Choosing a Pediatrician
Choosing a pediatrician may not seem like a priority early in pregnancy, but finding the right pediatrician for your family is very important. Many women begin interviewing pediatricians during their second trimester of pregnancy.
What is a Pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of infants, children and adolescents, usually from birth to age 21. Many pediatricians are also trained in subspecialties, such as neonatal medicine or cardiology.
What services do Pediatricians provide?
Pediatricians provide preventive care to children who are healthy, as well as medical care to children who are ill. This care includes physical, mental and emotional support. Most pediatricians offer a variety of services to meet your child’s needs.
These services may include:
- Evaluating child’s growth and development
- Education about children’s safety concerns, healthy lifestyle and breastfeeding
- Administering immunizations
- Detecting problems such as developmental disorders and behavioral difficulties
- Diagnosing common illnesses such as ear infections and stomach flu
- Prescribing medications to treat illnesses
How are Pediatricians trained?
Pediatricians must complete the requirements set by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The requirements include:
- Graduation from an approved medical school
- Three years of pediatric residency training
After completing the residency training, pediatricians must pass a test administered by the American Board of Pediatrics to be board certified. Pediatricians must be recertified every seven years.
How do I find the right Pediatrician for my child?
Asking friends, relatives and your prenatal care provider for referrals to a trusted pediatrician is a good start. You should then create a list of important questions to ask your friends, relatives and the pediatrician candidates. You may already have some criteria in mind. For example, do you prefer a male or female pediatrician? Does the age of the pediatrician matter to you? Scheduling an interview with several pediatricians may sound overwhelming, but it usual takes less than 10 minutes to get a “feel” for his/her style and habits.
What questions should I ask my friends and relatives about their Pediatrician?
- Do you feel rushed at your appointment?
- Are all your questions and concerns answered by your pediatrician?
- Do your children like their pediatrician?
- How are emergencies handled on the weekend or after hours?
- Does the pediatrician include you in the decision-making process?
- Does your pediatrician explain the side effects and risks of medications?
- Does your pediatrician respect your choices? For example, how does your pediatrician respond if you choose not to vaccinate your child?
What questions should I ask the Pediatrician?
- What is your educational background?
- What hospital would you admit my child to in an emergency?
- What is your philosophy concerning breastfeeding? For example, do you offer referrals to lactation consultants?
- Do you have separate waiting areas for sick children and healthy children?
- What is your philosophy on circumcision and antibiotic use?
- If I cannot speak to you when I call, will your nurse be available immediately?
- Does your office accept my insurance plan or handle payment arrangements?
Can my child see a health care provider other than a Pediatrician?
A pediatrician is the not the only health care provider trained to see babies, children and adolescents. Some parents choose a general practitioner, family physician or chiropractor for their child’s care. These parents may visit a pediatrician only if their child experiences a serious medical problem or complication.
Compiled using information from the following sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics, http://www.aap.org/
American Board of Pediatrics, https://www.abp.org/ABPWebSite/
Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, http://www.womenandinfants.org