As a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, I’m often asked how to determine who the best or top paediatrician in Cayman might be. It’s a question that I believe parents should carefully consider when seeking the best possible paediatric care for their children. While I don’t claim the title of “top paediatrician”, I do believe there are several key factors that can help you judge whether a paediatrician is well-suited to your child’s needs.

Experience and Qualifications

First, it’s important to look at experience and qualifications. A paediatrician with specialist training, such as neonatology, an intensive care subspecialty, is often highly skilled in dealing with a wide range of conditions in newborns, including the most critical or time-sensitive ones—for example, preterm delivery and care, newborn infections, and seizures. At Optimal Healthcare Ltd, I specialise in both newborn and paediatric care and have decades of tertiary neonatal and newborn care expertise, having worked at UK tertiary maternity centres. This has given me the opportunity to handle a wide spectrum of health challenges, from general paediatrics and routine well-child checks to more complex and urgent issues.

Availability Out-of-Hours

When it comes to paediatric urgent care or emergency paediatric situations, if your child hasn’t already been taken to the hospital, having access to an experienced paediatrician can be crucial. In these moments, a paediatrician with years of experience can provide calm, rapid guidance to ensure your child gets the best care, helping you navigate what can often be a very stressful time. It’s worth checking a paediatrician’s policies and availability for urgent or out-of-hours care. For instance, I have a dedicated out-of-hours number and am very reachable.

Good Communication

Finally, it’s worth considering bedside manner and communication. As a paediatrician, I strive to ensure that both parents and children feel comfortable, listened to, and understood. Good communication is essential for peace of mind and ensuring that you feel confident in your child’s care plan.

In the end, finding the right paediatrician in Cayman is about ensuring a balance of expertise, availability, and trust. There’s no substitute for visiting a paediatrician to get a feel for this. If you’d like to learn more about how I approach paediatric care at Optimal Healthcare Ltd, located in George Town, Grand Cayman, please feel free to reach out and come for a chat.

Dr Sara Watkin, Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Optimal Healthcare Ltd.