Any American trained Pediatricians in Pune?

Rush08

Hi,
I just moved to Pune from the U.S. last week. My baby is just 4 months old and its time for his immunizations. I'm looking for an open-minded pediatrician who will discuss my child's health in detail with me before deciding on an intervention.

For example, it is very important to me that my child not receive too many vaccinations in the same day. I would like to space out his shots. Also- (very important) I do NOT want a pediatrician that will tell me to give my child antibiotics if my baby has a cold.

Do any of you have pediatricians that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance.

Haylo

Restricting your search to paediatricians who are American trained may mean you miss out on an excellent paediatrician who has been trained elsewhere - including in India.

Re the above: Until you find the person who satisfies your requirements, do remember that you're the one paying the bills and that means you're in charge.

Nobody is going to force feed your baby antibiotics against your direct orders.

__________________
The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful - E.E. Cummings, poet (1894-1962)

Rush08

I understand that no one is going to force feed my child antibiotics. But if I go to any pediatirican, without doing my research first, or getting a reference, I risk wasting my time and the doctor's time. That is why I'm asking people if they have any open minded pediatiricians that they would recommend.

I myself am an Indian trained physician from one of the better medical colleges, and I know how we are taught to treat patients. Open communication between doctor and patient is not encouraged. It is more of a one way conversation, where patients don't ask questions. The patient explains their woes and the doctor tells them what to do. Period. Some doctors get very offended if their patients ask them questions.

In the U.S. physicans are trained to explain every single minute detail to a patient (of course, not all do). Physicians are worried about their patients complaining to insurance companies or boards. India doesn't have that kind of system. That is why I was asking for an American trained physician.

Of course, if I can find an open-minded Ped it doesn't matter which country they are from.

Haylo

Thanks for explaining, that is interesting to know.

Best of luck finding someone you feel you can trust.

Nick-H

Haylo, many people here just expect a prescription from their doctor, and they expect it to be as long as possible. They then go to the pharmacy, buy the pills one or two at a time, and stop taking them if they don't like the taste or they seem to be getting better anyway. India is a dream destination for bacteria wanting to acquire antibiotic resistance.

My doctor gives me a mini-medical-school lecture. He spends time each year practising and teaching in UK, and I guess he is able to fit into either system.

I sympathise entirely with Rush's view of the system here; of course it used to be the same in UK a few decades ago, and of course as an insider, she knows it far better than I ever hope to.

ckforum

We are in the process of moving to Pune from US. Last year my wife spent a couple of months in Pune and had positive experience with a pediatrician. I don't beleive she was US trained though. I can send you information if you want.

One thing that we learned was that in India thay follow different schedule for immunization from US.

Rush08

I would really appreciate it if you could give me the name of the pediatrician.
We told our U.S. pediatrician about our move from the very beginning, so he gave us a hybrid schedule for immunizations.

Thanks so much!

dipydoo

Rush,
Having gone thru the immunization of two kids on the Indian system, let me tell you this - The maximum number of immunization shots that any decent Pead will give your kid in a day is ONE. He/She may club an oral vaccine along with that, but thats it. (I have read of some US congressman's (Dan Burton??)grandchild being given 9 shots in a day!, rest assured, that does not happen here)
The only vaccines that are clubbed together is the Measles-Mumps-Rubella and of course the DPT one, both of which are given as a single shot. You can ask for separate ones of the MMR if you are not comfortable with this.

Even the busiest Pead will give you time to answer your questions. My kids' Pead normally sees close to 100 patients a day, but still will listen to what I have to say without annoyance.
Regarding Antibiotics, this is what I have gleaned - ear infections, chest congestions are all treated with ABs immediately. Given the high humidity and temperature these need ABs. But for other things docs normally dont give out ABs till maybe your second/ third visit for the same trouble...

As with anything, be ready to change docs if they are not to your liking. Pune has good doctors and you will not have too much trouble finding one who you are happy with...

