Navigating the system: a new maze.

A recent visit to my OB's office left me feeling confused about what's next for Baby Russell's treatment. An Obstetrician is mostly focused on the care of the pregnant mother, while the baby's care doesn't really start until it's born. This interim step of trying to coordinate care ahead of the baby's birth is proving challenging.

What's stressing me is no one seems to have a sense of what the referral process will be! My OB at St.Joe's doesn't know. The Genetic Counseling team at Mt.Sinai where my ultrasounds are being done don't know. My own GP isn't entirely sure either.

Technically speaking, Baby doesn't have a doctor of his own to write referrals! When BabyRussell is born, he'll be examined by a Pediatrician working that shift at St. Joe's. The prospect of waiting until then to have *any* sense of treatment coordination isn't thrilling to me. The first 24 hours after baby is born are exhausting, trying to follow up with an unseen face about care and appointments is daunting. I fear for the communication breakdowns that could take place.

Given Baby Russell's foot and possible kidney situation, my GP indicated that a Pediatrician could treat our son versus him. This amazing clinician cares for my daughter, but his office is swamped and staff hardly the most organized. So, this leave me looking for a Pediatrician, but the fact is that I have a better chance flying to Hawaii on Areomiles or winning the lottery than getting a spot in a clinic.

Given the confusion, I've put an action plan in place. First, I'll be reaching out to all my medical connections and contacts. Perhaps someone can help me get into a closed office. With the results from my next ultrasound in hand, I will put all my Pharmaceutical Sales training to experience and get in front of as many local Pediatricians as I can. A direct visit to Sick Kids Clubfoot clinic is in the works.

Those countless role plays and training sessions on breaking past receptionists for appointments will be put to the test! Go team pharma! So with feet on the ground and my sales pitch in hand, I am determined to find care for my son before he is born!