About APC Pediatrics | Bradenton Pediatrician

NCQA Recognized Practice
APC Pediatrics Meets & Exceeds The Strict Standards Of Being A Level 3 NCQA Recognized Medical Provider.
Certificate of Recognition
NCQA Recognized
About Us
Our objective at Advanced Preventive Care Pediatrics (APC Pediatrics) is to provide outstanding, personalized & preventive pediatric care. We know how important your child is, and choosing the right pediatrician is a very important decision when considering the health and wellness of your child.
Dr. Frias
Federico Frias, MD, FAAP
Dr. Federico Frias received his Doctor of Medicine degree with honors Cum Laude from Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena in the Dominican Republic and completed his Pediatric residency training at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, a primary affiliate of Albert Einstein School of Medicine (Yeshiva University).
When I was a child I wanted to be: A superhero!
I love: Education, establishing and building relationships, to serve others
My favorite childhood memory is: Picking eggs with my Grandfather, spending time at my grandmother’s house.
My favorite place: Sitting by the sea. Still today, I love to sit by the sea… it brings me peace.
My favorite food: Fish and plantains
Dr. Rippy
Steven Rippy, MD
Dr. Rippy is a Board Certified Pediatrician. He received his undergraduate degree in Zoology at the University of Oklahoma. He attended medical school at St. George's University, with training in New York City. He graduated from Pediatric Residency at the University of Oklahoma, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr Rippy joined APC in June 2016.
When I was a child I wanted to be: A Ranger or biologist. As a child I loved to explore, and observe birds and animals, and then study and learn about them. My interest in nature turned to studying medicine so that I could serve and help people.
I love: Growing, learning and playing with my kids.
My favorite childhood memory is: Meeting Heather, now my wife, in 3rd grade.
My favorite place is: Near the edge of the ocean. Things are always more peaceful and playful, or reflective and dreamy.
My favorite food is: Sushi, it is such a fun and healthy experience.
Dr. Acebal
Vivian Acebal, MD
Dr. Acebal received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Boston College. She attended Medical School at Universidad Central del Caribe in Puerto Rico, and completed her Residency in Pediatrics at University Pediatric Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Acebal has devoted her professional career to work in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units, as well as private pediatrics practice. Dr. Acebal relocated to Bradenton/Sarasota area in May 2018 and short there after joined the APC Pediatrics team.
When I was a child I wanted to be: A veterinarian!
I love: I love kayaking, hiking, and going to the beach with my kids.
My favorite memory is: Seeing my kids playing in the snow for the first time.
My favorite place: My favorite place is San Juan.
My favorite food: Paella
Heather Lucero
Heather Lucero, ARNP, PPCNP-BC
Heather Lucero joined APC Pediatrics in 2011. She attended the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at the University of South Florida, in which she earned her Masters of Science degree in Nursing.
When I was a child I wanted to be: a race car driver
I love: medical research
My favorite childhood memory is: Playing with friends, riding bikes, sleepovers, and never going inside until it was dark outside
My favorite place is: Home
My favorite food: Anything homemade
Kay Stump
Kay Stump, ARNP, PNP-BC
Kay Stump, ARNP, PNP-BC received a Master of Science and Post-Graduate Certification in Child Health at the University of South Florida in Tampa. She has over 13 years experience as a Pediatric/Adolescent Nurse Practitioner with a special interest in Asthma, Injury Prevention and Wellness Promotion.
When I was a child I wanted to be a: I always wanted to be a nurse, I love working with kids!
I love: traveling- many places are left on my bucket list!
My favorite childhood memory is: Laughing the night away’ sleepover!
My favorite place is: Wherever I am relaxing- beach, pool, vacation!
My favorite food is: A great steak!
Alexandra Lambert
Alexandra F. Lambert, ARNP, PNP-BC
Originally born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Alexandra moved to the Philadelphia area in 2003 to attend nursing school at Villanova University. She started her nursing career at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia before returning to Villanova to continue her nursing education. She joined APC Pediatrics in December 2015.
When I was a child I wanted to be a: Veterinarian! I loved animals and still do. At some point I realized that kids are much more fun!
I love: Doing pretty much anything outside! I love to swim at the beach, golf, bike, and play tennis. Moving to Florida from Philadelphia has made that possible all year!
My favorite childhood memory is: Summers in Ocean City, New Jersey. Some of my favorite memories include eating pizza and funnel cake on the boardwalk, playing mini golf and body surfing in the ocean.
My favorite place is: Since moving to Florida, my favorite place is Anna Maria Island! I spend most of my free time at the beaches there. I don't think that will ever get old to me, it is so beautiful!
My favorite food is: I can't say "no" to pizza! The best is Manco & Manco Pizza in Ocean City, NJ. Tastes best if eaten on the Ocean City boardwalk, of course!
Jo Price
Joaris R. Price ARNP, CPNP
Jo Price, ARNP, CPNP is a Board-Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She received a Bachelors and Masters in Science degree from the University of South Florida . She has 23 years of pediatric nursing experience that ranges from intensive care, pre and post operative care and outpatient primary care.
When I was a child, I wanted to work with children in the healthcare field or in education.
I love: the beach, photography, yoga and spending time with my husband and kids.
My favorite childhood memory is: learning to cook Cuban food with my abuela.
My favorite place: Space & St. John BVI
My favorite food: king crab legs
Melanie Haase
Melanie Haase ARNP, CPNP
Melanie Hasse, ARNP, CPNP is a Board-Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Melanie attended UCF for her bachelor's degree in nursing and then attended USF for her Family Nurse Practitioner degree, and finally attended RUSH university for Pediatric Acute Care certification. She has worked in wellness, urgent care, and pediatric hematology/oncology.
When I was a child I wanted to be a teacher.
I love: being outside!
My favorite childhood memory: going to summer camp
My favorite place: The Caribbean
My favorite food: cheese and chocolate!
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Q & A With APC Pediatrics
Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions.

