Kinderarzt No More
Pediatrician - Der Kinderarzt
Gearing up for the move, I made all the necessary US doctors' appointments, gathered all records, got a 3 month supply of needed medicine for all. I tried to make appointments with doctors for when we arrived, however, all recommendations were retiring or full. Another factor was location. I wanted someone within reach and that could help us in English.
In the states we were lucky in that the pediatrician was also a regular internal medicine doctor. The doctor would continue to work with us for as long as the practice was around. So when it was time to make an appointment for the girls to get situated in Switzerland- my main interest: quality, English speaking and location. I found a highly recommended pediatrician that fit all criteria. Called them up - gave the names, address and birthdates - and asked them - if this is where teens go? I was promised that was the case. Last Monday we went to the pediatrician for the first time. We walked into balloons, freshly painted animals on half-shaded glass doors of the examination rooms. Children running around with smiles and a front desk receptionist with an even bigger smile. I could feel the glares of horror of my own children from behind. I checked them in and again asked if we were in the right place for teens. I was assured we were and we would just need to sit in the waiting room.
And what a waiting room it was......
A round of nervous laughing for us as we sat in the waiting room. Finally, one tried to lightened the tension.
We were trying so hard to stay until.... another patient ran into the room in her cute little dress, excited to visit the toys. She ran in, saw us and ran out.
I could no longer pretend this was the right place for us. I went to the front desk and talked to them again - at which point they admitted that though their pediatricians are happy when they work with teens - they do not get too many.
So we left and I bought them each a treat for being "almost great little patients."