Disclaimer: The following article was written by Brooke Chaplan / Freelance Writer
Regular trips to the pediatrician are one of the things you can do in order to ensure your growing child stays healthy. It is important for you to select someone who makes both you and your child feel comfortable and there are several things you can do to make sure you find the right pediatrician in less time.
Check Credentials
In many cases, people are able to find a pediatrician by getting referrals from other doctors. Your gynecologist or primary care doctor will probably be able to refer you to a pediatrician, or your friends and family might have good suggestions as well. You will also need to check the pediatrician’s credentials. All pediatricians are required to complete four years of medical school, and complete a three-year residency in pediatrics.
Pediatricians also have the option of obtaining board-certification from the American Board of Pediatrics. This is not required, but it is strongly recommended that you choose a pediatrician who is board-certified. Board-certified pediatricians have passed a rigorous examination and gone above and beyond in order to prove that they are competent. You might also find a great doctor who was certified in occupational therapy school as well as pediatrics. It all depends on who you want to be in charge of your child’s health.
Consider Experience
Generally speaking, the more experienced a pediatrician is, the more qualified he or she is to provide care. This is why it is best to choose an experienced pediatrician over someone who has just started their medical career. If your child has a chronic medical condition or disability, then you may also want to choose a pediatrician who has expertise in that area. Pediatricians who have been practicing for several years have likely treated many children with complex health issues. Of course it isn’t a hard and fast rule. Many new doctors might specialize in something you are interested in or need, and older doctors may just be unfamiliar with.
Schedule a Meeting with the Pediatrician
You will want to meet with a pediatrician before you select them. Make sure you come prepared with a list of questions. What is their philosophy on childcare? Are they part of a group practice? How long does a checkup last? If you have questions about vaccinations, breastfeeding, or discipline, then you should also bring them up during the interview. A good pediatrician is able to address the concerns that you have. Getting advice from a pediatrician will make it easier for you to make the right parenting decisions.
You should also observe how the pediatrician interacts with your child. It is normal for a child to be anxious and nervous in an office setting. Experienced pediatricians are not intimidated by an anxious child and will try their best to soothe the scared child.
Trust Your Instinct
Just because a pediatrician is qualified does not mean they are the right fit for your child. It is important to trust your instinct. If you do not feel comfortable with a pediatrician, then don’t hesitate to look for another one. It may take you awhile to find the right one for you. The time you spend invest in searching will be worth it when you find someone you both connect with.
It can be hard to find the right pediatrician for your child, but there are things you can do to make the task easier. Check their credentials and experience and schedule a meeting beforehand. Additionally, you will need to trust your instinct and make sure you feel comfortable on a personal and professional level.