A Note to Parents

Choosing a pediatrician isn’t just about checkups, it’s about choosing a care team you trust with your child’s health, growth, and wellbeing from day one.

Since 1978, families across Ventura and Oxnard have turned to Coastal Pediatric Medical Group for something they can’t always find elsewhere: compassionate, independent care that puts children and families first. We’re a long-standing, physician-owned private practice, which means we’re not part of a hospital network or corporate system, and that makes a big difference.

When you’re here, you’re not navigating bureaucracy or being rushed through the system. You’re building a real relationship with a team that knows your child and stands with your family, year after year.

Our Story

Coastal Pediatric Medical Group was founded nearly five decades ago by local pediatricians who wanted to create a medical home for children that blended scientific excellence with genuine, personal relationships.

Over the years, we have grown with the community, caring for newborns who later returned with children of their own. Many of our patients’ families have been with us for generations, and many of our staff members have been part of the team for decades. That kind of stability builds trust and comfort you cannot rush.

Why Families Choose Us

We are physician-owned and operated, which means your child’s care is guided by medical expertise and compassion, not corporate policies or quotas. Every recommendation is tailored to your child and your family’s needs.
When your child needs urgent care, we make it a priority to see them that day whenever possible. And if it’s after hours, you won’t get a call center, you’ll speak directly with one of our physicians, day or night, 365 days a year.
Many of our physicians and staff have been here for over a decade, allowing us to form genuine, lasting relationships with the families we serve. We know your child’s history, personality, and milestones, so care feels familiar and connected.
We combine the latest pediatric research with the understanding that every child is unique. We explain the “why” behind our recommendations so you can make informed decisions without pressure or judgment.
From newborn visits to sports physicals to preparing for college, we’re here for every stage. Families trust us to walk with them through the milestones and the challenges of growing up.

“The secret to caring for the patient is to care for the patient.”
— Francis Peabody

Meet our team

At Coastal Pediatric Medical Group, our entire team: physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and front office staff, works together to provide care that feels personal, consistent, and deeply rooted in our community.

Many of our team members have been here for over a decade, and some have cared for multiple generations within the same family. Because we are an independent practice, not part of a corporate or private equity group, we have the freedom to make decisions based solely on what is best for your child. That stability means you will often see the same friendly faces year after year, building trust and comfort over time.

Every member of our team shares the same commitment: evidence-based medicine, continuous learning, and genuine compassion. We work as a unified group to support your child’s health and your family’s well-being.

Meet the Pediatricians

Dave Blank, MD
Benjamin Pecht, MD
Heather Nichols, MD

What We Stand For

We believe in vaccines, nutrition, prevention, mental health support, and empowering parents with real knowledge—not just advice. We won’t pressure you, and we’ll always take time to explain the “why.”

  • Vaccines, nutrition, and prevention as the foundation for lifelong health
  • Mental health support for children and families
  • Empowering parents with real knowledge, not just instructions
  • Open, honest communication that keeps families informed
  • Supportive relationships built on trust, not judgment

  • Inclusivity and respect for every family’s journey

A Legacy of Local, Pediatric Care

We live here, we raise our families here, and we are part of the same schools, parks, and neighborhoods as the families we serve. That connection fuels our commitment to doing the right thing, not just the profitable thing.

When you join Coastal Pediatrics, you are not just getting a pediatrician, you are gaining a team that will walk with you from your baby’s first visit to their college send-off, providing care that is grounded in science and driven by heart.

“I’ve called after hours. I’ve emailed with questions. And I’ve always felt supported. This is what pediatric care should feel like.”
— Derek, Oxnard
“They’ve cared for all three of my kids—and I can’t imagine going anywhere else. The doctors are kind, thorough, and truly listen.”
— Maya, Ventura

Ready to Join Our Practice?

If you’re looking for a pediatric care team that’s personal, thoughtful, and truly independent, we’d love to meet you.

We’ll be here from your baby’s first visit to their college send-off, providing care that’s grounded in science and driven by heart.

Starting at Coastal Pediatric Medical Group is an exciting step in your child’s healthcare journey — and we know it often comes with plenty of questions (which we’re always happy to answer!). Our FAQ page is designed to guide new patients and families through everything from scheduling appointments and navigating insurance to understanding our pediatric services and billing process. Whether you find the answers you need online or connect with our warm and welcoming staff, we’re here to make the transition easy and ensure your child’s care gets off to a healthy, happy start.

We understand that billing and insurance aren’t anyone’s favorite part of healthcare. That’s why our knowledgeable billing team is here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Well-versed in a wide range of insurance plans and payment options, we work to ensure your family can easily access the care your child needs. Our priority is a smooth, worry-free experience, so you can focus on what matters most: your child’s health.

Our Locations

With two welcoming clinic locations in Ventura and Oxnard, Ventura Coastal Pediatrics makes it easy to access exceptional pediatric care close to home. Whether you’re in the heart of Ventura or the surrounding area, our caring team is here to support your child’s health and wellness every step of the way.

Mon – Fri: 8:30-12:00 & 1:30-5:00

Mon – Fri: 8:30-12:00 & 1:30-5:00