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From Residency to Practice

Two female residence doctors talking

A doctor's medical practice should parallel the type of training he or she has completed.

You and your child's primary care doctor should determine if a specialist is qualified to care for your child by reviewing the type of patients the specialist treats and the type of procedures he or she handles.

Pediatric specialists only treat children. Specialists who treat adults and children may only spend 5 to 10 percent of their time caring for children. Among surgeons, there is significant variability in the number of children each treats. For example, many otolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) spend 10 to 40 percent of their time treating children, performing common surgical procedures. Other surgeons may treat only adults or only children.

Refer to the following checklist of questions to ask your family doctor or pediatrician when a specialist for your child is being identified and selected.

Residence doctors on rounds
  • How much of the specialist's training was dedicated to the care of children?
  • What percentage of the specialist's professional time is spent treating children?
  • Did the specialist complete a fellowship in his or her specialty after residency? If so, how long was the fellowship and how much time was spent caring for children?
  • Has the specialist been board certified in a pediatric specialty?
  • How many children has the specialist treated in the last year who were approximately the age of my child and had a similar problem?
  • Is the specialist considered an expert in treating children with my child's condition?
  • Are there specialists in the state who have more extensive training and experience in treating my child's type of problem? If so, why aren't you referring my child to a more qualified specialist?
  • If your child or grandchild was approximately the age of my child and had a similar problem, would you be willing for him or her to be treated by the specialist to whom you have referred my child?
US News - America's Best Children's Hospitals 2008 America's Top Doctors Parents Magazine: 25 Best Children's Hospitals

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Riley Hospital for Children
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Indianapolis, IN 46202
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