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March 6, 2023 | Healthy You | Kids Health
Here are some questions to ask when your child needs a new doctor.
Your family’s relationship with your child’s pediatrician can last nearly 20 years — or longer if you have more than one child.
It’s worth taking the time to find the right provider for support to raise your child to be as healthy and happy as possible.
“Your child’s pediatrician will see you at your best and your worst,” said Ashley Schmieding, MD, a pediatrician with PeaceHealth in Eugene, Oregon. “This is the person you’ll turn to when your baby is fussy with a fever or ear infection, when your young adult child is getting ready to leave the nest, and for everything in between.”
“My biggest piece of advice is to choose someone you click with,” she said.
You may be surprised at the connection you’re able to build with a provider in just a 10-minute get-to-know-you session, she noted.
“Look for someone who puts you at ease. Someone you can imagine you and your child can talk with openly about sensitive subjects, such as an ADHD diagnosis, or struggles with anxiety or depression."
Choose someone who takes the time to understand medical and social factors that affect your child’s health and well-being. This includes things such as family history, language preference, cultural practices and other meaningful considerations.
Whether you’re expecting your first child or have moved to a new area, the process to find a pediatrician is much the same.
Ask other parents you trust for recommendations. When you have a few names, start calling their offices. Staff should be able to answer basic questions and set up an interview with the doctor.
As you get to know your child’s pediatrician better and build your relationship, you’ll appreciate having done your research ahead of time — and trusting your instincts. You might even find that your child looks forward to visiting the pediatrician — and you do, too.