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When I moved to Bangalore from Pune about a decade back, it was a completely alien city for me. I had visited it once earlier on an official trip when all my time was spent with my Sales Representatives rushing from one shop to another. I hardly got to see anything of the city back then. I did like its laidback nature and fabulous climate, and the fact that the people were warm and welcoming to a single girl traveling on work. This move though saw me as a mother to an almost year old boy. And you know how it is with children. The first thing that parents do is to find a family doctor or a pediatrician. They fall sick often and it is best to know of a comforting doctor right away. Normally I rely on the word of mouth of other parents or friends when I find a pediatrician. After all, we do not take our kids to just about any doctor but find one who has experience, reputation as well as a gentle manner with children.
Back then, I hardly had access to internet and did not have any friends either in a new city. I borrowed a Directory (yes those bulky old-fashioned telephone directories) from the nearby kirana store. I browsed through Physicians in Bangalore but many of the numbers I got were no longer in service. Also, finding one in the vicinity was a nightmare. In addition, the details were very few. I did not have any reviews to go by or any ratings. It really was very tough. It was like choosing one blindly and hoping that the doctor was good.
Fast forward to today, finding medical practitioners in Bangalore is really so simple. When I moved houses a few years back to my own in a new locality, I didn’t suffer any of the initial angst of my fist move. I had no trouble in finding general practitioners in Bangalore especially for myself. I was sick with flu from the stress of moving and this time I did not need to ask for references from my new neighbors. I had all the information at the click of a mouse. I just did a search that gave me an area-wise list of doctors, their specialization, their contact details and their website details too. Basic information about the doctors and hospitals was available along with a map so that I had my driving directions too. It was so simple.
Technology is really a boon. It has helped reduced fret and toil when it comes to seeking important information. Now essential, reliable information is easily at our fingertips and, we never have to really struggle.
How do you find a doctor in your area?
Truly Rachna Technology is a boon indeed… I use the internet for everything… and I think everyone does…Even booking appointments and finding out doctorys
True, Naba. Yes, even booking appointments online is simple now.
Despite the easy availability of information about doctors in the vicinity,I feel that we must still ascertain from the neighbours or the pharmacy nearby which doctor is good and popular.
You are right. We parents still exchange notes but the process has become much easier.
My father is a doctor, so I never thought in this area. But your post drew my attention to the fact that finding a good doctor is a serious concern & tough task especially in new city.
True, Ravish. It is a big concern when we move to a new place. Thanks for reading.
Mostly, word of mouth, and doctors’ referrals for specialists. But there have been times when we’ve gone online and the reviews up there have helped (but then there are fake reviews too, eh! )
Yes, that is something to look out for, for sure. Doctors’ referrals are dicey too these days.
Technology is truly handy. I mean even we relied on ‘Word of Mouth’ to find paediatricians for Rishi, but technology sure made it easier. Of course, the fact that we have a hospital within the same complex helps 🙂
Yes, that part must be great. 🙂