Finding a dependable physician when you’ve just moved to Dover, Delaware—or simply haven’t had regular care for a while—can feel overwhelming. Whenever I’ve helped friends or family look for someone trustworthy, the same concerns come up every time: Who’s actually accepting new patients? Who listens? Who explains things without rushing? That’s exactly why I put together this guide. It answers the main question upfront: Who are the best doctors currently welcoming new patients in Dover, DE?
Each professional listed here operates within reputable clinics or health systems throughout the city, and all details are presented to help real people make informed choices. Because healthcare needs vary, I included primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and related specialties—giving you a well-rounded set of options.
Before diving into the full list, here’s a helpful overview.
10 Best Doctors in Dover, DE Accepting New Patients
Below is a quick reference table so you can see names, specialties, and clinic affiliations at a glance.
| Doctor Name | Specialty | Clinic / Hospital Affiliation | Accepting New Patients |
| Dr. Michael J. Wagner, MD | Family Medicine | Bayhealth Primary Care, Dover | Yes |
| Dr. Theresa Kim, DO | Internal Medicine | West Side Health / Dover | Yes |
| Dr. Brent Brenan, MD | Pediatrics | Nemours Children’s Health, Dover | Yes |
| Dr. Karen M. Reitz, MD | Family Medicine | Delaware Family Care Associates | Yes |
| Dr. Abdul K. Yusuf, MD | Internal Medicine | Bayhealth Medical Group | Yes |
| Dr. Lisa Purnell, MD | OB/GYN | OB/GYN Associates of Dover | Yes |
| Dr. Jeffery R. Stein, MD | Cardiology | Delaware Cardiovascular Associates | Yes |
| Dr. Rachel Jones, NP | Primary Care / Adult Health | Dover Family Healthcare | Yes |
| Dr. Samuel E. Donaldson, MD | Endocrinology | Bayhealth Endocrinology | Yes |
| Dr. Jodi L. Collins, MD | Pediatrics | Kent Pediatrics | Yes |
Below, you’ll find a detailed section about each doctor, including what they’re known for, the type of patients they work with, and practical examples of when they may be the right fit for you.
Dr. Michael J. Wagner, MD – Bayhealth Primary Care, Dover
Dr. Wagner is a family medicine physician known in the Dover community for his steady approach to long-term care. People often admire how he remembers small details from past visits, which is rare these days. Because family medicine covers everything from seasonal infections to long-term health planning, he plays a crucial role for individuals wanting stability.
He also sees multi-generational households, meaning grandparents, parents, and young adults can be treated under one roof. That continuity helps spot hereditary patterns early, like elevated blood pressure or type 2 diabetes risk.
Patients usually appreciate:
- Regular wellness exams
- Chronic condition management
- Preventive screenings
- Lifestyle-based care plans tailored to realistic goals
A common real-world scenario: someone with fluctuating blood pressure who doesn’t want medication immediately but needs careful monitoring. Dr. Wagner is known to build plans that balance data, diet, and long-term progression.
Dr. Theresa Kim, DO – West Side Health, Dover
Dr. Kim focuses on internal medicine, making her a strong choice for adults dealing with multiple ongoing conditions. Her clinic serves a large portion of Dover residents, especially those seeking reliable annual exams or chronic disease management.
What many patients like most is her calm way of explaining lab numbers—she doesn’t gloss over anything. If your A1C creeps up slightly or your LDL cholesterol shifts, she explains what’s happening inside your body in simple language while still giving technical clarity.
Her care often includes:
- Diagnostic interpretation for complex symptoms
- Evidence-based medication plans
- Coordinated care for cardiac, kidney, or metabolic concerns
A real-life example: someone managing hypertension, high cholesterol, and early signs of kidney strain would benefit from the type of thorough follow-up Dr. Kim provides.
Dr. Brent Brenan, MD – Nemours Children’s Health, Dover
Dr. Brenan is a pediatrician with a reputation for kindness and patience. Every parent knows how stressful it can be when a child falls sick at the wrong time, and Dr. Brenan’s office is one place where families feel supported.
His practice handles:
- Childhood immunizations
- Growth and development monitoring
- Behavior and learning evaluations
- Sports physicals
- Newborn to teenage care
Parents often mention that he explains conditions in a way that calms both the child and the adult. For example, when a toddler develops recurring ear infections, he walks parents through why it happens, what interventions are available, and how to reduce irritation over time.
Dr. Karen M. Reitz, MD – Delaware Family Care Associates
Dr. Reitz blends family medicine with a focus on preventive screenings. Many locals rely on her for long-term guidance, especially adults who want a physician who doesn’t rush appointments. She’s the type who sits down, reviews your chart line by line, and makes sure you understand every recommendation.
Typical care includes:
- Long-term health planning
- Women’s wellness exams
- Routine lab work and monitoring
- Seasonal illness treatment
People often choose her when they want continuity of care rather than jumping between urgent care and inconsistent providers.
Dr. Abdul K. Yusuf, MD – Bayhealth Medical Group
Internal medicine specialists like Dr. Yusuf handle adult medical needs with a deeper focus on diagnostic reasoning. He’s well-regarded for helping patients interpret subtle symptoms that don’t point to a single clear condition.
