. What she loves most about pediatrics? Watching families grow—from caring for newborns to following children through every stage- with a focus on prevention and keeping kids healthy.

 

Making Visits Fun (and Less Scary)

Dr. Santos believes humor is powerful medicine. Her style blends solid medical care with warmth and lightheartedness—whether she's chatting about mermaids or debating pizza toppings (pepperoni is her favorite). She gets that doctor visits can be scary and uses singing and silliness to help kids get through tough moments. Her goal is simple: help children and parents feel heard, supported, and confident. 

All Ages, Special Interests

While Dr. Santos cares for patients of all ages, she has a special passion for adolescent health and empowering teens to take charge of their well-being. She also loves guiding new parents who feel like their baby didn't come with an instruction manual. The diversity of pediatrics—from two-month-olds to teenagers—is one of her favorite parts of the job. 

Beyond the Clinic

 Outside work, Dr. Santos bakes sourdough bread, spends time with family, and plays with her rescue dog Scout (a lab with a curly tail and wrinkly face). She grew up in a musical family—her mom was both a nurse and a professional jazz musician—and played violin herself. She believes music supports healing, sleep, and mental health.

 

We Can’t Wait for You to Meet Her!

Dr. Santos's warmth, humor, and commitment to thoughtful, evidence-based care make her a wonderful addition to our team. Ready to schedule? Call our office to set up an appointment with Dr. Santos starting May 4th. We look forward to introducing her to your family!

The AAP Vaccine Schedule

January 22, 2026
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently updated its vaccine schedule, and we want to let you know that our practice will be following their guidance. These updates are based on the latest research and a strong commitment to maintaining children’s health. You can read more on the AAP's parent-focused website: HealthyChildren.org .

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr at PAN

January 15, 2026
At Pediatric Associates at Northwoods, we are committed to fostering values of respect, compassion, and fairness in the children and families we serve. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. King—a visionary leader whose work continues to inspire hope, unity, and positive change. His dedication to justice and equality serves as a meaningful reminder of the role we all play in creating a more inclusive and caring world for future generations.

A Message from Dr Frank & Beth Tomase

January 4, 2026
After 36 wonderful years of caring for families in our community, Beth and Dr. Frank Tomase have announced their plans to retire in 2026. Beth will be retiring in the spring and Dr. Tomase in August. While they are excited for the next chapter, they will truly miss the many families they’ve had the privilege to serve.
A baby is wearing a santa hat and a red shirt.

2025 Holiday Hours at PAN

December 14, 2025
The holiday season is here, and we know it’s a busy time for families! At Pediatric Associates at Northwoods, we want to help you plan ahead for your child’s care. While we hope you're enjoying time with family and friends, we know that kids' illnesses and accidents don’t always follow the holiday schedule. To allow our team to enjoy the holidays, we’ll be operating under special hours.
A baby is laying on a bed with an oxygen tube in his nose.

Two Effective Ways of Protecting Babies from RSV

December 5, 2025
As the colder months approach, so does the return of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Let’s explore some key measures to keep our little ones healthy and safe!
A little girl is eating a roasted chicken with a fork

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 19, 2025
Our office hours for the holiday: Wednesday, November 26: Closing early at 2:00 PM. Thursday-Friday, November 27-28: An on-call physician will be available for emergency issues. Closed for office hours to allow our staff to spend time with their families. A Thanksgiving Celebration of Gratitude: What Our Kids and Families Are Thankful For As Thanksgiving approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on the things that matter most. We asked our young patients and their families to share what they’re grateful for this year. Here’s a glimpse of their heartwarming responses .

What to do with ALL THAT CANDY?

October 19, 2025
🎃 Halloween is full of excitement—costumes, friends, and candy galore! But come November 1st, parents face the real challenge: what should you do with ALL THAT CANDY ? Let kids go free rein… or pace their candy spree?

Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day

November 3, 2025
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to honor the enduring presence, wisdom, and cultural contributions of Indigenous communities. It reminds us to recognize their deep connections to the land and the traditions that have been preserved and shared across generations, often in the face of great challenges. This day is not only about celebration, but also about reflection. It calls us to acknowledge the history of colonization, displacement, and inequities faced by Indigenous peoples, while also recognizing their strength, resilience, and continued influence on our shared story. As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let us take the opportunity to learn more about the diverse languages, customs, and knowledge that shape Indigenous cultures. By listening, learning, and supporting Indigenous communities, we can help amplify their voices and contribute to a future rooted in respect, inclusion, and equity. Today, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and commit to building a more just and inclusive tomorrow—together with Indigenous peoples. Here at PAN, we are also reminded of the privilege it is to care for all children and families in our community. We are truly grateful for the trust you place in us and for the opportunity to play a role in your children’s health and well-being. Ways to celebrate: 2025 Indigenous Peoples Day Events Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness

New Resource Link: Connecting Families to Community Support Programs

August 5, 2025
We’re excited to share a new addition to our website designed to support families in navigating important assistance programs. Our goal is to help connect you to the resources you need to address health-related social needs that impact your family’s well-being.

August Update

August 5, 2025
As August begins, we're officially a little more than halfway through summer vacation. While there's still plenty of fun to enjoy, it’s also a great time to start preparing for the upcoming school year. Here’s how you can make sure you’re ready: