Four Pediatricians Who Are Deeply Passionate About Their Work and the Children They Serve in Aliso Viejo
At Oso Pediatrics, we opened our brand-new Aliso Viejo practice in January 2024 with a simple but ambitious goal: to build the kind of pediatric practice we want for our own children — one rooted in compassion and expertise, one that honors the whole child physically, emotionally, and developmentally, and one where every family feels genuinely welcomed, respected, and heard.
The four of us have practiced together for more than a decade. We branched off from a larger group and built Oso from scratch because we want the freedom to spend real time with families, to know each child well across the long arc of their childhood, and to bring back the kind of small, personalized practice that’s become rare in modern pediatrics.
Our team of four board-certified pediatricians brings over 76 years of combined experience to that vision, along with a breadth of specialized expertise and community leadership that’s rare in a neighborhood practice. Families in Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Dana Point, San Clemente, and throughout Orange County will find in us a team that is not just skilled, but deeply passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children.
Our Philosophy
We believe that every child deserves the highest standard of care rooted in compassion, expertise, and a genuine understanding of their unique needs. We embrace an approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and developmental well-being, and we build our work on true partnership with families: honoring their input, their values, and their cultural diversity. We are committed to continuous learning and innovation, staying at the forefront of pediatric medicine to provide evidence-based, cutting-edge care.
Our practice thrives on a culture of empathy, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to the health and happiness of each child we serve. We envision a community where every child can flourish, supported by a pediatric team that is not only skilled but deeply passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of the next generation.
Meet Our Aliso Viejo Pediatricians
Dr. Elizabeth Dyer
Dr. Dyer is a highly accomplished Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics whose expertise spans a broad spectrum of pediatric healthcare. She has particular focus on newborn care and the unique needs of premature infants, adolescent healthcare, child development, disease prevention, health promotion, and the management of allergies and asthma.
Dr. Dyer is actively engaged in the medical community beyond our office. She has served on the CHOC at Mission Hospital Executive Committee for four years, playing a meaningful role in shaping pediatric care standards at the hospital level.
“I am committed to providing thoughtful, personalized care for each of my patients and their families. As a pediatrician, I am grateful that I can continue to experience the joy and wonder of childhood each day.”
Dr. Matthew Harris
Dr. Harris is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics who has been practicing pediatrics in Southern California since 2018. His special interests include newborn care, early child development, preventive pediatric medicine, and nutrition. He brings a natural warmth and enthusiasm for the relationships he builds with the families he serves.
“I derive immense joy from cultivating connections with families and witnessing the growth of my young patients.”
Dr. Annique Jugant
Dr. Jugant is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics with over 25 years of experience in pediatric medicine. Her areas of expertise include preventive pediatric medicine, vaccines, child development, and nutrition, and her depth of knowledge in each reflects decades of focused, dedicated practice.
As a mother of four, Dr. Jugant brings a perspective that is both clinical and deeply personal. She is passionate about working collaboratively with families, instilling confidence in parenting, and sharing the knowledge that helps parents raise happy, healthy children.
“My favorite part of being a pediatrician is teaching children and their families how to successfully navigate childhood and develop healthy long-term habits that sustain them through adulthood. It is incredibly humbling and rewarding to watch children grow from infancy to young adulthood and be entrusted with their medical care.
Dr. Amanda Salter
Dr. Salter is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics with special clinical interests in dermatology, gastroenterology, and pediatric development. She is one of the most active physician leaders in South Orange County pediatrics.
Dr. Salter serves as Pediatric Chair of the Women and Infants Department at Mission Hospital, Physician Lead for the Mother and Baby Substance Initiative, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her leadership shapes how pediatric care is practiced not just at Oso, but across the region.
“The most important thing for our future is to invest more in our children. It is a privilege to help guide families to grow stronger and healthier together.”
A Brand-New Practice, Built for Your Family
Oso Pediatrics opened our new Aliso Viejo practice space in January 2024. We designed every aspect of it with families in mind, creating a welcoming environment that feels different from a typical doctor’s office, because we believe the setting is part of the care.
We also designed how we practice with families in mind. When visiting us, you are never rushed, because we want the freedom to listen, answer your questions thoroughly, and truly know your child. With only four physicians, you’ll come to know all of us, and we’ll come to know your family. It’s the kind of small, old-school, premier pediatric practice that was common 20 years ago and rarely exists today, paired with the resources, specialist access, and support network of Rady Children’s Health.
While our practice is new, our experience is not. Our four physicians collectively bring over 76 years of pediatric expertise, specialized training, and deep community roots to this space. We’ve hit the ground running, and we’d love for your family to be part of what we’re building here.
Part of Rady Children’s Health
As part of Rady Children’s Health, Oso Pediatrics is connected with a collaborative team of pediatric health experts who share our philosophy of patient- and family-centered care. Our families benefit from referrals to Rady Children’s Health nationally ranked specialists when needed, access to care coordinators, and enhanced communication among their entire care team, all coordinated through physicians who already know your child.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized healthcare to every child under our care. We believe every child deserves a vibrant start in life, and we are here to support and guide families throughout the beautiful journey of raising children. We are committed to:
- Providing evidence-based, cutting-edge pediatric care rooted in compassion and expertise
- Honoring the whole child — their physical, emotional, and developmental well-being
- Partnering genuinely with families, valuing their input and cultural diversity
- Continuous learning and innovation, staying at the forefront of pediatric medicine
- Serving the Orange County community with a vision for making it one of the healthiest, safest places for children to grow up
