But, not only are we supposed to interview a hundred doctors, it seems from the common advice that we’re supposed to get right in there and hit them with the tough questions as well. A few sample recommended questions to ask are:

What do you do to stay current with the latest trends in disease prevention, treatment, nutrition, behavioral problems, and child development concepts and what type of continuing education do you use?
This seems like good advice but regular people are supposed to be asking these questions. Most people have trouble asking for a clean fork in a restaurant. I don’t think they are going to be up for interrogating their potential pediatrician. Just use your best judgment.  If you spot a jar of leeches on the counter or the doctor’s big on leprosy vaccines, he’s not current.

What philosophy do you follow?
Listen, Dharma, you’re looking for a pediatrician, not a Yogi. The philosophy they all follow is “let’s try to keep your baby happy and healthy.”

Are you board certified and do you have a criminal record or history of malpractice lawsuits, etc.?
Come on, I know less about my husband.

Then there are a bunch of Nancy Drew questions to ask yourself:

Is the staff at the office friendly and accommodating?
Okay, let’s just calm down. They’re not going to be helping you change a flat tire, they’re going to be jotting down a future appointment in their book.

If it's a group practice, do you know and like the other doctors?
You have a rich fantasy life if you think you’ll be able to interview all the other doctors. You will be lucky if there’s enough time to get to yours.

Do you have to wait a long time for your appointment?
Now you’re delusional. You will never find a doctor’s office where the second they see you they say, “Hey you! Get in here, Silly!” I’d like the whole world to be made of rocky road ice cream and Gobstoppers but that’s never going to happen either. Lower your expectations.

Is parking plentiful and close by?
Just pick a doctor and stop wasting my time already.

One web page states that you should get a referral from your OB. I’m gonna have to go ahead and disagree on this one. Doctors are notorious for recommending other doctors who recommend them. Even the best doctors often give mediocre recommendations. If you are going to go this route make sure that it’s someone your doctor has taken his or her own kids to and not their golf partner.