Interviewing Pediatricians
Although you can typically narrow down your choice of pediatricians by figuring out who is on your insurance plan and in your area, who is accepting new patients, and getting some recommendations from friends and family, the best way to find a good pediatrician is to actually set up an appointment and meet with a few.Keep in mind that while most parents like to think that they are looking for a good pediatrician, you are mostly looking for a pediatrician who is good for you and your family. And that often comes down to how well your personalities fit together.
A couple of good questions to ask during this interview to help figure out if you have found a good fit include:
- What are good reasons to get a second opinion from a specialist? (A good answer is because either the pediatrician or the parent wants one. A parent should be able to get a second opinion if they think it is important.)
- How long should I breastfeed my baby?
- What is your basic philosophy on discipline, potty training, immunizations, prescribing antibiotics, etc.?
- What is your opinion on alternative medicine, attachment parenting, co-sleeping, etc.?
Most importantly, remember that it doesn't necessarily matter whether or not your pediatrician went to the best medical school or finished first in her class, so those aren't very important things to ask about. You are really looking for someone who is going to care about your child, listen to and respond to your needs, and be available when you need her. And while you may have to initially trust your instincts that you found the right pediatrician, it may take several visits or even several years to know for sure.
