Poison Control (800) 222-1222
Phone: (203) 481-7008

Fax: (203) 315-3779

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Our History

Dr. Gary Wanerka, double boarded in General Pediatrics and Allergy/Immunology, was a practicing pediatrician for eight years prior to establishing Branford Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine in 1982. He chose our current location because the white house with its black shutters was reminiscent of the historical homes that dotted the coastline of Connecticut. The house dates back to the 1820s.

For one year, Dr. Wanerka (retired) worked diligently, putting his heart into being a solo practitioner. The practice was thriving and with it the need for more providers. He was joined by Dr. Patrick Alvino, Dr. Ferrin Holmes (retired) and Dr. Margaret Sanyal (retired) in 1986. As a team they provided first-rate care to children on the shoreline.

As their popularity and practice grew, so too did the cozy white house. With the growth of the practice, the family of providers grew to what it is today.

In 2012, Dr. Wanerka decided to devote his time exclusively to pediatric allergy and asthma. He continued to see patients in the same location in partnership with Joan Alfiero until his retirement in July of 2020.

Even though our name has changed, we all share the same the belief of our founder—in providing the highest quality care for children, teens and young adults with kindness and respect.