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A paediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of babies and children. In Malaysia, paediatricians usually look after children until their 13th birthday. In some countries, paediatricians see children until they turn 16.

How does a doctor become a paediatrician?
A doctor has to complete his or her basic medical degree and one or two years of internship before being able to enter into a postgraduate training program in Paediatrics. Depending on the country, Postgraduate training takes 3 to 5 years and the doctor will have to pass several examinations before being accorded Specialist status. Following this a Paediatric Specialist will have to undergo Advanced Specialist Training in a Government or Teaching Hospital. Advanced Specialist Training lasts 3 to 4 years and during this time, paediatricians will usually sub-specialize in fields such as Paediatric Cardiology, Paediatric Gastroenterology or Neonatology (the care of sick and premature newborn babies).

When is the best time to choose a paediatrician?
Ideally you would want to identify a paediatrician before your baby is born. This enables your child to receive seamless care from the same doctor from the time he or she is born. Ask for recommendations from your friends who already visit a paediatrician. Ask your Obstetrician for her recommendations too.

If you have children and have recently moved to a new country or area, visit a couple of paediatricians in the area to familiarize yourself with them. In the event of an emergency, you would want to have already identified a paediatrician whom you can trust. Most paediatricians are happy to meet you informally in their office and will not charge for this ‘pre-consultation’.

What factors should you take into account when choosing a paediatrician?

-Location
It is useful to choose a paediatrician closest to your home so that you won’t have to take your sick child on a drive across the city to seek medical care. In Malaysia, paediatricians either have clinics within a Private Hospital complex or as independent stand -alone clinics. Most Government Hospitals also have a separate Emergency Department for children and some have a Paediatric Walk-In Clinic during office hours.

-Opening Hours
If you are working and are only able to take your child for her visit in the evenings, choose a paediatrician whose clinic is open late. Some paediatricians in the private sector even have clinics on weekends, which may be better for routine visits for immunizations and development checks.

Hospital Affiliations
If your paediatrician is based in an independent clinic, find out where they would refer your child to in the event your child needed hospital admission. Find out whether the same paediatrician will look after your child while she is admitted or if you will be referred to a different one.

If you choose a paediatrician before your child is born, ask them whether they will see your baby in the hospital when you deliver or if you should make an appointment at their clinic as soon as you are discharged.

Ideologies and Opinions
It is important for you and your paediatrician to be ‘on the same wavelength’. Ask them about their opinions on immunizations, breastfeeding, antibiotic usage and any other parenting and childcare issues.

A good paediatrician should be able to discuss these issues openly with you, and you should feel comfortable asking your paediatrician anything from the simplest parenting tips to what you should do when your child is ill. If you feel uncomfortable about the way a doctor speaks to you or your child, consider seeking another opinion.

Contact
Ask the paediatrician how they would prefer to be contacted. Will they entertain calls at their clinic? Will they see your child if you were to come in without an appointment? Ask them if you can contact them via email should you have any nonurgent queries.

Most importantly, ask the paediatrician what you should do in the event of an emergency outside their clinic hours. If they recommend taking your child to an Emergency Department, ask them to recommend one in particular.

Age and Sex
As far as your child is concerned, it shouldn’t matter as both male and female paediatricians are able to treat both male and female children and adolescents. If your child is already a teenager and has their own preference, by all means accede to their choice.

The age of a paediatrician is another topic of discussion. The age old assumption that a good paediatrician is someone who is very senior and therefore has many years of experience in the field may no longer be true. As Paediatrics is an ever evolving Specialty, ensure that the paediatrician you choose is not fixed in their opinions from the past and have kept up with the latest research and trends in treatment. In fact a Specialist who has between 5 to 20 years experience in the field may be more up to date and more willing to consult with you on an interactive basis as opposed to a more senior paediatrician who may be more instructive in their consultation.

In any event, every paediatrician has their own methods and experience and will definitely have their own strengths. The final decision on choosing a paediatrician depends on how comfortable and confident you feel when you see them treating your child.

Most importantly, do not hesitate to have an open discussion with your paediatrician about the care of your child. At the end of the day, you and your paediatrician should work together to ensure the best care for your children.

Source: The Expat Magazine February 2014

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