On choosing a pediatrician

One of our Ft. Bliss wives asked recently on an online group, how other moms go about choosing a pediatrician. That's a fair question, and I'm glad she asked. Most military families just haul their kids on post, and then complain when they aren't a fit for whatever doctor they're assigned at random. Still others take other people's word for what doctor is good, not taking into account that they may have completely different priorities as parents. While this group does better than the former, it's not by a lot. The fact that this woman even wants to interview pediatricians before her baby is born really speaks highly of her commitment to finding the right one. I've gotta love that.

Now, the thing I found very strange was the replies. The most common things mentioned were wait time, after hours procedures, what hospital they admit patients to when necessary, and what the office looks like. My list looked freakish by comparison, not that I mind. I was just surprised that not one person actually mentioned anything about the actual practice of medicine, or the way the doctor does that, in their list of things they look for. I now understand how so many parents get really crappy advice from their pediatricians. Pretty much anyone with a pretty office, separate waiting rooms for sick and well patients, and an efficient office staff, can be considered the best doctor in town, even if their practices are based on things that haven't been considered best practice in at least 20 years. I think that's ridiculous. I think parents need to ask for more in a pediatrician than a pretty waiting room and a short time spent there. This is my list of priorities for a pediatrician:

These are my MUST HAVES:

-Breastfeeding supportive
-Not obsessed with growth charts, and aware that the AAP growth charts are based on formula fed babies. Willing to measure my babies by the WHO growth chart, if any chart at all.
-Homebirth supportive
-OK with alternative vaccination practices
-Willing to use prescription medication as a last resort
-Intact-friendly, aware of proper care and normal development of non-circumcised boys.

These are my NICE TO HAVES:

-Open to homeopathic and holistic remedies
-No formula company merchandise around the office (a doctor who is receiving kickbacks from the formula companies is a lot more likely to push supplementing)
-Doesn't mind if parents don't want to do all the standard well baby visits.
-Supports attachment parenting practices
-Promotes best practice when it comes to carseat safety


Now, I understand that not everybody has the same priorities as I have, so here is a list of general questions I think new parents should consider asking pediatricians they are interviewing:

1) Under what circumstances do you think prescription medication is necessary?

Think about what you would prefer. Do you view medication as a last resort in your own life, or do you medicate for everything? What do you feel most comfortable doing with your baby?

2) (If having a boy) What is your view on circumcision?

You want to know this if you don't plan on it because if you have some cut-happy doctor who thinks it's the greatest thing ever, they're probably not at all intact-friendly. If you do plan on doing it, please reconsider. No, but really, if you do plan on it, you probably don't want a doctor who's a card carrying member of Intact America.

3) What's your view on vaccinations?

Again, this is a topic parents need to research, and figure out what they want to do with it. It's really important that your pediatrician at least accepts your views, even if they don't totally agree.

4) What alternative medical practices do you support the use of?

Homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture... If any of these are your cup of tea, you want to make sure you have a pediatrician who doesn't think they're the devil.

5) Under what circumstances do you think parents should bring their sick kids in to see you?

You want to know that their opinion on this lines up with yours.

6) What's your opinion on breastfeeding? What about breastfeeding past infancy?

7) What are your procedures for after hours calls?

8) How may other doctors and nurse practitioners are in this practice?

9) What's the average time spent in the waiting room?

10) Do you have separate waiting areas for sick and well patients?