haron Kaminker, MD, answers some common questions about interviewing a potential pediatrician, and what parents can expect.

How early should expectant parents schedule an interview?

How often does a pediatrician see a child during the first year?

What do you think is the most important question that an expectant parent can ask?

What do you think is the least important question?

Is there something that you wish more expectant parents would ask?

Q How early should expectant parents schedule an interview?
A Usually at least 6-8 weeks is a good time period for two reasons. The first is that it may be hard to set up a prenatal appointment based on the pediatricians schedule and secondly if the baby should arrive early it is good to have a pediatrician in mind that you feel comfortable talking with about what is going on with your child.

Q How often does a pediatrician see a child in the first year?
A I see the children at 2 days post discharge, 2 weeks of age, 1 month of age, then at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months which all correlate with the immunization schedule. The more standard schedule is to see the kids at 2 weeks, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Q What do you think is the most important question that an expectant parent can ask?

A How do I get a hold of my pediatrician in emergencies?

Q What do you think is the least important question?

A As they say in school there is no question that is unimportant and that is the point of finding a pediatrician that you feel comfortable with for your child. As a pediatrician I want parents filtering their questions to me. I would much rather let them know that one issue is not concerning, than miss a truly concerning issue.

Q Is there something that you wish more expectant parents would ask?

A Actually the questions that the Internet seems to provide really covers it all these days. There is nothing in particular. I like to tell parents that they need to be comfortable speaking to/calling their pediatrician, as during the first year of life questions do arise.