Want to Find the Perfect Pediatrician? Ask These 5 Questions During Interviews

Interviewing a prospective pediatrician can feel daunting, but finding the perfect pediatrician for your family is definitely possible. You can begin by asking those you trust who they use for their pediatric needs. Your family and loved ones may have recommendations or you might even want to ask your care provider if they know of anyone who is accepting patients. No matter how you find your pediatrician, we have 5 must-ask questions to help you narrow down your options.

For anyone caring for your baby, you should try to find someone with whom you are compatible and shares your views. Let these 5 questions help you get that much closer to finding the right fit.

Why did you choose pediatrics? From surgery to psychiatry to internal medicine to pediatrics, there must have been something that drew your prospective pediatrician to the pediatrics speciality. Do they love children? Have a fond childhood memory of their own experience with a pediatrician? Find out. Pediatricians love to share why they are in the field and knowing can give you more insight into their character and passion.

Tell me about your office and your staff. There is a lot of information you can gather by perusing a prospective pediatrician’s website, but let their answer to this question give you more information about their priorities. Do they highlight that their nursing staff is highly experienced working with children? Do they mention state-of-the-art equipment? Do they mention that they have extended hours after the school day to accommodate working parents? Learn as much as you can about the practice and their philosophies.

Who can I reach if you are out of the office? Who should I contact if my baby is sick outside of your normal business hours? These questions are a perfect way to learn more about the prospective pediatrician’s practice. They may have coverage within a group practice or they may staff physician assistants or nurses with advanced training to provide care in the event that they are absent. If you have concerns about the prospective pediatrician not having coverage in the event of an emergency, this may not be the person for your family. Also, use this time to ask how they prefer to be contacted. Are walk-in visits okay? Do they prefer phone calls about non-emergencies that can be triaged by their staff?

Please share your thoughts on [antibiotics/vaccinations/breast and bottle feeding/etc.] Have a topic you feel strongly about when it comes to your baby? For example, have you considered a delayed vaccination schedule and want a pediatrician who would support this decision if you go that route? Or have you decided to exclusively breastfeed your baby and need a pediatrician who would be on board? Or feel strongly about antibiotics and want to ensure your pediatrician follows best industry practices for the administration of antibiotics? Now is the time to talk about your preferences. This is another opportunity to confirm compatibility.

Tell me more about you and what you enjoy doing when not taking care of children.

Does your prospective pediatrician mention a love of jazz? Knitting? Sailing? Traveling to other countries? Now is the time to learn if you enjoy your pediatrician as a person. This question can allow you to create a genuine connection with your pediatrician, creating a comfort level when you have to make a visit.

Finally, before choosing a pediatrician, verify that they are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (AAP) and/or American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). AAP physicians have passed certification exams to practice pediatrics. ABFM physicians may not have certified to practice pediatrics specifically, but they are trained to treat patients from infancy to old age.

Happy Searching!