How to Choose an Paediatric Doctor

Knowing how to choose an paediatric doctor can put you in a challenging position if you don't know what you're looking for. But when you go into the search with referrals, information regarding credentials and specialties and know the right questions to ask about experience, you can choose with confidence. 

A physician trained in paediatric medicine is educated in the evaluation and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, that is, all the moving parts of the body. An paediatric surgeon has been through at least five years of training beyond the four years of college and four years of medical school, with one year in general surgery followed by four years of paediatric surgery. paediatric doctors may be described as doctors or neurosurgeons; with both able to prescribe medication, treatments and orthotics, with the surgeon qualified to operate.

Specialties and Sub-specialties

We are fortunate that paediatric doctors can choose from a wide range of specialties so that they can best treat our condition. Injuries, congenital conditions, aging and disease can all have an impact on the musculoskeletal system, and soft tissue, bone and joint problems compound the complexity of an paediatric doctor's demands. While many sub-specialties exist, the main categories are: foot and ankle, hand, musculoskeletal oncology, paediatric trauma, pediatric, shoulder and elbow, spine surgery, sports medicine, and total joint reconstruction surgery.

Experience

While the time that paediatric doctors are in practice is important, it's important to check into what type of work has been done during that time. If you are searching for an paediatric surgeon for work on your spine, the North American Spine Association recommends that an paediatric surgeon or neurosurgeon has at least 50% of his time in the operating room attributed to spine surgery. In addition, to be able to know how to choose paediatric doctors means knowing about the sub-specialties addressed previously as well as their board certification.

Certification

A rigorous program is required for paediatric doctors to be board certified. After the nearly 15 years of schooling required for a surgeon and at least eight years for a non-surgeon, he or she must take a standardized exam and then an oral exam which focuses on the doctor's clinical and surgical performance over the past six months. With board certification, you have the confidence that the doctor has been validated by an authoritative organization.

Referrals Help

Having a referral to an paediatric neurosurgeon in Chennai will assist you greatly when deciding how to choose from paediatric doctors. Your primary care physician who first reviewed your condition may have several recommendations for paediatric doctors. In addition, because 80% of people will suffer from some sort of back pain, you may have a friend or family member that can suggest a doctor. Lastly, your local hospital or health insurance agency may have someone to refer you to a qualified physician.

Of course, your first impression when you meet the physician can have an impact on finding the best doctor for your particular condition. With 700 paediatric doctors completing paediatric residency every year, you most likely have your choice, and one that is conservative and caring and shows an interest in your success is probably right for you.