Family Doctor vs. Pediatrician
Karen's wondering if her decision to use a pediatrician for her child is the right choice. Anyone want to offer up their experiences?
After switching from a lovely family doctor at Portland Family Practice to a pediatrician at Broadway Medical Clinic, I'm wondering if I made the right choice. I had a bad experience with the doc at BMC at my daughter's 3 year appointment, plus it is so big and busy. The two reasons I decided to switch from PFP in the first place was that our doc there only worked a couple of days and, secondly, all my friends had babies (after me) and all went to a pediatrician, so I thought this is what I should do too - more specific medical attention for children, etc. I should let you know, I'm Irish and we always went to a general practitioner growing up - I'd never heard of a pediatrician until I moved here and had my first baby 3 years ago! I'd love to hear from other people about why they chose a family doc over a pediatrician and vice versa. I'd also take some recommendations, even if it means moving within the practice in BMC. I just want to get it right this time for my childrens' sake. At this point, I'm a little tempted to see if my doc at PFP will take us back!
The reason my son is seen by a Pediatrician vs. a GP or FP doc is strictly because I believe that Pediatricians are more familiar with problems that children face and are more likely to spot a problem sooner. Living in a large city with so many good Pediatricians to choose from, I didn't consider any other option. However, if we lived in a rural community I would consider going to a GP/FP if I didn't like the Pediatricians available. We live in Beaverton and see Dr. Mary Ellen Ulmer with Portland Clinic. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone in this area. I have also heard great things about Dr. Margaret McCloskey at Sunset Pediatrics near St. Vincent Hospital.
Posted by: J in Beaverton | March 14, 2007 at 08:46 PM
I was seeing my doctor when I got pregnant and was expecting to get an OB/Gyn referral for my pregnancy. They were surprised I wanted to go to someone else and I had no idea that my doctor delivered babies! I am enamored by my doctor, so I stayed with her, and then it was just natural to ask her to see my baby as well. It was so nice to have the continuity of having someone who knew my medical issues and personal issues, so she knew what to ask when she saw my baby. Also, I sometimes sneak questions in about myself at the baby's appt and some about the baby at mine. I feel she has the whole picture, which we wouldn't have if we had an adult practitioner, an OB/Gyn, and a pediatrician. My doctor is extremely knowledgable about pediatric issues, and will then turn around and ask me about birth control, which I think are all related, don't you? I'm glad I stumbled upon Gateway Family Care and I recommend them to anyone in the area who is looking for a doc for themselves and/or their family.
Posted by: debby | March 14, 2007 at 08:59 PM
We use PFP and I can't recommend them enough.
Posted by: Anne | March 14, 2007 at 09:01 PM
My two kids have been seen by PFP doctors since delivery. I love them (my kids and the doctors!) But I know what you're saying about the limited availability of some of the doctors. However, I've been pleased with all of the doctors that I've interacted with at PFP. As far as the pediatric vs. family practice, I think it depends on your comfort level. I think a pediatrician is more likely to address all the issues that come up with kids -- sleep, behavior, etc. While, as was noted above, family practice is more likely to see the bigger picture (especially if you are a patient there, too), and you get a more integrated model. I would vote for PFP again, but I'm a big fan and quite biased!
Posted by: charissa | March 14, 2007 at 09:04 PM
we've had all three of our kids at BMC since kate was born (she's 7). our first doctor passed away (cancer), but we now see dr. coughlin, who i highly recommend. we also like ann vestergaard at BMC. both have been excellent doctors, approachable, reasonable, and amenable to integrated medicine.
dr. vestergaard gave us the best advice we'd ever gotten for mina making the transition from youngest to middle child: by the time he (our baby)is old enough to notice her, he'll adore her, which will fit right in with her own self-image (i.e. of self-adoration!)....and boy, was she right!
Posted by: leslie | March 14, 2007 at 09:39 PM
Between me and my kids, I have pretty much been living at my doctor's office this winter. But after every visit I always feel glad that we go there. I just took my baby daughter there for a case of pink eye yesterday and the doctor found an ear infection too! I had no idea. I thought she just had the sniffles like the rest of us.
