22 FEBRUARY 2023 D r. Milton Scharff’s patients say he is one of a kind, meaning someone who is “caring, patient and amazingly kind,” according to Tammy Peterson, a mother of three who has entrusted her children to Scharff for more than ten years. “There are doctors, and then there’s Dr. Scharff. He always goes above and beyond to care for all his kids. He takes the time with his patients, no matter how busy he is,” Peterson said. Scharff said he always knew he wanted to be a doctor but hadn’t necessarily planned on pediatric medicine. “I started working with kids during my third year of medical school, and things just clicked,” Scharff said. “I just love working with kids of all ages and their parents.” Scharff grew up in San Antonio, the middle child of three. His parents were Holocaust survivors who came to America not speaking a word of English. They worked very hard and built a fruitful life in Texas. “My dad lived to be 95, and some of the best advice he ever gave me came during his final days. He said, ‘Milty, don’t ever be too sure of yourself.’ I keep that in mind when seeing patients and considering difficult diagnoses and treatments,” Scharff said. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas, where he graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He then attended UT Medical School and did his pediatric residency at the Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Scharff has practiced at Camelback Pediatrics since 1994 and has consistently been recognized by Phoenix Magazine as “Top Doc,” as well as being listed in the national poll of “Best Doctors in America.” “Pediatric medicine has evolved over the years. Things that doctors once considered to be absolutes in the 80s are no longer practiced,” Scharff said, citing the overuse of cough and cold medicines as one example. “Evidence-based medicine serves as a very good teacher.” Scharff enjoys spending time with his family when he isn’t treating children. He has three grown kids: Erin, Spencer, Reed, and six grandkids. He and his wife, Gail, have been married for 42 years and have lived in Arcadia since 1998. Their home is lively around the holidays with everyone visiting – the grandkids call him “Doc.” “Even with my medical background, I get questioned by my kids and grandkids all the time, asking me, ‘Is that really right?’” Scharff said with a chuckle. His hobbies consist of reading and road cycling. “I’m a news junkie and an avid biker. I usually ride between 15 and 30 miles. We’re those guys you see in the funny outfits cruising through Arcadia,” he said. He also enjoys riding in multiday cycling events, such as RAGBRAI, a 468-mile ride with more than 10,000 riders. “It’s incredibly gratifying to work with families, develop meaningful relationships, and positively impact their lives. That’s what I enjoy most about being a doctor,” he said. Asked about what his autobiography might be titled, he suggested “Thanks for the Ride,” then adding, “I’m kind of lucky.” Dr. Milton Scharff It’s incredibly gratifying to work with families. LOCAL, MEET LUXURY. 5800 N MONTEVISTA DR . I PARADISEVALLEY $9,250,000 I 5 BEDS 17 BATHS 17,439 SQ. FT. THOMAS SCOTT I 480-482-9260 KELLY JONES I 480-399-9322 4601 E EARLL I PHOENIX $2,000,000 I 4 BEDS I 4.5 BATHS 12,936 SQ. FT. ALISON GUELKER I 602-920-8101 KATRINA BARRETT I 520-403-5270 1 8290 EVIA DEL SOL DR . I SCOTTSDALE $2,975,000 I 4 BEDS I 3.5 BATHS I 4,116 SQ. FT. BLAKE ST. JOHN I 480-444-9888 BLAKE ZINKE I 602-402-2180 Visit LocalluxuryRE.com for all our exclusive properties. UPCOMING EVENT: HOUSE HUNTING BUYER TOUR: Homes of Paradise Valley. COME TOUR THE HOTTEST PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN PARADISE VALLEY, WITH YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIALISTS. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH AT 2:00 PM 3545 E. INDIAN SCHOOL RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85018. Please RSVP: Office@LocalLuxuryRE.com L@CAL LUXURY REAL ESTATE