Pediatrician Woes...

So, I'm 36w3d and my husband and I met with two pediatricians this week. I'm so confused!

Both pediatricians are highly regarded (found them in Castle Connelly's top doctors lists) but they are very different and also have very different practices.

1st doctor:
Soft spoken, not much of a personality, but still came off as knowledgeable. Answers to our questions about breastfeeding and immunizations were a bit wishy washy. Didn't seem to want to take a strong stance on things.

His office on the other hand was fantastic. Only three years old. It has a separate sick waiting room. Saturday and Sunday office hours and there are three other doctors in the practice and someone is always on call.

2nd doctor:
Great personality. Seems like he'd be great with kids (wearing a Looney Tunes tie). Very forthcoming with information and answered our questions very confidently and knowledgeably. Knew exactly where he stood on things like breastfeeding and immunizations.

His office is at Schneider's Children's Hospital which is a teaching hospital, so his office is also a clinic. While this is fantastic because of the convenience of everything we need being in one area, as well as the fact that teaching hospitals are always 6 months ahead of private practices as far as information, it also means that the waiting room is constantly insane, parking is dreadful and the sick and well kids are all bunched up together in the waiting room.

So, what do we do?

Keep looking?

Re: Pediatrician Woes...

In my opinion, you can't choose a Dr because his office is great, you need to like him and it doesn't sound like you are thrilled w/him.

You like Dr #2 but not crazy about the craziness you could face by parking and long waits.

I say keep looking, at least you know you like #2 and if you don't find another one you know you can go to Dr #2.

Re: Pediatrician Woes...

for me #1 would be a no......

#2: teaching hospitals/clinics are frequently FAR more current and up on things than private practices.... that would be a major + in my book. also that he was wearing a cartoon tie and was direct and intelligent are major +'s.

It all depends upon your preferences, ad far as the parking / busy-factors are concerned. frankly, if #2 is still able (not so overbooked) to take your baby for an emergency appt if there was a sudden illness, I'd fight for the parking spots...

(the Dr. we chose is a 30 min drive from home ... not convenient in that regard, but he's super-smart, faculty at a med school, and is comfortable to speak with... we decided to deal with the commuting time)