When parents need medical information, they want it quickly, and often, they turn to the internet to find it.
“The problem with googling medical information for your child is there’s so much information on the internet now. And not all of it is good,” says Dr. Pilar Bradshaw.
Ten years ago, Dr. Bradshaw had a vision—to create a website where parents could find clear and accurate information on a wide range of topics regarding children’s health and development.
“I really wanted to personalize the experience of seeing your pediatrician,” she says. “As a mom of little kids myself, I tried to create a site that would essentially answer my questions if I had them about what was medically correct about children and could help me parent these little people.”
Eugenepeds.com has won several national awards, most recently the 2019 Internet Advertising Competition’s award for Best Healthcare Provider Website. What Dr. Bradshaw is most proud of is that her practice’s website is rich in evidence-based information, and it’s been accessed by parents in every state in the U.S. and 97 countries around the world.
“One of the things about EugenePeds.com that’s really nice is that you can search common conditions for your kids’ medical conditions and find medically accurate information for that middle of the night earache or fever.”
Evaluating online medical information
When searching for valid medical information on the internet, Dr. Bradshaw says it’s important for parents to consider:
- Who’s behind the information? Check out the site’s “about us” page. Are they health professionals? What are their credentials?
- Where does the information come from? Is it based on research findings published in reputable medical journals?
- Is the information objective?
- Is the information current? Beware of undated content or broken links.
Talk with your health care provider
In addition to EugenePeds.com, reputable sites for information about children’s health and development include:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Centers for Disease Control
- Major children’s hospitals
Always remember that while online information may be helpful, it’s no substitute for seeing your doctor.
“All medical websites have disclaimers that you are still responsible for how you follow the information,” says Dr. Bradshaw. “So even if you find what you are looking for—if there is a problem you are really concerned about—that is always worth a call to your doctor’s office.”