Seeking Open-minded Pediatrician

Updated on April 16, 2008
S.G. asks from Tucson, AZ
4 answers

Does anyone know a good pediatrician (preferably in the central to NW area of town) who is open-minded about alternative vaccine schedules? I've been going to Catalina Pediatrics, and I really like Dr Goldberg, but as with most pediatricians, he really isn't very open to the idea of alternative scheduling of the infant vaccines. He has been very respectful and willing to discuss things with us, and ultimately he says it's our decision, but he doesn't agree with the idea. He totally stands behind the AAP recommendations, but I've done enough of my own research to question some of the "party lines". Anyway, I'm thankful that he's been so respectful, but it would be really nice to work with a doc who is knowledgeable about alternatives and open to helping us make the best decision for our family. I'd love a recommendation.

Thanks!
S.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for the suggestions! I've decided not to switch pediatricians for now. I did find a great book on vaccines - The Vaccine Book by Dr Robert Sears. It offers a good research-based approach that is not anti-vaccine. Dr Sears recognizes the importance of vaccinating, but also recognizes the potential risks associated with the vaccines. He offers an alternative schedule that gets your child fully vaccinated, but does it in a slightly different way to minimize the potential risks.

I just had my son's 6mo check-up yesterday. I had a good conversation with our doc about it, although I have to say that I found his attitude somewhat frustrating. He thinks most of the information about potential risks is unfounded, but it seemed obvious that he hadn't read the book or done the research himself. I think most docs feel obligated to stick by the AAP recommendations, and they trust that the FDA and other regulatory agencies are doing the appropriate research. From what I've read, I don't fully trust that they are, and that worries me.

Anyway, I stuck to my guns, and we agreed on a compromise schedule that I feel ok about. It's just frustrating to have to argue with the doc about it - it would be so nice to have a doc who is knowledgeable and could advise us about it rather than being treated as if I'm buying into a wacko conspiracy theory. I have a Master's degree in cognitive science with an emphasis on research methods, so I'm hardly a dummy when it comes to evaluating these things!

Ok - enough of the rant! Thanks for the advice!

Cheers,
S.

More Answers

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K.G.

answers from Tucson on

My husband is a physician (though not a pediatrician)and his mother is very into alternative medicine, so he has a good grasp of both. It helps sometimes if the doctor is a D.O.. There is an alternative medical program for doctors called "Program in Integrative Medicine" that teaches about all kinds of alternative approaches to medicine. Sanford Newmark is a pediatrician who teaches in the program.

Legally pediatricians have to follow the AAP guidelines because it is the standard of care. I'm not familiar with the alternate vaccine schedules, but I know that not all published reports are reliable. Lots of theories out their can't be backed up scientifically, so be discriminating in your reading.

Best of luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.H.

answers from Seattle on

Hi There-

I know you said NW side of town, but if you can't find one over there, I have a good pediatrician on the E side of town who's respectful of choosing alternative vac schedules. We're with Dr. Albert Callie. He was my pediatrician growing up, and now his son, also Dr. Albert Callie, practices with him. If you can't find one on your side of town, you can always try giving them a call :-).

T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.D.

answers from Tucson on

we use dr. newmark for any well-baby check-ups, and he is great! he still encourages certain vaccinations, but is respectful. however, you can't use him as a primary care physician, meaning if you need to get into the doctor "today", it won't work with him, he has limited hours, and is mostly used as a consulting doctor (anyone reading who has adhd, behavior, or food type issues should really go see him!). i will try the callies again, last year they weren't accepting new patients. thanks for the question, i have had a hard time finding one on the eastside. i would suggest calling the el rio midwives group, i know they gave my sister a suggestion for one on the NW side.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Tucson on

I take my kids to Orange Grove Pediatrics, its by the NW hospital women's center. Dr. Gloudemans is really nice, and she didn't even want to vaccinnate my kids in the hospital but waited till their 2 month check-up. She seems pretty open minded about things, and always answers my concerns and is willing to discuss things with me. You could try her, I love her! Good luck! A..

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