Local Pediatrician Passionate About Wellness and Healthy Habits

When Rishika Singh, MD, relocated to the area for her husband’s job, she looked for a pediatric practice that offered a small-town feel with the support of a hospital network. She also wanted to be part of a clinical team so she could provide collaborative care to her young patients.

Dr. Singh found that balance at Washington Township Medical Foundation (WTMF), where she joined the pediatrics practice in January and collaborates with two pediatricians and a nurse practitioner.

“It’s a practice connected with a great hospital,” she said, “but still maintains that small-town feel in patient care.” This balance is important to her philosophy of care for children and teens.

“Patients aren’t just a number,” Dr. Singh added. “I get to know my patients and care for each one’s individual needs. I wanted a place where I could see children on an outpatient basis that was connected to a Hospital if they ever need that level of care.”

Dr. Singh accepts new patients and takes appointments at WTMF’s pediatrics office at 39500 Fremont Blvd. in Fremont. She looks forward to partnering with families on their children’s care, and building long-term trusting relationships.

Building Relationships of Trust

Assuring her patients, Dr. Singh noted, “I’ll be there for parents and build a trust level so they can follow my advice without worry. I’m privileged to form bonds with families. Afterall, they’re trusting me with their child. I’ve had great relationships with families in the past and I’m looking forward to building those here.”

Dr. Singh is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and completed residency training at the Western Michigan University School of Medicine in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She earned her medical degree at B.J. Medical College in India, where she grew up.

Since childhood, Dr. Singh knew she wanted to be a doctor like both her parents. She watched her dad passionately treat patients as an internal medicine physician and mom work ardently as an obstetrics/gynecology specialist.

“I grew up in a family of doctors and saw both my parents passionate about their work,” she shared. “I often tagged along with them. Medicine was a part of my life. There was nothing I wanted to do other than become a doctor.”

Dr. Singh joins WTMF from Lake County Tribal Health, a clinic in Lakeport, California, where she cared for Native Americans, along with the general population. Earlier, she cared for children at the Mendocino Community Health Clinic in the Ukiah area, and at a private practice in Georgia.

Understanding Parents’ Concerns

As a parent of a preschooler and a 1-year-old, Dr. Singh understands the worries and concerns of families. “Parents want to do what’s best for their children,” she said. “There’s a lot of overwhelming and incorrect medical information online. I always tell families to Google less and talk to me more.”

She’s compassionate about the issues that parents encounter every day, especially regarding adolescent anxiety and peer pressure that can come from social media. She also relates to the worry that new moms often have about their newborns. “It’s assuring to tell parents that most things they’re concerned about are in the normal range,” she said.

Dr. Singh’s journey to the United States began as a medical student when she enrolled in medical electives at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. During this time, she decided to specialize in pediatrics. She later moved to the U.S. for a pediatric residency at Western Michigan University School of Medicine.

Her passion is wellness and preventive care—she likes to instill healthy habits and practices in children to avoid problems later on. She also incorporates integrative medicine into her treatment plans, including discussions about nutrition, mindfulness, movement and more. “I take the whole child into consideration—mind, body and spirit—and not solely treat a problem with medication.”

Educating About Healthy Habits

She also likes to raise families’ awareness about healthy nutrition, good sleep hygiene, and managing stress and anxiety. She often gives parents tips for dealing with issues at home.

“I see a lot of adolescents with mental and behavioral health issues, many that started because of COVID-19. We can suggest further counseling, as well as give families tools and options to use at home to relieve anxiety.

“The biggest thing for me is to find the answers and solutions for parents,” Dr. Singh pointed out. “If I’m seeing a challenging patient and I can’t figure it out, I’ll consult with the specialists and solve it as a team. I always follow up. I’m fully involved in the care of my patients and partner with families.”

When she’s not caring for patients, Dr. Singh enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music, cooking, baking and spending time with family.

To make an appointment with Dr. Singh, call WTMF Pediatrics at 510.248.1800 or visit the website for more information.