Hello,
Is there any English speaking pediatric near Fribourg. I have searched the old thread but all the info is around Zurich, Basel or Bern. Any references is appreciated.



Thanks
Sabrina.

I am yet to meet a Dr in Switzerland that doesn’t speak English. They need it first to pass the Matura and then to read Medical journals etc.

Thanks. Any references plz ?

When I moved here in 2010, both kids were registered here - https://www.friped.ch/

However, I see that that Dr. Maret (who spoke perfect english) has moved:

Déménagement
Le Dr. Alexandre Maret déménage à son cabinet à partir du 01.06.2020

Nouvelle adresse

Dr. med. Alexandre Maret
Pédiatrie FMH
Spéc. Endocrinologie et Diabétologie pédiatrique FMH
(troubles hormonaux et de la croissance, diabète)
Route des Préalpes 7
1752 Villars-sur-Glâne

You could still try at FRIPED, surely most doctors speak EN.

Dr. Maret moved to Villars-sur-Glane, which is very close to Fribourg, but he did so in order to focus on endocrinology (he is qualified both to be a pediatrician and to be an endocrinologist). My three kids went to him for many years but he told us in June that he is ending his pediatric practice though would continue to see old patients if they wanted. If your kid has any endocrinology issues, maybe he would agree to treat? Also, even the best-laid plans seem to go awry in a pandemic--maybe people are going less to the doctor for non-urgent appointments and he might be short of patients and agree to take some on?

Dr. Monika Borer, also Villars-sur-Glane, is similar--she is an allergist and pediatrician but trying to end her pediatric practice and just continue to treat existing pediatric patients and adults with allergies. She does have a soft heart, however, and if you sound kind desperate, you could succeed.

The main problem in Fribourg is not so much finding an English-speaking pediatrician as finding any pediatrician at all. There is a terrible shortage of pediatricians. I read in La Liberte a year or two ago that except for newborns, who if I understood right pediatricians are obligated to accept, no one can get pediatricians.

The other main problem in Fribourg is that most of the doctors' receptionists are not willing to try to speak English. But they also don't hang up, as that would be too rude, so if you just keep trying in your French, no matter how bad, normally they will put you on hold until they see that you can't be discouraged and then they will find someone who speaks English...possibly the doctor as s/he hustles by between appointments.

If you or a friend call any practice and are refused, be sure to ask who they recommend because they are likely to know who might be taking patients. Good luck!