What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a trained medical doctor who specialty includes the care of children, from newborns through teenage years. All Board Certified Pediatricians, like the doctors at APC Pediatrics, have completed special training in the care of infants, teens and young adults. In order to obtain a Board Certification, doctors must pass a comprehensive exam, and after completion are then certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing.

Pediatricians are trained to provide preventive health care for children in good health, as well as medical care for children who are sick or chronically ill. Pediatricians also provide parents with support and information and advice about issues such as growth and child development, safety, nutrition, preventative measure to take, and emotional happiness, all designed to help them raise a child whom lives a lifetime of good health.
Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?
Yes, it is important that parents-to-be to visit a pediatrician for a prenatal appointment. In fact, we feel so strongly about this, that APC Pediatrics offers a FREE VISIT for newly expectant families.

This is the best way to get acquainted with your doctors and their practice. During this first visit, we will answer all your questions about APC Pediatrics or your soon-to-be child.
How often should my child see the pediatrician?
Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness, but also for routine evaluations as they grow. It is also important to schedule well checks regularly, beginning at birth and continuing through the teenage years. These routine well checks provide our doctors the best opportunity to observe your child’s progress in the areas of physical and mental growth and development. This is also an excellent time talk with parents and to counsel and teach them what is normal child behavior; how to detect problems through screening tests; to provide the required vaccinations, and to further get to know each another.

At APC Pediatrics, well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of ongoing preventive pediatric care.
Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?
APC Pediatrics is a PRO VACCINE provider. Immunizations are a series of shots given to children at different ages throughout their childhood to help them against serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure that your child receives the recommended immunizations is the best way to help protect your child from fatal diseases.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, immunizations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. If you have concerns or are apprehensive about vaccinating your child, please do not hesitate to contact APC Pediatrics to discuss the best possible plan for your child’s long term well-being.
Is your office accepting new patients?
Yes, APC Pediatrics is always welcoming new patients. Please contact our office for more information or to request an appointment.
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