Interview questions for ped?

[ashleedio]

As a followup to my last post here about the drs in my ped group "looking for the opening." I decided that it's not the group for me (don't even get me started on their stance on vax's), and I set up a "meet the dr" with a dr that came recommended by my LC, whom she said a lot of LLL moms go to (right there, that says to me that he's more my speed - I was also told that he's okay with delayed and selective vax'ing). The appointment will be a 30 minutes q and a with him, where I'm encouraged to bring any and all questions about his practice, his views, etc., and he will answer any questions and also give me a brief overview of his philosophy, experience, etc. I've never interviewed a dr before, so I'm wondering exactly what I should be asking. This forum seemed the most appropriate to ask in, since the main issue we're having with our current peds is my son's foreskin and their misinformation on caring for intact males. What do I ask, and how do I phrase it to make sure that he is giving me HIS take on it, not just reiterating what *I* want to hear to please me? I want to make sure that he will not touch the penis at ALL - no type of manipulation, no fear of retraction, no "peeking at the opening." Our appointment is a week from today, and if I DO want to switch to him, he'll be able to take over for my son's 4 month well check the first week of February.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

My question would be "My ds is intact can you tell me the proper care of the intact penis?" "At what age is being non retractable a problem?" The answer to number #1 is do nothing the answer to #2 is there isnt a problem unless he starts complaining.

[Night_Nurse]

Personally, I'd say "Pretend I'm about to give birth to a boy next month. What would you tell me about circumcision vs non-circed [Personally, I wouldn't use "intact" with the Dr. because he's going to know by that that you probably are already knowledgeable and pro-intact, if that makes sense]. Please tell me what you recommend and the pros and cons of each?". After he/she answers, then I'd ask "So if I leave my son intact, what type of care do you recommend to keep my son healthy"? After he answers, ask about retraction - his definition of what retraction is, when it should or shouldn't be done, who should do it, how he diagnoses UTI's in boys, stuff like that. After he or she has given you all the info then I'd say your son is intact and you left a practice due to improper retraction issues. Let them know you know the medical guidelines but you and the previous Dr. had disagreement over retracting your son and you do not consent to retraction, even a little, by the doctor in order to avoid possible damage.
That way, it's all out on the table. You'll know how knowledgeable he/she is on foreskin issues and they'll know you're not willing to have your son retracted. If you aren't a good fit for each other, it's better to find that out early vs. later.

[Yulia_R]

to be perfectly honest i think that perfect peds just do NOT exist! period. if you cut out of your list every ped who is in some way misinformed about intact care you will have NONE left. i think if the doctor is cool about non-vax and otherwise holistically minded that's the way to go. The only thing you need to do is reminding him/her each time the "do not touch my son's penis please" rule. good luck!

[eepster]

Originally Posted by Yulia_R

to be perfectly honest i think that perfect peds just do NOT exist! period. if you cut out of your list every ped who is in some way misinformed about intact care you will have NONE left. i think if the doctor is cool about non-vax and otherwise holistically minded that's the way to go. The only thing you need to do is reminding him/her each time the "do not touch my son's penis please" rule. good luck!

It's very true that pediatricians are just fallible people, just like the rest of us. I would say one of the best qualities in my ped, and trust me she isn't perfect, is that she is open to learning new things.