I'm an osteopathic doctor. That means I have the same training and licensure as an M.D.. D.O.s can specialize in anything or practice primary care medicine. I specialized in pediatric anesthesia and took the very same boards as an MD. Most people have no idea my training is osteopathic, they assume I'm an MD. It used to bother me but then I realized patients don't care, they just want to be taken care of. DOs learn very little alternative medicine in medical school. There just isn't enough time to learn anything other than what's on the boards: anatomy, physiology, micro, pathology, etc. Many DOs are attracted to alternative medicine and seek out information after they finish residency.

You can find DOs and MDs that are pediatricians that do and do not vaccinate and has nothing to do with being a member of AAP. The membership just states you completed a pediatric residency or fellowship.

You might want to look on mothering.com for the info your friend needs. Someone there may be able to point her to a doctor in line with her desires.

Somewhere along the line, I read an open letter from a doctor to antivax parents. I just tried googling and couldn't find it. But the basic gist was this - if you don't trust my medical opinion and experience on vaccines, why would you trust my opinion and experience on anything I have to say about the health of your child?

It was an interesting perspective on the parent/doctor relationship that I hadn't considered.

So as pps have said, I think your friend ought to start looking for alternatives to an aap following pediatrician if she isn't interested in following aap guidelines.

They may be referring to a doctor of osteopathic medicine? Not sure though... If so, it's a different path to being a doctor. You can either be an MD or a DO. My ob was a DO and he was great. Totally on board with my natural birth.

Thanks ladies (: forgive me if this is a dumb question, I could very possibly be dumb ;) or it could be from my lack of sleep lately lol, But what is a DO?

It's also helpful to ask at the local health food store or to ask a chiropractor. I second a DO - skip the pediatrician altogether and see a family doctor. Good luck in your search!

I spent hours calling around, looking for one, and finally found one about an hour away from me. This is one of those times you may have to use the phone book.

She might also try asking local midwives and lactation consultants for a recommendation.

Not in tx but perhaps a DO or general practice? I've heard they tend to be more accepting of non vax families.

No advice but I've heard alot of people saying it's harder to find a doctor that takes people that don't vaccinate. I hope she finds someone