Welcome to Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics!

We are a community-based Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine practice established in Philadelphia in 2009 and in Montgomery County in 2023. Our goal is to provide excellent, accessible, comprehensive medical care to infants, children and teens in our community, from all types of families. We care for young people from birth through their 21st year.  


Our philosophy is threefold: 

  1. Excellent medical care is our top priority. We maintain thorough and up-to-date standards of care in all that we do. 
  2. Communication is paramount. We strive to keep open, clear lines of communication with parents and with children in our practice. 
  3. Parents matter. In all that we do, we seek to support our patients’ parents, providing you with the services you need to care for your child. 

Our pediatricians offer same day sick visits, an open access schedule so that you can always get an appointment within 2 weeks for a well visit, telehealth appointments for behavior discussions, and on-site physical therapy, speech therapy and behavior therapy. Vaccinations are encouraged and parent's choice is respected.


The program at Fairmount Pediatrics and Fairmount Pediatrics Montgomery County includes a unique offering: the Affiliate Program, in which a variety of providers care for patients on-site, within each office. These providers include a physical therapist, a speech therapist, a behavioral therapist, a psychologist, a lactation counselor, and a nutritionist. These offerings do not replace high quality pediatric care, but rather add to it, offering a truly holistic approach to health.
Alexis Lieberman, MD

Alexis Lieberman, MD

Dr. Lieberman has been a pediatrician since 1996, caring for babies, children and teens. She opened Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics as an independent practice late in 2009, and joined Advocare in 2020. A former Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, she brings an educator’s high standards, attention to detail, and in-depth inquiry to her practice. She loves the communication aspect of pediatrics, spending time with families and connecting with children.

Heather Ann Ruddock, MD

After graduating from Columbia University, she earned a medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.

Susan Ramirez-Chung, MD

“Dr. Susan” has been a certified pediatrician since 2019. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She takes care of children of all ages, from birth until college. After completing her Pediatric Residency at Jefferson University Hospital/Nemours AI DuPont Hospital for Children, she began her career in private practice in the Philadelphia suburbs. She joined Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2021.

Kerby Zeisloft, DO, CLC

Dr. Kerby attended medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, then went on to complete her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. She has an interest in breastfeeding medicine and is a certified lactation counselor (CLC). She is a Philadelphia native and is looking forward to continue taking care of children of all ages in the area. Her free time is spent with her two young daughters. Dr. Kerby is excited for the opportunity to be your family’s pediatrician!

Kristen Smith, PA-C, IBCLC

Kristen obtained a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Drexel University. She began her career working in Abington Hospital’s Emergency Department for three years and then transitioned fully to outpatient pediatrics in an underserved area of Philadelphia for another three years, before joining Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2019. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and has attended conferences on the local and national levels.

Liv Lee, RD

Liv earned her Master's in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College at Columbia University and completed her dietetic internship at numerous clinical and community settings around New York and New Jersey. As a registered dietitian, Liv (pronounced “Leave”) brings a blend of nutrition science (“what to eat”) and behavior science (“how to eat”) that places her in a unique and vital role within the healthcare system. Upon joining Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2021, she has worked with children and their families on a variety nutrition related concerns including starting solids, picky eating, low iron and food allergies. She believes you can be healthy at any size and encourages people to eat with joy and neutrality.

Meet Our Providers

Liv Lee, RD

Liv earned her Master's in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College at Columbia University and completed her dietetic internship at numerous clinical and community settings around New York and New Jersey. As a registered dietitian, Liv (pronounced “Leave”) brings a blend of nutrition science (“what to eat”) and behavior science (“how to eat”) that places her in a unique and vital role within the healthcare system. Upon joining Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2021, she has worked with children and their families on a variety nutrition related concerns including starting solids, picky eating, low iron and food allergies. She believes you can be healthy at any size and encourages people to eat with joy and neutrality.
Alexis Lieberman, MD

Alexis Lieberman, MD

Dr. Lieberman has been a pediatrician since 1996, caring for babies, children and teens. She opened Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics as an independent practice late in 2009, and joined Advocare in 2020. A former Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, she brings an educator’s high standards, attention to detail, and in-depth inquiry to her practice. She loves the communication aspect of pediatrics, spending time with families and connecting with children.

Heather Ann Ruddock, MD

After graduating from Columbia University, she earned a medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.

Susan Ramirez-Chung, MD

“Dr. Susan” has been a certified pediatrician since 2019. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She takes care of children of all ages, from birth until college. After completing her Pediatric Residency at Jefferson University Hospital/Nemours AI DuPont Hospital for Children, she began her career in private practice in the Philadelphia suburbs. She joined Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2021.

Kerby Zeisloft, DO, CLC

Dr. Kerby attended medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, then went on to complete her pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. She has an interest in breastfeeding medicine and is a certified lactation counselor (CLC). She is a Philadelphia native and is looking forward to continue taking care of children of all ages in the area. Her free time is spent with her two young daughters. Dr. Kerby is excited for the opportunity to be your family’s pediatrician!

Kristen Smith, PA-C, IBCLC

Kristen obtained a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Drexel University. She began her career working in Abington Hospital’s Emergency Department for three years and then transitioned fully to outpatient pediatrics in an underserved area of Philadelphia for another three years, before joining Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2019. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and has attended conferences on the local and national levels.

Liv Lee, RD

Liv earned her Master's in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College at Columbia University and completed her dietetic internship at numerous clinical and community settings around New York and New Jersey. As a registered dietitian, Liv (pronounced “Leave”) brings a blend of nutrition science (“what to eat”) and behavior science (“how to eat”) that places her in a unique and vital role within the healthcare system. Upon joining Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics in 2021, she has worked with children and their families on a variety nutrition related concerns including starting solids, picky eating, low iron and food allergies. She believes you can be healthy at any size and encourages people to eat with joy and neutrality.

