Every parent wants to select the best pediatric surgeon when it comes to the health of their child. Children can end up needing a pediatric surgeon for a number of reasons, from minor mishaps to major problems. This is a highly specialized field and there are often not that many good pediatric surgeons to choose from. Below we’ve discussed how to find the right doctor for your child. If you’re looking for an expert pediatric surgeon in Kollam, Kerala, get in touch with us and book a consultation today. 

Educational Background & Training

Since this is a specialized field, any great pediatric surgeon will usually have a strong academic background and training. Children aren’t just smaller adults; their bodies are usually in growing stages which means these doctors need years of training and practice to get good at performing surgeries. Check if your surgeon has worked at hospitals and for how long to know whether they have the kind of expertise you seek. 

Specializations

There are many specializations within this field and some doctors choose to focus on one or two, while others can cover a wider range of surgeries. For example, some surgeons focus just on the brain (pediatric neurosurgery) or just the bones and muscles (pediatric orthopedic surgery). To select the best pediatric surgeon for your child, make sure the surgeon has trained and worked in the area in which your child needs help. 

Hospital Affiliations

Often hospitals want to work with well-trained and expert medical professionals, so having a hospital affiliation can be a positive sign. Apart from that, hospitals and other medical organizations often have state-of-the-art equipment and entire teams dedicated to child care. This means that not only will you get access to the best pediatric surgeon but also good pre- and post-operative care. 

Check Reviews

Nowadays, reviews are left for all kinds of services, including medical services. To select the best pediatric surgeon, you might want to check online reviews or get feedback from other patients if you can get to talk to them. Note that it is rare for any service to have all 5-star ratings but generally, the reviews should be more positive than negative. Keep a lookout for any recurring points that may come up to help make your decision.

Family-friendly Approach

When it comes to choosing a great pediatric surgeon, you want someone who can include the caretakers as well as the child. Unlike adults, children’s decisions are usually made by their parents or caretakers. A good pediatric surgeon can help not just the patient but even their family understand the diagnosis, complications, requirements, etc. They are good at dealing with multiple people at one time.

Accessibility

While you obviously want to select the best pediatric surgeon for your child, availability is also a consideration. If the complication won’t need emergency services, you can select a doctor who practices even at a great distance from you. If the condition requires emergency attention, then you might want to choose someone who practices within your city. Apart from that, your doctor should have a good emergency response time for best care.

Ask for Recommendations

You can also ask your family, friends, and acquaintances if they know of a good and reliable pediatric surgeon who can meet your needs. When you ask people you know you can often get personal information, like bedside manner and overall approach to care. If you have a pediatrician for your child, you can even ask him or her for their recommendation about the right surgeon. Take all the information in before making a decision. 

We hope the tips above help you select the best pediatric surgeon for your child! If you’re looking for expert pediatric care in Kollam, Kerala, please get in touch with us through our contact details. You can book a consultation and we will be glad to help your child navigate their way to better health.