It's not a pediatrician, it's family practice (Family Medical Group, across from Grant Park on NE 33rd). Before we moved here we had a pediatrician for our eldest daughter and GP for us grownups, but this office was so close to our house and I kinda liked the idea of one-stop shopping so to speak. I too had concerns at first, that they wouldn't be up on everything kid related, but that hasn't been my experience at all. I have seen all the doctors and they each impress me with their knowledge. And like
Debby said, it's nice to be able to sneak in your own questions on kid visits and vice versa.
I love this practice for many reasons. They will always fit you in, even if it means they're working until 8 at night. They also have Saturday hours, drs. on call at all hours, and an in-house lab. Also, the doctors listen to me and my MANY concerns and never blow me off as a "typical worried mother" as I have had happen in the past.
I also like that the waiting room isn't SO geared toward kids as our previous pediatrician's office. I'd rather not have my kids zoning on TV while we wait, or playing with seriously germ-ridden toys.
From my experience, it's not the specialty (pediatrician vs. GP) that matters, it's the individuals involved. When my first daughter was born we took her to a very highly respected pediatrician who ended up making us feel like the most idiotic parents on the planet. And when my daughter's first tooth came in at three months and he said it was "impossible. It's too early" and flat-out refused to put his finger in there to feel it, I dumped him. If he couldn't trust me on something as tangible as a tooth then forget it. So, go with your gut. If you are having bad experiences definitely go elsewhere.
Posted by: Danielle | March 14, 2007 at 09:50 PM
I love PFP! I can't say it enough. I've been going there 17 years and my kiddos have been going since birth. I wouldn't think of going elsewhere. I've never felt that not seeing my particular doctor was a problem (she's only there 3 days/wk) because everyone there is spectacular. I love the fact that they'll work you in on the same day anytime you need them to, and I've never had a problem getting a referral elsewhere when needed. If I was starting fresh, I might consider a pediatrician, but I second the sentiment that it's nice to have one doc/practice for the whole family. Go back to them!
Posted by: MamaT | March 14, 2007 at 11:44 PM
as a physician myself, my advice is that both family practitioners and pediatricians are equally "qualified" to care for children. this is definitely true when one is talking about routine child care, including annual physical exams and the usual childhood illnesses such as ear infections, sore throat etc.... If however, it is determined that there is something a little more unusual going on, such as concerns for childhood leukemia, genetic disorder such as cystic fibrosis, i would most certainly recommend a pediatrician..as one who specializes in children and would have close connections with others who are further subspecialitists in such areas...
Posted by: rebecca | March 15, 2007 at 04:29 AM
Thank you all for your input! Thankfully, neither of my children have any genetic disorders. My family doctor at PFP is Dr. Moran-Yandle and I just love her. Mind you, I never see her now as I had to switch providers for my childrens' births as she didn't have privileges at Emanuel. And, knock on wood, I'm never sick enough for a doctor's visit. She referred me to a wonderful ob/gyn. A friend of mine goes to Dr. Baker and a neighbour to Dr. Vestergaard and they both like them. But, as I said before, I'm gun shy as the current ped was recommended to me by another friend - all 3 of her kids went to this ped and I'm not going back, definitely switching! Thanks again for all your information - it is helping me make the final, final decision.
Posted by: Karen | March 15, 2007 at 08:19 AM
I just wanted to say that, although we liked our pediatrician at BMC, we decided to find another doctor after just a few visits.
The BMC was horrendously overcrowded, parking was difficult, and every visit, we ended up waiting at least 45 minutes. Plus, the nurses handed out cookies after doctor visits, which I thought sent the wrong message. I can't imagine having to deal with that on a regular basis, and from your description, Karen, little has changed there since then.
In your shoes, I'd follow my instincts and go back to PFP. I agree with Rebecca. We just tend to fall into the mode of using a pediatrician in the US. but unless there's a compelling health issue, I don't see that it's necessary.
Posted by: Zinemama | March 15, 2007 at 08:20 AM
We use a family doctor and love it! Just makes my life much easier (we have 3 kids with number 4 on the way). we hardly ever wait and our doctor has 4 kids (a big plus). He understands what we are going through and doesn't like to medicate children (unless required). He also has time to explain everything to our kids so they better understand what's going on. I feel once you have a doctor you are happy with don't change unless you have no choice. Doctors that fit your family aren't easy to come by.
