Kayal Pediatrics will open January 5 in Franklin Lakes, marking a major expansion for the Kayal Medical Group and ushering in a new model of family-centered healthcare. The division will be led by longtime Bergen County pediatricians Dr. Basil Bruno, Chief of Kayal Pediatrics, and Dr. Uma Taneja, both chosen personally by Robert A. Kayal, MD, FAAOS, FAAHKS, FACS after caring for his six children and two grandchildren for years.
“That speaks volumes about the level of trust we have in them,” Dr. Kayal said. “They cared for my own children and grandchildren, and that is why they were chosen to spearhead this.”
The new practice will offer the full spectrum of pediatric primary care, including newborn evaluations, well visits, sports physicals, developmental screenings and rapid testing for common illnesses. Dr. Kayal emphasized the team’s commitment to accessibility, saying, “We firmly believe in same-day appointments. We never say no.” The practice will be in-network with all major insurance companies to help families receive timely and affordable care.
Mental health support will play a prominent role. Dr. Taneja, who has completed additional behavioral health training, said, “I want to help kids and adolescents who struggle with anxiety and emotional challenges. I want to be there for them.”
Although Kayal Pediatrics is a dedicated pediatrics division, families will still benefit from the resources of the Kayal Medical Group, including orthopaedics, pain management, gynecology, physical therapy, chiropractic care, rheumatology and advanced medical imaging.
One defining element of the new practice will be its integration of telemedicine and at-home diagnostic tools. The team plans to use Nonagon, which allows parents to capture lung and heart sounds, temperature readings, and ear and throat images from home, as well as CurieDx, an AI-based tool with 92% accuracy for identifying strep throat.
“For the first time in this area, we are going to be spearheading that technology,” Dr. Kayal said. “We are embracing artificial intelligence to make sure we deliver the most cutting-edge technologies in alignment with our slogan, “Insist on Excellence, insist on Kayal Pediatrics.”
As the opening approaches, the physicians say they are building a practice where families feel seen, heard and supported. While in person visits remain the foundation, telemedicine will be integrated to help families manage care during busy schedules.
“We want every family to feel comfortable coming to see us,” Dr. Bruno said. “Whether it is a newborn visit or a late night concern, we want parents to know we are here.”
Kayal Pediatrics will follow the evidence-based guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, including immunization recommendations. At the same time, the physicians say they will approach vaccine conversations with sensitivity. “We follow all AAP guidelines for vaccines,” Dr. Kayal said. “But we also want to be respectful of family choices. Our goal is to guide, not judge.”
Education will also play a central role, with the practice planning to use social media to share updates, pediatric tips and technology tutorials. With their doors opening soon, the team says they look forward to welcoming families and building lifelong relationships.
The Franklin Lakes location of Kayal Pediatrics has been designed to provide a calm and welcoming environment where children feel safe and parents feel reassured. With more than three decades of experience serving Bergen County families, Dr. Bruno said, “We want parents to feel that from birth through young adulthood, their children have a medical home they can trust.”
Dr. Taneja’s passion for mental health will anchor the practice’s commitment to emotional and psychological well-being. “Kids need support in every aspect,” she said. “Mental, physical and emotional health. We want to help them in all three.”
Technology will support that mission by enabling faster evaluations and more comfortable care. Parents will be taught how to submit recordings and images through approved platforms, helping physicians determine urgency, provide immediate guidance or schedule timely follow-up care. These tools may significantly reduce the need for invasive tests for children who become anxious with traditional methods. “We are embracing these technologies because they help us deliver care faster and more comfortably,” Dr. Kayal said.
Kayal Pediatrics will be open six days each week and will offer Saturday hours, overnight coverage, same-day appointments and full in-network access for families across the region. Plans are underway for a second location in 2026.
Through the combination of experienced physicians, advanced technology and a philosophy rooted in kindness, compassion, empathy and connection, Kayal Pediatrics aims to deliver a new standard of pediatric care for the community.
To learn more, follow the practice at @KayalPeds on Instagram and Kayal Pediatrics on Facebook.
Kayal Pediatrics will open January 5 in Franklin Lakes, offering full-service pediatric care with a strong focus on behavioral health, and rapid testing. Families can also use advanced home diagnostic tools for quicker evaluations. With seamless access to specialty services across the Kayal Medical Group, the practice plans to expand with a second location in 2026.
“We are embracing artificial intelligence to make sure we deliver the most cutting-edge technologies in alignment with our slogan, “Insist on Excellence! Insist on Kayal Pediatrics!” - Robert A. Kayal, MD, FAAOS, FAAHKS, FACS