I need help with what I need to ask the pediatrician at the interview..

Melissa - posted on 08/18/2009

Thank you..I was wondering how often I would have to see them..I've never had a problem with the Military Dr.s so I'm not worried at all about them :) Thank you so much for your help!

Nicole - posted on 08/18/2009

Well if it's only for 3 months I wouldn't stress over it too much. You'll probably only see them at the hospital when you deliver, 2 days after discharge to check baby's weight, the 2 week well baby appointment, and the 2 month well baby appointment. As long as your baby doesn't get sick and all goes well you're probably not going to see the doc that much. All the military pediatricians we've seen so far have been great; they answered all my questions and we never felt rushed. My son was born on Langley AFB so all we know is military doctors!

Melissa - posted on 08/18/2009

Thank you ladies..my husband is in the Military too and I knwo I won't have a choice when we go home, but since hubby is on deployment I came home (where no base is within like 3 hours driving distance so I actually get to choose his Dr for the first 3 months..its hard! lol

Nicole - posted on 08/18/2009

I don't know about asking questions, I never interviewed any pediatricians. My husband is in the military so we see military docs, whoever's available when I make an appointment. But you should look for a doc whose parenting style mimics yours because you'll be more likely to see eye to eye on things. Also find out who to call after hours and how soon you'd be able to bring your baby in if they're sick. Ask if they have like a nurse help line you can call if you have a question, like you're not sure if you should bring your baby to the doc or not. There's lots of "Is this normal?" moments with the first!

Robin - posted on 08/18/2009

How about: 1. When they give vaccinations, and there are more than one to give.. are they staffed enough to be able to have another person there to give the 2nd consecutive shot at the same time the first is being given? 4 pokes in one day, separately is an AWFUL lot on a little one. I always made sure that our ped was able to do them simultaneously.
2. What is their position on breastfeeding/extended breastfeeding? Does it match with your thoughts?
3. How about co-sleeping?
4. Give them a scenario like: "I call at 4:45 (your office closes at 5), and my child has a 100 fever, pulling at their ears." What would you tell me to do? Would they be willing to stay the extra 1/2 hour to see your child?

These are all things that I have personally asked. And ya know.. I actually did get an answer on the last one that told me to take my child to the ER because they close at 5!!

Melissa - posted on 08/18/2009

Thank you thank you thank you!!! :) Those are really good questions!

Kirsten - posted on 08/18/2009

Is there a number you can call 24 hrs for advice?

What is their philosophy on vaccinations? Does it match up with yours?

How busy are they on a daily basis? Is it easy to get in if your child is sick?

Do they like the wait and see approach for colds/flus/ear infections or will they just give antibiotics right away?

Do they have Saturday hours? (trips to the ER are very expensive)

Do they trust that moms know best and listen to you for the best clues as to how ill your child might be?



Those are just a few I thought of off the top of my head. Good luck!