Alexis Lieberman, MD

Dr. Lieberman has been a pediatrician since 1996, caring for babies, children and teens. She opened Advocare Fairmount Pediatrics as an independent practice late in 2009, and joined Advocare in 2020. A former Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, she brings an educator’s high standards, attention to detail, and in-depth inquiry to her practice. She loves the communication aspect of pediatrics, spending time with families and connecting with children.

OUR SERVICES

Thoughts on the Measles case in Montgomery County

By Alexis Lieberman • March 3, 2025
Measles in Montgomery County: What Parents Need to Know About Vaccination and Protecting Your Family Over the weekend, there was a confirmed case of measles in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, near Plymouth Meeting. As a pediatric practice in East Norriton, Montgomery County, this news is very concerning, and we want to ensure that our community has all the information they need to protect their families. The situation is especially alarming because there are already over 100 cases of measles in Texas, with one child tragically passing away. This shows that the threat is real, and it is important for all of us to be prepared. I immediately began looking at the Montgomery County Health Department website for updated information, and today I’m reaching out to them for further guidance. All of the doctors in our office are collaborating to determine the best way to manage this situation, given how close the case is to our East Norriton office. Why Measles in Montgomery County is a Concern Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly. This isn’t just a mild illness; measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death. The fact that a case has been confirmed so close to home is a reminder that measles is still a threat. The outbreak in Texas and other recent cases highlight how important it is to make sure your child is vaccinated. We must all do our part to keep the disease from spreading further. Early Symptoms of Measles: What to Watch For If you think your child may have measles, it’s important to recognize the symptoms early. Here are the signs to look for: Fever: Often the first symptom, which can get worse over time. Cough: A dry cough that becomes more persistent. Runny Nose: A clear nasal discharge, much like a cold. Red, Watery Eyes: Known as conjunctivitis or pink eye. Koplik Spots: Small white spots that appear inside the mouth, usually before the rash. Rash: The rash starts on the forehead and behind the ears and spreads down the body a few days after the fever begins. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to contact your doctor right away to prevent spreading the illness. The MMR Vaccine: Safe, Effective, and Long-Used The good news is that measles can be prevented through the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The MMR vaccine has been used for over 50 years and has been shown to be very safe and effective in preventing measles. Most children receive the MMR vaccine in two doses: First dose: At age 1. Second dose: Between ages 4 and 6. One dose of the MMR vaccine gives about 93% protection against measles, and two doses provide about 97% protection. This high level of immunity is why the MMR vaccine has been so effective in preventing the spread of measles. Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine: What You Need to Know Like all vaccines, the MMR vaccine can cause some mild side effects, but these are usually short-lived and not serious. Here’s what to expect: Fever: A low-grade fever may occur for a few days. Rash: Some children may develop a mild rash, but this is not the same as the measles rash. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling of the glands may happen, but it’s typically mild. Rare Side Effects: Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare, and any serious side effects are quickly treated. These side effects are far less concerning than the potential risks of measles itself, which can cause permanent damage like pneumonia and brain damage. The Wakefield Scare: Why You Shouldn’t Worry About the MMR Vaccine and Autism You may have heard that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism. This myth comes from a study published in 1998 by Andrew Wakefield, which was later found to be fraudulent. The study was retracted, and Wakefield lost his medical license for falsifying data. Since then, many large studies involving millions of children have shown that there is no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have made it clear that the MMR vaccine is safe and does not cause autism. The fear around the vaccine is based on misinformation, and it’s important for parents to understand that the vaccine is safe and necessary to protect your child from measles and other dangerous diseases. Why Vaccination is So Important Measles is a highly contagious disease, and if enough people in a community aren’t vaccinated, outbreaks can occur. When more people get vaccinated, herd immunity is created, which helps protect those who cannot get vaccinated, such as infants or children with medical conditions. That’s why it’s important to make sure your child is vaccinated. The MMR vaccine doesn’t just protect your child—it helps protect everyone in the community. Our Plan of Action: What to Do If You Suspect Measles We’ve developed a detailed plan to keep everyone safe, especially given how close the measles case is to our office. Here’s what you need to do if you suspect your child has measles: If you suspect measles: Please do not come physically into the office. Instead, call us when you arrive, and we’ll come out to see your child in the car. This keeps everyone safe and minimizes exposure to other patients. For children 6 months to 1 year: If you want to get an early dose of the MMR vaccine, please book a Medical Assistant appointment online through our website. This will not replace the vaccine given at age 1, but it will help protect your child. Under the age of six months, the vaccine will not be effective. For children 1 to 4 years old: If you’d like to get your child’s second dose of the MMR vaccine early, you can book a Medical Assistant appointment online as well. This dose counts as the vaccine given at age 4. Check Your Child’s Immunization Record: You can check your child’s immunization record through our patient portal to see if they’re up-to-date on the MMR vaccine. You may see MMR or you may see MMRV. MMRV also protects against chickenpox. If your child is unvaccinated: If your child is not vaccinated and you choose not to vaccinate, we recommend keeping your child away from others who are sick. By following these steps, we can help limit the spread of measles and protect those who are most vulnerable. Conclusion: Protect Your Family from Measles with the MMR Vaccine The recent case of measles in Montgomery County shows how important it is to keep your child protected with the MMR vaccine. Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent measles and protect your family from this dangerous disease. Don’t let misinformation scare you—vaccines are safe, effective, and necessary to keep our children healthy. If you have any questions about the MMR vaccine, feel free to reach out to our office. We are here to help.