Posted by: Murphy | March 15, 2007 at 10:04 AM
I use Dr. Molly at PFP for me and my baby. She had been my dr for 4 years now and delivered my daughter as well. I just adore Molly and highly reccomend staying with her.
Posted by: Jeannette | March 15, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Thanks Jeannette - I love her too. I just didn't know anyone else in my circle going to a family practitioner for their kids so thought I was "doing the right thing"! I'm going to call her this afternoon and grovel my way back!
Posted by: Karen | March 15, 2007 at 10:56 AM
I also use PFP, have for several years, and love(d?) my doctor. She delivered my daughter and I would not have wanted anyone else to do it (in fact, when I learned at my 38-week visit that she was leaving for the week - and that another doc might have to deliver should I go into labor - my body responded by breaking my water an hour later!). However ... since then, I feel that PFP has become more and more busy, and my poor doc is obviously stressed and rushes the appts too much for my liking, forgetting to answer questions and not covering some key details. She is great about referring me to specialists as needed - but I do feel that her popularity (and her part-time in-office schedule) are affecting the attentiveness to our care. I have been considering switching my daughter to a pediatrician - your story in the reverse! After reading all the comments here, I'm reconsidering leaving PFP, but I do want to give the name of the office my friends have encouraged me to move to - Everywoman's Health and Dr. Kimberly Suriano - apparently a phenomenal women's and children's health specialist. No first hand experience, but I have heard good things. Let us know what you decide and how things go!
Posted by: Amy | March 15, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Well, we also thought that PFP was becoming busier until we went to BMC! Last time I was there (that fateful visit) all 3 parking lots were full and I had to circle twice.
Posted by: Karen | March 15, 2007 at 12:08 PM
My whole family (me, my husband, and my 11 year old stepson) all saw the same GP at Sellwood Medical Clinic. When I told her we were trying to get pregnant she made me promise I would have my official test there. I *love* her and was sad that she wasn't authorized to deliver my baby. But we went straight there a week after my DD was born (she is now 7 months). She has had all her checkups and immunizations and she even answers emails when I panic about things. If I am waiting in the office she comes by and chats with me and my baby for a few moments just to let me know she sees me and knows I am waiting. She is incredible.
Ironically, the Clinic just got their first pediatrician. She was at OHSU in Sellwood, and was unable to take any new patients at the time my DD was born (yes I did inquire because I went through the same fear - everyone has a pediatrician maybe I should get one too? silly me). I don't know if she is bringing all her clientèle with her or not but I do know my GP has already talked about conferring with her on various issues to see how similar their philosophies are. How awesome is that?
So I guess my take-away message here is to do what makes you feel the most comfortable. As long as you feel you are getting excellent care and your child is getting the attention she deserves you are doing the right thing.
Posted by: Melissa | March 15, 2007 at 01:08 PM
(The pediatrician who just moved to Sellwood Medical Clinic is Dr. Monique Pritchard, who is wonderful - caring, involved and so affirming. She just called today to tell us about the move since we could not see her at OHSU since they don't accept our insurance. I'm so glad she's back in the neighborhood and will be moving my 2 YO son back to her practice.) My husband and I see the same family doctor at Providence Cascade and initially took our son to her as well. We always felt like she wasn't really that "into kids" and often didn't give us the practical advice that we so desperately needed on sleeping, fussiness, food issues, etc. That prompted a switch to Dr. Pritchard who gives lots of great advice and spends as much time with us as we need. She also has a really good nurse who is moving with her as well.
Posted by: Sarah | March 15, 2007 at 02:15 PM
I switched from the Children's Clinic to BMC upon a recommendation from a good acquaintance, one who's parenting philosophies were very in step with mine and my husband's. We take our 22 month old to Dr. Kristan Collins at BMC and LOVE her. Yes, the wait is lame. But kiddo loves the waiting room with the fish tank and play house. Dr. C is very "real". She won't push vaccines and will only recommend the ones she feels are healthy and a good idea if we put our son in public schools. She spends a great deal of one on one time with us, not shuffling us between nurses. She has a balanced approach between allopathy and naturopathy and LISTENS to the parent (imagine that!). I was very disappointed with one doctor at BMC while Dr C was out of town once; when she returned and I recounted the experience to her she was appalled that he didn't listen to me and trust my instinct. she knows that moms and dads are NOT clueless. I think the question is not so much pediatrician vs gen. practitioner vs whatever else, it's just character specific.
