When your child is sick, you want the best doctor on the case. This is only more true when it comes to cancer. Choosing the right pediatric oncologist for your child is a critical decision that can significantly impact not just the quality of care but their mental and emotional well-being throughout their cancer journey.
Here are the criteria we recommend are you look for the right oncologist for your child:
Board Certification: Be sure your doctor is board-certified in pediatric oncology. This certification demonstrates specialized training and expertise. This is a baseline requirement.
Experience: Ask about their experience treating children with your child’s specific diagnosis. There are so many variations and types of childhood cancer that the professional in question may not have much hands-on experience in your particular case. Specialists with expertise in rare or complex cases often provide more tailored, insightful care.
Affiliations: Look for oncologists affiliated with reputable hospitals/cancer centers renowned for quality pediatric care.
Multidisciplinary Team: Confirm the oncologist works as part of a team of surgeons, radiologists, nutritionists, psychologists, and social workers. Cancer treatment requires a holistic approach.
Clinical Trials: If you want to pursue it, choose an oncologist with access to clinical trials for cutting-edge treatments.
Support Services: Check if the hospital or practice offers additional support services like family counseling, financial assistance, and educational resources.
Referrals: Ask for recommendations from your child’s pediatrician, other parents, or support groups. Sometimes, word of mouth is your best lead.
Reviews and Testimonials: Research reviews or patient testimonials online to evaluate other families’ experiences. Ideally, you know what you’re looking for and can piece together a good idea of who is and isn’t a good fit.
Recognition: Check if the oncologist has received awards, recognition, or contributions to pediatric oncology research. It indicates a vested interest and passion for helping kids with cancer.
Bedside Manner: Observe how the oncologist interacts with your child and family. Are they compassionate, patient, and approachable? You want your child to feel safe and comfortable with their doctor. Don’t underestimate the power of an oncologist you both like and trust.
Communication Skills: Not all doctors are good communicators. Does the oncologist explain complex medical terms clearly and provide enough time to address your questions? Look for oncologists who are patient and compassionate.
Trust and Comfort: You should feel confident in their abilities and comfortable with their care approach. Don’t put up with anything that makes your child unnecessarily distressed.
Caregiver Respect: Are your concerns being taken seriously? You want an oncologist who earnestly listens to you and considers your perspective.
Proximity to Home: Consider the distance you’d have to travel for appointments, especially if frequent visits will be required. If travel is extensive, you may need to consider a temporary relocation. Explore all reasonable nearby options first to avoid this complication.
Emergency Access: Check if the team is available for emergencies. Who will handle urgent calls?
Personalized Plans: Look for oncologists who emphasize individualized treatment plans based on your child’s needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Research shows that bespoke treatments result in better outcomes.
Second Opinions: A good oncologist will respect and support your decision to seek second opinions rather than getting offended.
Proactive in Palliative Care: Consider how they incorporate quality-of-life care alongside treatment. Do they value managing and minimizing side effects?
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Evaluate the hospital or clinic’s technology, cleanliness, and overall environment. A good doctor might be in a not-so-good hospital. You want to find the best of both worlds.
Accreditations: Choose facilities accredited by organizations like the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) or recognized as centers of excellence in pediatric oncology.
Insurance Coverage: Health insurance can be tricky, especially regarding cancer treatment. Confirm that both the doctor and facility accept your insurance plan and provide a plain estimate of costs.
Financial Assistance: Ask about payment plans or financial aid programs to deal with uninsured expenses.
Your chosen oncologist will be a central figure in your child’s journey, so prioritize empathy, expertise, and a strong partnership in the decision-making process. Remember: you’re not in the fight alone!