After you have decided on the type of doctor you prefer, the next question is how to find her. Resources are plentiful in today's digital world, but using them properly and efficiently can be tricky. This section will explore the possibilities and assist you in finding the doctor of your dreams.

The Internet

The Internet has consolidated a large collection of human knowledge in the past decade. Use it wisely, and you will reap the treasures that are stored in its trove; be careless, and risk being abused and misled. In fact, most physicians use the Internet as an important way of keeping pace with medical advances as well as a comprehensive reference. In addition, many cutting-edge clinical research institutions announce their latest findings on the Internet.

One of the best resources on the Internet is the database each state keeps of medical board physicians. This vastly under-publicized but free information is extremely valuable. Basic information is listed for the physician, including address and telephone number. The best way to find this database in your state is to do an Internet search for the keywords “state medical board” and the name of your state.

Many states also display how long the physician has been in practice and what medical school the physician graduated from. However, the most useful information is whether the physician has been the target of any professional disciplinary action. This includes any lawsuits, probation, license suspension, revocation, or other more minor warnings, either in the past or present. Almost all states have at least a searchable database for the public, and all that is needed to complete a search is the name of the physician.

The main problem with this database is that information is not universally available. Each state manages its own database, so the format and the information available vary between states. In some states, the information is privileged, and the consumer has no easy way of obtaining it from the Web site. This may change in the future, however, as more and more states jump onto the bandwagon to empower consumers.

While there is no single Web site that contains physician data for all the fifty states, the American Medical Association Web site (at www.ama-assn.org) includes links to the individual sites for all the state medical boards. The format of these sites varies greatly from state to state.

The Friend

If you have children or are planning to have them, chances are that you have friends with children as well. One of the best sources of information regarding pediatricians is word of mouth from your friends and relatives. Knowing the personality of your friends and family, you can gauge whether their doctor will work for you too.

Keep in mind that what works for them may not work for you, even if your personalities are similar. Ask your friends exactly what they like about their doctors. Ask for specific examples, like the doctor's patience when she explains how to use a particular medication or how she invariably calls on the following day to check up on the condition of your children. These little things can paint a clear picture of the doctor and what she is like.

The Referral

Even if your friend or family member can't help you find the doctor you want, her doctor might be able to recommend a colleague who might fit your personality better. Most doctors don't mind referring patients to another doctor, especially if they feel that another physician can provide a better fit for the patient and parents.

The best way to accomplish this is to visit the doctor your friend recommends. You can also simply go to a doctor you pick out from the list of those available under your insurance plan. At the end of the visit, if you still prefer another doctor, you can politely ask the doctor for a physician recommendation. This is done routinely, and the doctor should not be offended by your request.