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I would use him unless he thought it was weird and then I would ask for a referral from him for a trusted colleague!

I have a good friend from college who is a pediatrician and I would absolutely use her if she was local (haha but she might not want me to, since then I'd be asking her questions even more than I do now!). But I'm sure he wouldn't be offended if you asked for a referral, I bet that kind of thing happens all the time. I would make sure to say it's because you want to keep the relationship separate, not that you don't want him for some other reason, you know?

Growing up, my husband was friends with my MIL's gynecologist's kids. That seems worse, lol. But that being said, I can understand wanting to keep personal and professional things separate, and I'm sure he'd be understanding if you wanted him to recommend a trusted colleague. Though on the other hand, if he's pretty much the best pediatrician in town, I'd probably want to use him.

One of my best friends is a pediatrician; if she had a practice, I would totally take my kids to her! She already gives us a lot of great advice and reassurance, when I have questions or I just want to discuss our current pedi's recommendations. I think it would be wonderful to have someone who has a total health view of my children (because she knows about every sniffle and because she sees them in a lot of different situations) taking care of them. On the other hand, my friend is very nonjudgmental and open to each family making the parenting decision that fits them individually; if my friend wasn't so easygoing, I would probably feel more comfortable using someone else.

If you're good friends, though, it shouldn't be an issue to just ask for a recommendation. I'm sure he'll understand.

I personally would LOVE that--I already pepper all our doctor friends with questions about LO, and I feel like a friend-doctor would be more straightforward with us. But like others have said, nothing wrong with asking for a rec!

I also have a family + friend whose a family physician. Love the word, "framily" bc seriously he's like family. He also lives across town so he knows that it's better for me to go to a local pediatrician. (srsly...his office is like 45 minutes away).

On the other hand, he's been a huge help when I need like a 2nd opinion or clarifying questions about LO's care. Since I know he cares for my LO like his own children, I trust his opinion.

I have a long-time friend who is a physician. He doesn't want friends as patients. I tried to sway him but he remains adamant that it may affect the friendship. I am glad he kept his boundaries.