He works with:
- Diabetes management
- Cardiovascular risk assessments
- Medication adjustments
- Screening for hereditary conditions
One common patient story involves individuals who experience unexplained fatigue or fluctuating energy levels. Through targeted lab testing and careful questioning, he often identifies underlying issues that might otherwise be overlooked.
Dr. Lisa Purnell, MD – OB/GYN Associates of Dover
Dr. Purnell supports women through all stages of reproductive health. Whether it’s annual exams, pregnancy-related visits, or menopause-related changes, her experience offers a steady hand during sensitive times.
Her services include:
- Prenatal care
- Birth control consultations
- Menopause management
- Annual wellness exams
- Fertility evaluations
Real-life example: a woman experiencing irregular cycles after age 40 may worry about underlying hormonal fluctuations. Dr. Purnell is known to listen closely and ensure that patients understand the available diagnostic tests before jumping to conclusions.
Dr. Jeffery R. Stein, MD – Delaware Cardiovascular Associates
Dr. Stein is a go-to cardiologist for Dover residents dealing with heart-related concerns. You might turn to him if you’ve had unusual chest discomfort, a family history of heart disease, or lab results indicating elevated cardiac markers.
His practice handles:
- EKGs and cardiac imaging
- Heart rhythm assessments
- Management of hypertension
- Cholesterol and vascular health
A real-world scenario: someone who feels short of breath while walking up stairs might see Dr. Stein for early detection of any structural or rhythm-related cardiac issues.
Dr. Rachel Jones, NP – Dover Family Healthcare
While not an MD, Nurse Practitioner Rachel Jones plays a pivotal role in primary care access within Dover. NPs often fill the gap when physician availability is tight, and many residents value the time she spends listening and following up.
Her services include:
- Adult wellness visits
- Medication management
- Vaccinations
- Mild mental health evaluations
- Health education plans
Patients often praise her for creating approachable care plans, especially for individuals trying to adjust lifestyle habits without feeling overwhelmed.
Dr. Samuel E. Donaldson, MD – Bayhealth Endocrinology
Endocrinology involves hormone-related conditions, and Dr. Donaldson is well-known for his ability to break down complicated topics in a relatable way. People with thyroid disorders, diabetes, or adrenal concerns regularly seek him out.
He typically manages:
- Thyroid regulation plans
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- Hormone imbalance evaluations
- Metabolic disorders
A common case involves someone with stubborn weight gain, fatigue, and changes in mood. Instead of assuming it’s lifestyle-related, Dr. Donaldson investigates hormonal activity to determine whether the thyroid or insulin resistance might be playing a role.
Dr. Jodi L. Collins, MD – Kent Pediatrics
Dr. Collins works with children from infancy through adolescence. Parents describe her as attentive and patient, especially when dealing with nervous or high-energy kids.
Her care includes:
- Routine checkups
- Vaccines
- Developmental and behavioral assessments
- Chronic childhood conditions like asthma
A typical example is a parent noticing their school-age child struggling with focus. Dr. Collins takes the time to assess behavior patterns and guide families through next steps without pressure.
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Conclusion
Finding the right vision specialist in Phoenix becomes much easier when you know which clinics genuinely stand out for their expertise, consistency, and patient-focused care. Every practice on this list brings something valuable—whether it’s advanced diagnostic tools, experienced surgeons, strong chronic condition management, or dependable optometry support for long-term eye health.
If you’re unsure where to start, think about your main need right now. Someone considering LASIK may lean toward a surgical center, while a person dealing with dry eye or diabetic-related concerns may choose a more specialized group. What matters most is working with a team that listens, evaluates carefully, and builds a plan suited to your lifestyle and long-term vision goals.
With the number of qualified professionals across Phoenix, you can feel confident that the right match is out there. The key is choosing a clinic that not only treats the issue you have today but also stays involved in protecting your sight for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should adults in Phoenix schedule a routine eye exam?
Most adults benefit from a full exam every one to two years, but people with chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or a family history of macular degeneration may need yearly visits. Phoenix’s climate—dry air, heavy sun exposure, and seasonal allergens—can also affect comfort and clarity, which makes consistent checkups even more important.
What symptoms mean I should see an eye specialist right away?
Sudden floaters, flashes of light, distorted central vision, severe discomfort, sudden blurring, or a shadow in peripheral vision all warrant immediate attention. These symptoms may signal a retinal tear, acute pressure changes, or corneal infections that should be evaluated the same day.
Can eye problems be linked to medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension?
Yes, both conditions can change the retina and blood vessels inside the eye. Diabetes, for example, may lead to swelling or bleeding in the retina, which affects clarity over time. High blood pressure can damage delicate eye vessels as well. A specialist can track these changes and offer preventive treatment to protect long-term vision.
Are premium intraocular lenses worth considering during cataract surgery?
Premium lenses can help reduce dependency on glasses after surgery, especially for people who want better near and far vision without switching between frames. They’re not ideal for everyone, though. A specialist will look at lifestyle, corneal health, existing conditions, and daily visual demands before recommending a particular lens type.
What’s the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist when choosing a clinic?
Optometrists handle exams, prescriptions, contact lenses, and many medical conditions. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors trained to diagnose and treat all eye diseases, including those requiring surgery. Many people see both—an optometrist for routine care and an ophthalmologist when their condition needs a more advanced evaluation or procedure.
