If your mother in law was a Pediatrician,

[Art 1]

would you use her services to care for your children from new born through adolescence?

[TheVTCGuy]

Sure, why not? I'm not a parent, but I don't see anything wrong with that; (assuming she's a competent Doctor of course). Why not use the expertise of a family member?

[mtrunner]

I see no problem with it at all. The child will probably get even better care from their grandmother.

[Route 66]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

I see no problem with it at all. The child will probably get even better care from their grandmother.

+1

Why not?

[Numismatist]

There's a reason doctors are not supposed to treat family members: professional distance...you can't have it when treating a family member.

It'd probably be fine for simple things, but if a serious problem arises, the emotional connection may cloud judgement.

[Watchdog]

No. Excessive emotion can cloud judgment.

[Grissom]

If she were willing, and felt she could maintain appropriate perspective, absolutely! I know, from my past experience, that it can be done. I managed my father's care for years, deferring to my colleagues when appropriate, with great results, most likely prolonging his life by at least 15 years, and now do the same with my mother. Being able to maintain perspective is the key, along with knowing when to step aside.

Good question!

[DCgator]

I would, some times.

[figbo]

If she's like my MFMIL,NO!

[bodybump]

Originally Posted by DCgator

I would, some times.

Why Jd how many Mother inlaws you have??

[Watch Professor]

Never

[Speed]

No

[chicfarmer1]

Not if you want to enforce privacy in other areas of your life.
Might it set up a great deal of intimate access that is expected to flow into other situations/decisions you don't want her in?

[masterserg]

In fact, my mother is a pediatrician (and my dad a cardiologist). I have a 15 month old little dude, and NO, she is not his primary doc ... no way. I don't think it is a good idea and it can get pretty invasive. I wouldn't have issues with the level of care (at least with my mom) but I rather keep some distance. I do ask her a lot of questions when in doubt though and I find that invaluable.

[JasoninDenver]

another NO vote here.

My wife is a neonatalogist and we have two young children. I can tell you from personal experience that the close relationship can cloud the judgment of even the best physician.

However, you have an invaluable resource for quick medical questions in the middle of the night.

[Crazycarwes]

My personal MIL? Absolutely not!

Your mileage may vary...

[renfield33]

Nope, and it's unethical for her to to it.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

another NO vote here.

... I can tell you from personal experience that the close relationship can cloud the judgment of even the best physician.

However, you have an invaluable resource for quick medical questions in the middle of the night.

Exactly!

Both my parents, 3 aunts, 5 uncles and a host of classmates are all physicians of various specialties. I call them for quick questions but they would never be my physician.

[jyyanks]

I don't think I would do it -- it will be odd for your child later on in life. My aunt was my doctor and I felt odd being honest with her, especially as I got older. I would, however, have her recommend a pediatrician that she trusts.

[gwalker]

My father is a Dr. His partner was my PCP until I was 19 and moved off to college. That said anytime anything happened I was usually with him or just a phonecall away so he did his fair share of wound care on me. If my MIL was a Dr. I would use someone else in her practice. That way she would be in the know but sometimes its better to not have such a strong emotional attachment to the patient but would be there for her input.

[Mockingbird]

No. You can use her as a reference in an emergency or if you really need help, but to have her actually be the child's pediatrician isn't intelligent. Affection clouds judgement.

I have three doctors in my family, and while I'd let them help me out if I suddenly were afflicted by an illness in their vicinity I would never let them treat me professionally in a medical establishment.

[Dr.Brian]

No.
Absolutely not. Can you imagine your child trying to discuss some sensitive issues with their grandparent? She would lack the necessary professional relationship. She's a good resource, second opinion, emergency prescription service, etc. though.

[SWIMPRUF]

No.

[GradyPhilpott]

I agree that it would not be in the best interest of the child.

It's a conflict of interest.

It certainly would be a good thing to have an MD in the family, but as a personal physician, it wouldn't be the best of circumstances and I believe that most MDs would agree.

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by figbo

If she's like my MFMIL,NO!

[Anna Tessa]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

There's a reason doctors are not supposed to treat family members: professional distance...you can't have it when treating a family member.

It'd probably be fine for simple things, but if a serious problem arises, the emotional connection may cloud judgement.

I agree. For a minor illness (cold, etc) I would see no problem having the grandmother treat the child. But for serious or systemic illnesses, it's important to have a bit of objectivity on the part of the physician.

[joeychitwood]

The physician who treats a family member has a fool for a patient.

[blackmsport]

sure

I use here

But I would not use my father if he is a Gynecologist to look after my wife's stuff

[Lion]

I think each situation is different because not all people are the same and have the same opinions. Maybe start out with your MIL as their doctor and see how it goes...you can always make changes if necessary. If you choose not to have her as their physician at least keep her in the loop!!!

[Dan2010]

No.