Dr. Kathleen M Cleary

wonderful super attentive

Dr Cleary was my pediatrician—I’m 30 now! I don’t remember too many specifics about those doctors visits, but there was one thing that stuck out to me after all these years: Dr Cleary modeled and respected my body autonomy by asking my permission before examining any ‘underwear zones.’ I don’t know if she was ahead of her time or if that’s always been standard practice (I remember my little kid brain being confused about why she would even ask permission—she was the doctor after all). But as I’ve grown up, I’ve come to understand the immense importance of that question and pause for an answer. So, besides all the routine vaccines and ear infection meds, I really appreciate Dr Cleary’s sincerity and for showing me the importance and power of consent.

My children have been patients of Dr Cleary for 11 years. We moved to Maine for a year and still traveled back to MA just to keep her as their doctor. We are never rushed out of the exam room (which does make the wait times long but it’s worth it) and she remembers details about my children that tell me we matter to her. Her personality is calm and patient, serious but sweet, and a gentle sense of humor. She has even stayed late just to see my child because she understood the urgency of it. Dr Cleary is the highest standard of what anyone could want in a pediatrician. I just pray she stays in practice until my four year old can no longer see a pediatrician.