Written by: Alicia

I just moved to a new town and have been on the hunt for a new pediatrician. This is always the hardest thing to do after a move. If you have children with health issues then you will understand my desire to find the right doctor. It is scary to have to start from scratch with a doctor who does not know your child’s medical history.

It can be discouraging at times while you are searching as well. You have to explain your child’s medical history over and over to every new doctor you meet until you find the right one. However, I am a firm believer it is well worth the effort. Matter of fact, the decision you make may save your child’s life someday so it is not a decision to make lightly.

I treat finding a new doctor just like I would if I was looking for an employee for my company. I would want to hire someone who is an expert in their field, a team player, someone who listens well and someone who does not hesitate to make critical decisions when they have to.

That may sound a bit silly to someone who has a child with no major health issues but if your child does have major issues, these are the characteristics you want. As some of you know, I almost lost my son two years ago due to a severe asthma attack. I watched as a team of doctors fought to save his life for two hours. Then, I watched as a team from another hospital arrive and save his life within one half hour.

The second team of doctors was from Children’s Hospital and they arrived to transport my son in their well equipped ambulance. They were able to get my son in stable condition almost immediately. It was amazing to see them swoop in and take over. They ended up teaching the other team of doctors a few lessons on how to help clear out a child’s chest while mechanically ventilated.

Why the other team of doctors did know this technique I will never know. What I am now sure of is that it is scary to think about how doctors in the same field can have such a difference in knowledge.

All pediatricians are not the same. Some are current, some are not. Some are good listeners and others have a God-complex. Some consider a mom’s gut feeling while others say we “Google” too much. Some doctors always seem to be advanced in the treatment or care you need while others have not opened up a medical book/journal in years. Matter of fact, I would not even have my kids if I didn’t keep searching for the right fertility doctor. My last doctor tried a new medication on me that did the trick. Five years of struggling and he figured my body out in a matter of months.

It is important to shop around for the right pediatrician. Take it from a mom who has literally seen the vast difference in knowledge between doctors in the same room. There I was in a room full of doctors: One group would not have been able to save my son. The other group was much more knowledgeable, did not hesitate one ounce and saved him quickly.

Shop around,
Alicia