Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro
Pediatrician
Dr Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego earning a B S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and a B A in Political Science He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Public…
More About Me >>
FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA, USA
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
AFFILIATIONS:
  • Attending Physician, Providence Tarzana Regional Medical Center
YEARS IN PRACTICE: 6
WEBSITES:
More About Me >>
Maybe It Can Wait 'Til Morning
12
Posted in Gay Parenting by Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro on Jun 05, 2008

People may not realize how often a pediatrician gets called during the course of a call night, let alone over a long holiday weekend. And one major responsibility I take pride in is being there for parents and their children 24-7. But since I am so often asked by parents, friends, and family members about some of the after hour calls I receive which may not be the most appropriate, for the sake of a bit of humor here on DS, I thought I'd share the first 5 that come to mind.



1. "I just got in and the baby sitter said my son has been sneezing and with a runny nose. Should I wake him up?" Now this one usually comes in around 1:00 AM and what I then find out is the child had been sleeping peacefully for the past 3 hours except for the occasional sniffle. Now ignore the thought that the parent is probably feeling guilty for realizing the child was ill prior to going out for the evening and focus on a very important code of parenthood: Do not wake up a child who is sleeping peacefully. As with most things, there are a few exceptions to this; a sniffle or two is not one of them.


2. "I forgot what you said at the physical earlier today but what were the weight and height percentiles of my daughter?" You might say "no way" but I can assure you I've been asked this. One follow-up: this can wait until the next morning (or even the next visit).


3. "What were the directions of the medicine you prescribed my son?" Obviously this call comes from someone who hasn't filled a prescription in quite some time (so I will grant some leeway here) but unfortunately it occurs right before I drift off into a deep sleep. I then politely ask the parent to read the directions on the medicine bottle and I spend the next 30 minutes trying to drift off again.


4. "What are your office hours?" and along the same train of thought "Can I make an appointment for tomorrow?" No, no, no . . . this can wait until the morning.


5. And my favorite: "I didn't want to bother my own doctor and since I see you so often with my own children, I thought you might treat me." Now this doesn't occur often, but when it does, I'm still surprised someone would even try this--I'm a pediatrician not an internist (AKA adult doctor).


But even though the calls I receive may keep me up well into the morning, I confidently fall asleep knowing that the parents who do call me, no matter the question, are undoubtedly demonstrating concern for the health of their child.


 


Dr. Jeremy


CATEGORIES: Personal Opinion
CONDITIONS AND COMMUNITIES: Gay Parenting  •  Grandparents Raising Children  •  Parenting 'Tweens (9-12)  •  Parenting Big Kids (5-8)  •  Parenting Newborns & Infants (0-1)  •  Parenting Preschoolers (3-5)  •  Parenting Teenagers (12-18)  •  Parenting Toddlers (1-3)  •  Single Dads  •  Single Parenting  •  Twins, Triplets & More
TAGS:

Displaying comments 12-1 of 12
12
I think it is VERY appropriate for doctors to be on call as needed. You want the degree, the title, the money, but you don't want to be on call? Some people just need reassurance that everything will be okay. Not everyone has previous experience when dealing with a sick child. Be patient and kind,, that is the best kind of doctor.
By kevmar  Jun 09, 2008
11
It's too bad that they can't bottle common sense and have it prescribed as needed! But then, I know what you are probably thinking: you'd get a lot of emergency calls off-hours about the directions for how to take it!

I read where Dr. Sears also comments in his book about "if you find a worm in a diaper.... it can wait till morning!" I love that. If a worm can wait, so can a sniffle. = )
By mechellebelle  Jun 09, 2008
10
lol, my daughter has Cystic Fibrosis and for the first year of her life, I called her pulmonologist at LEAST once a week concerning sniffles, coughs, etc. They told me that they really understood but to PLEASE try to be reasonable! :o) Thanks for sharing
~hugs
By NoelA  Jun 09, 2008
9
wow, that's funny stuff right there! as the mother of an 8 year old, I can't imagine wasting an on call Dr.'s time with questions that can wait until the morning. Unbelievable! You are a very patient soul indeed!
By Nisla  Jun 08, 2008
8
I was in the office once when I heard one of the pediatricians in the practice advise a mother to try to give her baby some chamomile tea to soothe the baby's tummy. The mother asked "Where do I buy chamomile tea?". And she was serious. She asked "Barneys? Saks?" Of course, the west side (specifically Beverly Hills) practices probably have another extraordinary level of absurdity. I think this must be why one particular doctor (who has been around for a million years) can be kind of an a-hole when he is on call. He has probably heard it all and has no patience or time. Your patients are lucky you are so kind.... and tolerant.
By cath  Jun 07, 2008
7
do you ever sleep with one eye open?
lol...i am joking of course!
By poohscorner  Jun 07, 2008
6
People can ask the dumbest questions at the weirdest times. I once heard a doctor complain about all the medical questions he was asked during "off hours" where he didn't get paid for it. He was not neccesarily being materialistic. He was observing people's lack of respect. I took it to heart and have only had to interrupt a doctor once...and it was the emergency room who called him...not me. You are far kinder than my surgeon was to me. Your patients are very lucky to have such a caring doctor.
By laughtr  Jun 06, 2008
5
Interesting read...you have more patience than I do !
By toria53  Jun 06, 2008
4
I'm a pediatrician as well and what helped me tremendously was when the hospital I'm on staff at started a nurse advice line. Their protocols are very detailed, so important calls still make it to me, but not this other nonsense. Ask your hospital administrator to consider starting one. It's a great public relations tool for them in the community!
By pianogirl  Jun 06, 2008
3
Thanks for the chuckle. I work third shift in a busy ER as a Unit Clerk so I'm sure you can imagine the crazy calls I recieve.
"Are you open now?" at least twice a shift and once,"My friend just fell off the roof what should I do?".
By Emily75  Jun 06, 2008
2
Jeremy you need a better screening service! They need to ask (twice) before they patch the parent through, "is this an emergency that can't wait until morning?" You are a truly kind soul - but anyone who knows you knows that.
By CSR  Jun 06, 2008
1
I am still laughing! Oh my! Sorry Dr. J. Get a good night's rest!
By dorothiec  Jun 05, 2008
Got a Question?
 
 
 
 
My Fans
POPULAR POSTS