find ds new ped or start with a family physician?

[Anonymous]

DS is turning 17 in October- he's a junior in HS, so two full years at home before college. His pediatrician -- who we have been seeing since he was born -- will be retiring at the end of the year. We love him and DS feels very comfortable with him. I am debating over whether we should find him another ped (there are several in the practice who I'd consider) or just start him on a primary care so he doesn't have to switch again in a few years. Besides hating the little kid-ambiance of the ped's office (the jungle animal murals on the walls, Highlights magazines in the waiting room etc....LOL) he said he doesn't care either way. DS goes to the ped every year for a well-visit and then maybe once every 18 months for ears, sore throat, etc. but otherwise he's a very healthy kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is turning 17 in October- he's a junior in HS, so two full years at home before college. His pediatrician -- who we have been seeing since he was born -- will be retiring at the end of the year. We love him and DS feels very comfortable with him. I am debating over whether we should find him another ped (there are several in the practice who I'd consider) or just start him on a primary care so he doesn't have to switch again in a few years. Besides hating the little kid-ambiance of the ped's office (the jungle animal murals on the walls, Highlights magazines in the waiting room etc....LOL) he said he doesn't care either way. DS goes to the ped every year for a well-visit and then maybe once every 18 months for ears, sore throat, etc. but otherwise he's a very healthy kid.

Might be worth asking your pediatrician for advice. My first thought was just switch now to reduce hassle one year later but there may be common medical issues in late teens that are best served by pediatricians. Also some pediatricians may agree to see him until his early 20s when college is done. There again, maybe there are family physicians with requisite expertise in late teens/ young adults. I would ask your pediatrician WWYD?

[Anonymous]

I would switch to a general practitioner now. There is no reason to find a new pediatrician for a 17 yo. My kids switched to a general practitioner when they started kindergarten because we really liked the family practice and preferred it over the pediatricians we had gone to previously.

[Anonymous]

^and honestly, although at 17 he’s not legally an adult, a primary care doctor may have more experience dealing with your DS and issues that come up with a 17 yo than a ped.