An Apple A Day

Let's face it - pediatricians are not created equal.  We are only in the beginning of March, and so far this year has been a rough one for my daughter.  She has been sick a number of times which has resulted in many, and I repeat, many trips to the pediatrician.  Let me preface this by saying, I don't feel I run to the pediatrician easily.  I usually try to wait and see if ailments begin to show improvement before I make an appointment. 

I love my pediatrician.  We have been seeing her since my son was born eight years ago.  She came highly recommended by people I've known for a long time.  She has a wonderful, caring spirit and is very knowledgeable.  She has a great circle of doctors in specialty fields if I need a referral.  My favorite thing about her is that you have a clear plan when visiting her for an acute visit on how to proceed if the symptoms persist.

It must be a sign of the times, but let's face it medical practices have become larger and larger.  Due to multiple office locations, extended office times and weekend hours I often find it difficult to see the same doctor for two consecutive visits at my pediatrician's office.  I was shocked to find how different their approaches were.  Were they caring and sincere with my daughter?  Sure, I'll give them that.  Where they all good listeners?  No.  Were they all constructively responsive to my questions?  No. 

I began to think about what I love about my pediatrician.  It began to make more sense to me why some of my friends have switched pediatricians maybe once - or even twice.  What qualities makes a good pediatrician and pediatric practice?

I've determined what is important to me and my choice of pediatrician:

Reception    Let's be honest, experiences with reception personnel can set the tone for an entire office visit.  They greet us, take payments, schedule appointments, answer our phone calls, help process forms we might need for school or camp.  They are very important with respect to knowledge of office procedure and practices. 

Nurses     My children have had office visits where the nurses that assisted the pediatrician ranged in experience from recent college graduates to those with 25+ years.  One thing I've learned, no experience in the world compensates for compassion and bedside manner.  This is crucial considering they will ultimately be responsible for administering any needles my child will be receiving.

Around the Clock     Why do my children always get sick in the middle of the night?  Sometimes I need to speak with a nurse at two in the morning.  Having access to a medical professional in the middle of the night has saved us a number of times.  I don't think I could ever be with a pediatric practice that did not offer the ability to speak with a nurse at any time - day or night.

Do you like your pediatrician?  Have you started your child with one pediatrician and switched to another?  What qualities are important to you when choosing a pediatrician?

photo credit: Billy Wilson Photography via photopin cc