Health Hub: Choosing The Right Pediatrician
Take these steps to feel confident about your decision.
These days, most parents choose pediatricians before their babies are even born. Choosing a qualified, compassionate physician for your child is one of your most important jobs as a parent, but there are steps you can take to find the pediatrician that fits your life and feel confident about your decision.
Ask Around
Your friends, family and coworkers are great sources of information. If they’re taking their kids to someone they like, find out exactly why – beyond the general “she’s great!” – they appreciate their doctors’ style and methods. If you’ve just moved to the area, ask your child’s teacher or school administrators. They know everybody. If you’re pregnant and trying to get a head start, ask your OB/GYN for a few recommendations.
Have A Chat
When you schedule a meet-and-greet with a pediatrician, ask about their background and training and get a general feeling for how the practice operates. What hospital does the doctor use? Does the practice have extended or weekend hours? Are there other physicians or advanced practitioners in the group who can see your child should their doctor be out? Pre-natal visits with pediatricians are often free of charge.
Look at the Bigger Picture
Nobody wants to think about their child having a serious health issue arise that requires specialist referral or hospital treatment. Having a doctor who is part of a trusted, highly rated network of care – one that includes specialty physicians and surgeons that can seamlessly access your child’s full medical history and information – will ease your mind when those unplanned situations occur.
Pediatric Care in Your Neighborhood
We offer a world-class network of pediatricians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants close to home for babies, children and adolescents. Plus, our team is backed by the state-of-the-art facilities at AdventHealth for Children. We’re always here to keep your little ones feeling their best. All of our physicians are part of the AdventHealth Care Network.
Michelle Norden, MD, is an award-winning, board certified pediatrician who provides compassionate care for patients newborn to age 18 in College Park and Orlando. Her clinical interests include acute illness treatment, diagnostics and test interpretation, preventive medicine and well-child exams.
To schedule an appointment, visit YourCentralFloridaDoctor.com/Pediatrics, or call 407-988-2226.
