Patrick Fennell, MD, FAAP

Dr. Patrick Fennell was born in coastal South Carolina. Because his father served in the US Navy, Dr. Fennell lived in places from Guam to Florida before the family settled in Maryland. Just before his senior year, his family moved to Japan where Dr. Fennell graduated from high school and began college before making his return to the United States. He had thoughts of being a doctor when he was in middle school but focused on archaeology thru college and graduate school and finally decided on computer programming. During that time, Dr. Fennell found himself looking for new challenges and becoming interested in medicine. After reading a news story about a former major league baseball player who retired and became a heart surgeon, he was inspired to change careers and attended medical school.

Dr. Fennell was drawn to pediatrics early in medical school, both by his love of children and being inspired by the pediatricians he was training with. He enjoys the pleasure of getting to know so many families and helping their children move through the joys and challenges of their early lives. He likes working with families to promote the health and well-being of their children, both physical and emotional, and to help each child reach their full potential. Dr. Fennell is joining our practice from Sunrise Pediatrics, where he was a part-owner and physician for over 20 years. He is excited to continue practicing and welcoming his patients to Oberlin Road Pediatrics.

Dr. Fennell and his wife settled in Raleigh with their three sons in 1994. In that time, he has seen Raleigh "grow up" to a big city with a bit of a small-town feel. When he is not working, he enjoys time outdoors and taking his dog, Albus, on hikes in the local parks. He is an avid reader and has a large backlog of books waiting to be read.

Fun Facts About Me

I spent a month in American Samoa near the end of pediatric training taking care of newborn babies each day and marveling at how big Samoan babies were.
I love a wide range of music but freely admit that I am a better listener than performer, though I will sing along if no one is around to hear me.
I have never met a dog I didn't like, though I have met some who didn't have the same opinion of me!