Posted by: Kelli | March 15, 2007 at 02:39 PM
I have to agree about Dr. Collins at BMC. The wait and the parking was our impetus to leave BMC - not her! I really appreciated that - as Kelli said - she didn't push vaccines, and told us that she respected us to do the research and arrive at the decision that was best for our family. Plus, she took the time to take her ear flashlight apart for my 3yo to show him where the batteries were!
Alas, like I said, that was after we had waited for 35 minutes in the exam room...
Posted by: Zinemama | March 15, 2007 at 08:45 PM
I've always had GREAT experiences with family docs instead of specialists/peds - I appreciate the focus on overall family health. Of course, we have been healthy - obviously if we needed a specialist for something we would want that. But not for wellness visits, general healthcare. I also really appreciate a waiting room that isn't full of sick kids and toys/media. And you know, sometimes if feels like a GP is more kid friendly - since they aren't burnt out all day by them :) Almost like a special treat!
That said, we are new to Portland and I am still in search of the right doctor. I want a natural/alt. medicine friendly dr. and one that is ok with no/selective vaxing. I expected the search to be easier in a town like portland - but so far I just haven't lucked out.
Posted by: kate | March 15, 2007 at 09:26 PM
Kate
I think I remember seeing something on here before about vaxing - people giving recommendations for doctors ok with no/selective vaxing - you might want to search it.
Zinemama - where did you end up going? As for the wait, I think if I was happy enough with the doctor, I could handle the wait. There were times when we had a long wait at PFP too, but I didn't mind as I knew the visit would be pleasant enough (even if my daughter didn't think so!)
Thanks for everyone's input. This is a great site and I'm glad I found it! I didn't get to call PFP today, but will tomorrow - work got too busy. I'll let you know what happens.
Posted by: karen | March 15, 2007 at 10:17 PM
Karen, on a friend's recommendation we ended up with Dr. Sandy Sequeira at East Portland Pediatric Clinic. She is very nice, pro-vax but doesn't hassle us about our position, there's hardly ever a wait, and the staff is really nice.
That said, my kids really aren't sick that often, and if I had to do it over again, I would go with a family doctor who we all could see. I think that would just make things easier. But at this point, since, as I said, we're hardly ever at the doc, it just seems like too much of a hassle to make a big switch.
Posted by: Zinemama | March 16, 2007 at 10:36 AM
I did it! Got back into Dr. Molly. The scheduler was so nice. Phew. I've been sweating over this! Thanks everyone for all your advice and comments. Have a great St. Paddy's Day.
Posted by: Karen | March 16, 2007 at 12:22 PM
I know you've already made your decision Karen but I just wanted to second the good words for Dr. Vestergaard and Dr. Coughlin. Dr. Vestergaard is our pediatrician and we've adored her from day one, she's patient with our tendency to miss the occasional well-baby appointment, she was really great when we didn't have insurance for a while (figured out a way to make the visits much cheaper out-of-pocket), and she's just so cute and energetic. Her advice nurse is awesome, the best I've ever called. She always tells me exactly what to do and I rarely end up having to go in with colds & such.
Dr. Coughlin is fabulous with little boys, too; we saw him once or twice when it was urgent and we loved him. There's another young doctor we saw after Truman was born who was great, as well. And now we take the bus to BMC so we skip the whole parking lot juggle, and it's a lot nicer.
Posted by: sarah gilbert | March 16, 2007 at 04:54 PM
Anyone know what the doctors at Family Medical Group (on 33rd across from Grant Park) are like about delaying/modifying the vaccination schedule? After reading Danielle's comment I'm thinking of moving my kid there also because I'd rather not drive across town everytime he's sick, to the pediatrician. Also, what about wait times in the clinic? It's awful when you have to wait with a baby isn't it?
