Do I really need a pediatrician for my child?

Do I really need a pediatrician for my child?

In recent years, there's been a noticeable increase in distrust towards the medical profession. I understand the sentiment. The medical field (in particular physicians) has made many mistakes over the years which has resulted in a loss of trust from the public. As an example, pediatricians followed pandemic restrictions without question for far too long and employed fear-mongering and propaganda techniques in order to carry them out. Children were barred from waiting rooms, compelled to wear masks in schools, and even dismissed from practices if they didn't adhere to "the science." Our medical societies have made countless recommendations over the years that have later been found to be harmful. As a parent, I have personally experienced these frustrations and wish my profession would acknowledge and apologize for past harm inflicted.

While I fully grasp this sentiment, I urge us not to use examples like this one to discard the good with the bad, so to speak. Despite any disagreements you might have with how many physicians handled the pandemic (among other issues), and even if you choose not to vaccinate your child, I firmly believe it remains crucial for your child to be under the care of a trusted pediatrician. Allow me to elaborate:

Pediatricians are for more than just sick kids: Many parents tell me they don't need a pediatrician because their child is never sick. My response: What a blessing to have a healthy child! This is something we should never take for granted, as it is never guaranteed. However, I must emphasize that pediatricians receive extensive training beyond simply recognizing and diagnosing illnesses. During every visit, we assess growth, nutrition, development, and safety, among other crucial aspects. We might identify subtle red flags that parents could miss. We also build trust with our young patients, empowering them to advocate for their own health questions and concerns as they grow. Establishing this physician-patient relationship is vital for setting our children up for healthy lives.

Preparing for the unexpected: Even the healthiest children can experience an allergic reaction, an injury, an infected bug bite, or an unforeseen illness. As a parent, wouldn't you prefer to have a trusted professional available to care for your child when such situations arise? Panicked Facebook searches or trips to unfamiliar urgent care centers are options, but they are suboptimal, and stressful. Having an established pediatrician who knows your child can make all the difference in these situations (with direct primary care, this personalized guidance is only a text or quick phone call away).

Parenting is a team sport: I firmly believe that parents know their children best and should make independent health decisions. However, the sheer volume of information and advice available can be overwhelming. Even well-meaning friends and family members can add to the confusion. A trusted pediatrician serves as an invaluable resource when navigating decisions, from choosing the right diaper cream to managing allergies or supporting ADHD symptoms and school success. You don't have to face these challenges alone. Find someone who will partner with you and support you in this journey.