It’s well known that the first stages of life are the most crucial to a person’s development. So much so that more than 80% of the brain is believed to be already formed by the time we turn three. UNICEF explains that this rapid brain growth, making more than one million new connections every second, highlights the importance of infancy and early childhood.
Knowing how vital infancy and childhood are, it’s equally important to have the support of a caring professional who will stay on top of your child’s health and well-being, and that’s where the role of a pediatrician comes in. But even though they are all specifically trained to prevent, detect, and manage physical, behavioral, and developmental issues in children, that doesn’t mean they’re all the same.
Finding Potential Pediatricians in Colorado
Finding and choosing a pediatrician can be overwhelming for some parents, but never underestimate the power of recommendations. Before anything else, consider drawing upon the people that you’re close to for advice, since your friends and family may have the same criteria as you when it comes to choosing the right professional. However, people often live far away from their relatives, so their well-meaning recommendations can become a bit pointless. In that case, you should appeal to people who are physically near you, like your current doctor, who can give you their best referrals, or local parenting groups, who may have already been through the process of finding the right Colorado pediatrician.
Some other possibilities to expand your search are insurance provider websites or healthcare platforms such as Healthgrades or Uchealth, and any other resource you can find online, but always make sure they are trustworthy. You never know where the perfect pediatrician may be hiding, so you might want to give all the options a go.
What Are The Qualities Of a Good Pediatrician?
Now that you know how to look for, you must know what you are looking for. Because, how can you find the right pediatrician when you don’t exactly know what that looks like? Depending on your personal priorities, the list might slightly change, but either way, let’s discuss some of the qualities you should be paying close attention to.
Board Certifications
First and foremost, board certification is quite an achievement for any medical professional because it signifies the highest level of accreditation within a given specialty. It’s not only a matter of status; it also indicates permanent professional development since recertification is an ongoing requirement that must be maintained to stay current. This is relevant to the ever-evolving field of pediatrics because it demonstrates a professional’s commitment to staying up-to-date and continuously improving their skills.
Years Of Experience
Years of experience is one of the most valuable qualities because it certainly adds to a professional’s reliability and reputation. However, this is not to say that enthusiastic new doctors can’t be just as competent as those with extended careers. It’s only a matter of time for newcomers to gain the hands-on experience required in pediatrics.
Compassionate Bedside Manner
A good pediatrician demonstrates warmth and empathy, creating a comforting environment where children feel safe and valued. They take the time to build rapport with young patients and address their concerns with patience and understanding.
Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential for building trust and understanding between pediatricians, parents, and young patients, facilitating open dialogue and informed decision-making. They actively listen to parents’ questions and provide clear explanations in a language that families can understand.
Proactive Preventive Care
A proactive approach to preventive care, including regular check-ups, vaccinations, and developmental screenings, helps ensure optimal health and well-being from infancy through adolescence. Good pediatricians educate families about the importance of preventive measures and empower them to take an active role in their child’s health.
Child-Centered Focus
Placing children at the center of care, good pediatricians tailor their approach to meet each child’s unique needs, preferences, and developmental stage, fostering positive outcomes and long-term health. They engage children in age-appropriate discussions and involve them in decision-making whenever possible.
Collaborative Partnership
By fostering collaborative partnerships with parents and caregivers, pediatricians empower families to actively participate in their child’s healthcare journey, promoting shared decision-making and continuity of care. They respect parents’ expertise as primary caregivers and work together to develop personalized care plans that align with family values and goals.
Lifelong Learning
Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, good pediatricians stay abreast of the latest medical advancements, evidence-based practices, and guidelines, ensuring the highest standard of care for their patients. They actively seek out opportunities for continuing education, participate in medical conferences, and engage in peer-reviewed literature to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills.
Taking the Next Steps To Find A Pediatrician
Now that you know how to find the right pediatrician in Colorado, you are probably wondering what to do next. You may want to consider scheduling a consultation with them to get to know them personally and get a feel for the office environment.
Once you’re there, try to use that time to get any possible doubts cleared up. Some of the sample questions you shouldn’t forget to ask are about their work hours and availability in the evenings and during the weekends, their approach to common illnesses and vaccines, and whether or not they accept your insurance. Don’t be afraid to ask for their phone number or email for emergencies, in case some other question comes up later.
Partnering with the Perfect Pediatrician from Parker Pediatrics
Founded in 1982, Parker Pediatrics acknowledges the importance of experienced professionals who take good care of children and guide families through the process, from the prenatal stages to adolescence. Whether it’s a regular cold or any mental health issues, do not hesitate to contact Parker Pediatrics for a thorough evaluation, diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment for your child. Our Colorado pediatricians are here to help you and your kid every step of the way.