Posted by: Mardi | March 19, 2007 at 10:56 AM
I am interested in this because we have only been in Portland 7 months and have tried both family practice at OHSU and PFP and now, just this week after my son's 1 yr appt at PFP we are feeling like it is time to find a new Dr......PFP is HUGE and although we do mostly see 1 dr (whom i do like) she rarely has more than 10 minutes for us, and when she referred us to a specialist she didn't even know what came of that appt (new meds etc) almost 2 months later. then at a year we asked about vaccines (we do some on a more relaxed time line) and they basically scolded us for not knowing which ones he needed and told us "it will take hours to go through all the records from SF and OHSU to figure out what he needs" Hours? for a 1 year old? aren't they supposed to guide us and help us make the right choices for our kids? then the kicker....my poor 1 year old was in about a month prior to his 1 yr well child appt (we saw a different dr than his primary)- and they took blood to test lead levels - usually done at 1 year but he was particualry fussy and they wanted to check blood anyway so they did it then.....with me there and 4 nurses they still had to strap him to the table after poking him 3 times....a pleasure as you can imagine. then my husband takes him in for the 1 yr appt - just a month later (i had to work) and the dr proceeds to take blood to test lead levels!!!!! on a 1 year old who just had this done a month ago!!! i was furious, they couldn't read each other's chart notes to see the other dr ordered it a month ago? (my husband didn't realize it was the same test, he gets intimidated in those situations and was already feeling scolded about not knowing which vaccines were due) so my poor baby was once again strapped down and blood taken (only 2 tries to get it this time) only to run the exact same test (which we pay part of out of pocket.....)
i am over PFP, we moved from SF and were spoiled, we had an AMAZING Dr there, the office consisted of 2 female doctors (both moms) and a receptionist. Appointments were always 45min-1hr and they were genuainely interested in our health and a holistic picture of what was going on - with our whole family (they were Family Practioners and all 4 of us saw them) No nurse, no miscommunication, and no mistakes. Does that exist in Portland? Why has it been SO hard to find a doctor for my family here? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: debra | April 08, 2007 at 08:09 PM
This is a total aside, but my kids pediatrician actually enters their vaccine dates on a central system that the schools can check as well. I also write the dates in their baby books. I have never been hassled at all about finding the dates.
Even back in the days of pen and paper records (I have a seventeen year old), if I couldn't find a vaccine date, I would call the office and they would call or print me a record within 24 hours.
Best of luck in your search!
Posted by: lauralye | April 09, 2007 at 10:16 AM
It is interesting to read that many people here, in reference to Broadway Medical Group or Portland Family Practice state that they love the attentive treatment they receive from their practitioners, but are displeased with the wait time in the waiting room or exam room.
These two go hand in hand. The result of much needed and wanted extra time in the exam room with a physician is a wait in the waiting room.
I am a patient of Dr. Molly. My husband goes to Dr. Uphoff. My children go to Broadway Medical Group (Baker).
Both practices serve their patients well. Many a time, when one of us is completely miserable and need to be checked out promptly, the nurse will "squeeze us in". This means there is not an available appt that day.
I appreciate the efforts of both practices to care for all of us during these times and don't mind waiting if my "scheduled appt" is delayed...knowing that they are tending to someone who needs immediate care.
I agree, there are a few peds at Broadway Medical Group that I do not fancy. A bit arrogant and condescending at times. But the majority of the lot are not this.
Posted by: Kari | July 09, 2007 at 01:26 PM
My son also sees Dr. Collins at Broadway Medical and I am such a fan. I love how on top she is on research (no out interneting her), she has always been great with my son, and she is sensitive to temperment issues.
Posted by: Brittney | July 17, 2007 at 02:35 PM
I used Dr. Margret McClosky and she's the best. I was one of her first patients. I'm 19 now so i made it. A++ for her
Posted by: CG | April 08, 2009 at 09:09 PM
I switched from a pediatrician to a family doctor (my son, his dad, myself, his gparents and his aunt all have the SAME DOCTOR) because my sons former pediatrician was overlooking MAJOR health issues (he was seen at metro peds on 92nd in portland/clackamas. my son now see's Dr. Roberta Ruggeri at Oak grove Family Medical and his health issues are FINALLY getting handled. He had a Hemangiona (burst tumor inside a blood vessel causing the BV to burst) and is getting treatment for that as well as being watched for Asthma and HBP which runs in BOTH families
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