What to do, what to do...need advice on new pediatrician...

[mtemm]

we just got back with our "meet the dr." appointment with a new pediatrician for Daniel. They were really nice...said all the right things, anyway...and are less than a mile away. the dr. himself was a bit odd...may just be his manner. and there was religious stuff EVERYWHERE. Now, I am catholic, as is my husband (although he is more lapsed). I can understand some stuff I guess...but this was all over. Plaques, wall paintings, etc. On the form we filled out there was even an option if we wanted prayers for Daniel.


Our other option is to go further away (about 20 minutes probably), and into the city to a ped. a friend of mine highly recommended. I just got off the phone with them...they do not do "meet the dr." appointments except for expectent mothers (???). They are a very busy practice...expectedly so since they are in the city after all. Based on my friend's recommendation I really think this woman will be everything I want...but not sure the practice will be.

Any thoughts?

 

[Cindy B]

Personally I don't have a problem with it. I appreciate the thoughts on prayers for the patient.

If the credentials are good, and he didn't try to invite you anywhere, maybe the doctor is just a religious guy. At work there are plaques, quotes everywhere, and it doesn't bother me.

 

[Pembo]

mtemm--I think it is odd that they have a place on their form asking if you want prayers?! I don't have a problem with some plaques but that seems a bit too forward for my taste. I'd be concerned that all the religion may be discussed in your visits. Religion and medicine should be separate, IMHO.
However, if the dr was nice and the office staff was good, it would be a hard call! Good luck with your decision.

 

[Lucky4me]

Take your son in next time he has a cold. If the doctor puts his hands on your sons forehead, says HEAL THIS BOY JAYEEEEEESUUUS!, hands you a bill, and walks out of the room, you need to find another doctor.

Seriously, I'd give the guy a chance. If he still seems weird next time you're there, then I'd look elsewhere.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!! Whoo that was a good one!

Me personally I'd drive the 20 mins. Then if it isn't working for you then I'd do the "other" doctor or find a diff one. First impressions are important, imho.

 

[JulesMom]

I would give the MD a chance.

I would appreciate the prayers

 

[snoopy]

I would also give the ped. a chance. It is a little quirky that you were asked if you wanted prayers sent, but its nice that he would remember his patients in his prayers. It can't hurt, right? Unless he starts trying to convert you, then I would offer you different advice.

BTW, my kids went to a "very busy practice" when they were babies. While there was always a doctor on duty, the place was always so crowded! We switched to a less busy practice - it was the best thing we ever did. We get one on one care now, we always see the doctor and he always has time to talk to us for as long as we need. Busy practices are not always an indicator of how well satisfied you will be.

 

[shortbun]

Here's my take on it. I'd have no problem with a
religious plaque on the wall or the prayer request
thing. But, "religious stuff EVERYWHERE" rings of
addiction or obsession to/with religion that might get
in the way of appropriate treatment. Personally, I
hope my doctors believe in and ask for the help
of God instead of putting themselves on that
pedestal of being "God". It sounds like this one
has crossed the line or may at any time. If it were
me, I'd make the drive.

 

[believe]

there was religious stuff EVERYWHERE.

I think this would be defined by the individual viewing it. I have a cross in my car and a friend of my brother's asked if I was extremely religious.
I would have no problem with this doctor since I have atleast one religious item in each room of my house and my primary doctor is also a Christian and we talk about our faith at every visit.

Choosing a doctor is really a personal decision. You have to feel comfortable or you will be less likely to ask the questions that need to be asked.

 

[mtemm]

Thanks for your input...I'm still trying to decide. You know, it wasn't just the religious stuff...and by everywhere I mean there was hardly any wall space left that wasn't painted with bible scenes or plaqued, etc. I think it was more him...he seemed a bit quirky. I wasn't that comfortable...and that has nothing to do with the religious stuff. Just manner. But who knows, maybe its just how he is w/meet the dr. stuff. Maybe he's more comfortable when actually dealing medically?

We met a lot of our neighbors last night and my plan is to call some of them and find out who they use and how they like them. Hopefully we'll figure this out soon!

Thanks again!

M.

 

[aprincessmom]

I wasn't that comfortable...and that has nothing to do with the religious stuff. Just manner.

If you don't feel comfortable with him in a non-stressful situation -- the meet the doctor visit -- what makes you think you'll feel more comfortable with him in a stressful situation involving your child's health?

If his manner or demeanor caused you to think twice, this is not the doctor for you.

 

[mtemm]

true! Well, I just got the name of a dr. from two people in the neighborhood...going to give him a try! Thanks again!

M.