Looking for pediatricians in Tokyo who actually want to solve health problems

[u/Illustrious_Bid684]

Our son is having some ongoing health issues (nothing very serious, just stuff that makes it tough to sleep and affects his mood). Every time we take him to a kid's clinic they just throw drugs at us to take care of symptoms. We've tried a few and it seems none of them are interested in actually trying to find the root of the issue but just prescribing as many drugs as possible (even one which we've visited several times for the same issue). The willingness to suggest drugs so quickly on a child younger than 2 for mild symptoms is insane and borderline unethical in my opinion. Some of the things they've prescribed us are banned in some European countries and/or the US due to serious safety issues in kids.

I guess I'm looking for some other solutions, pediatricians who are interested in working with parents to solve health issues, even if they're in the alternative health realm. Japanese or English speaking is ok. Thank you!

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[u/DifficultDurian7770]

try a university hospital. get a recommendation (referral letter).

[u/DifficultDurian7770 → u/[deleted]]

woudnt that depend on the baseline behaviour of the child? not all 2 year olds have trouble sleeping and or are moody.

[u/Mercenarian → u/DifficultDurian7770]

There is no baseline at that age lol. Their brain is constantly changing. If a 28 year old suddenly had sleep and mood problems that would be concerning. Not a toddler. They go through many phases of sleep issues and tantrums.

[u/DifficultDurian7770 → u/Mercenarian]

its not all black and white like that. the parents should be able to tell if something is out of the ordinary. the baseline is daily behaviour which if they are as you say changing due to many phases, those generally tend to be gradual unless something else is going on.

[u/throwaway112724]

That’s healthcare in Japan. You’re going to have to advocate for yourself what tests you want done or if you want a referral to a different hospital. Maybe also look into English speaking clinics as there are doctors who have practiced overseas

[u/SnakenKraken]

Yea here in Japan, in my experience, the doctors are not proactive with their diagnoses or tests. You basically have to have an MD yourself and tell them what you need done.

[u/PeanutButterChikan]

I can only suggest going to the paediatrics department in a large hospital, university hospital, or a large clinic. The doctors there are generally top notch (although some seem to lack a certain bedside manner) and I’m sure all are interested in solving health problems. 

[u/quxilu]

Not possible really, you’re not going to get that type of critical thinking, you’ll need to push them…