Nick-H

OK, so it was >50 years ago, but all my immunisations just got done by the family doctor.

This is pure curiosity that prompts me to ask, and you may also detect that I have not had any children (apart from the feline ones), but what is the reason for needing a specialist to administer? Is it not 'just routine'? As a doc, could you not do it yourself?

Feel free not to take the time to explain --- but I'd like to know.

Rush08

I'm sure your cats have received their vaccinations so on some level, you can relate.

Immunizations are routine, but I am trying to establish a relationship with a pediatrician who will do all well baby visits and treat my child in case of any illness. If I go to different places for different services, then there may be some health related information that is not communicated or misunderstood. For example, when I go to a regular clinic for my child's vaccines, a nurse may give him the shots. If I go to a pediatrician who knows my child's detailed history, he will also know that there is a family history of convulsions, so he may suggest delaying certain vaccines until my child is older. This is just one example.

There are 2 reasons I would not do this myself:
1-It is poor practice to treat your own family members. Doctors should maintain objectivity when treating patients, but when the patient is your own child, it is difficult to keep emotions out.

2- I am a GP and not a child specialist. My knowledge and clinical skills are greater than a layman, but far too inferior to be treating my own child. In addition, I do not have access to vaccines and don't know where to get them from and what kind of brand has the best quality.

I hope that explains my point of view.

Nick-H

Thank you for explaining that, which all makes perfect sense. Probably I should have had the wit to work out quite a lot of it for myself .

Yes, my 'babies' do get vaccinated!

brishti

there are 2 types of patients -
1. ones who ask questions [ most carry a check list ]
2. ones who do not question : folks in rural areas - the lower middle class and others, who, oftentimes just want a remedy.
they are usually not interested in a diagnosis... simply because they mayn't comprehend the illness, and their life being what it is - getting back on their feet is all they go to the doctor for.

there are 2 types of doctors -
ones who explain - because it is a vital part of his/her practice
ones who do not explain

the choice is left to the kind of doctor you wish to be... irrelevant of the dictum you have been taught.
stereotyping of anything, anybody, anywhere is really in very poor taste.

i am sure you will find a paediatrician of your choice.


:brishti

capt_mahajan

Maybe it is not as good a college as you thought it was.


Quite a few of us in India ask questions, weigh options and decide. Some of us even believe a doc is like any person you pay for advice.

And doctors respond to us in different ways. The better ones do so professionally. We dump those who dont behave that way.


Of course, this is the urban middle class I am talking about. For us, the Indian system works better: good doctors and no waiting for weeks or months for even simple/advanced tests, like it is in a lot of countries I know about.

Rush08

Stereotyping is in poor taste? I guess you would be offended to know that I refuse to buy an American or Korean made car and will not travel by Air India or Aeroflot. Based on my knowledge and experience, I have formed these biases. Don't we all? Saying that stereotyping is in poor taste may be politically correct, but is it practical?
I do think that I may have hurt your feelings regarding medical care in India, for which I do apologize.

I'm just looking for a recommendation. I need a pediatrician, that's all. So far, all I've been getting are questions and criticisms.

In the U.S. I posted a similar request for recommendations. I got the names of 5 doctors. I researched all of their backgrounds, degrees, interests etc. and eliminated the doctors that went to certain medical schools. I was left with 2 doctors and I called their offices and asked questions like, "are you open on Saturdays? can I call 24 hrs a day? etc". I settled on one doctor and he was great. Ironically, he was married to an Indian and understood our culture, which was a bonus.
I thought I could use this method in Pune too, but it's not really working.

ntomer

I agree with Capt. Mahajan. At least to the middle class, educated folks, doctors explain the case thoroughly, putting forth all the alternatives available. And only after patient's consent, any treatment/tests are conducted.

Call up any good hospitals in Pune, and you can get profiles of their pediatricians, and then can made your decision.

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