A Pediatrician is a doctor who treats babies, children, and teenagers. Some pediatricians are primary care physicians and some are specialized in specific childhood conditions. Pediatricians help to keep children healthy by regularly checking their growth and development.
Pediatrician & Family Doctor:
- Pediatricians specialize in caring for babies, children, and teens while the family doctor treats children and also adults in the family.
- Some parents need doctors who focus on the child’s growth and care while some babies need to see a Pediatric specialist: a doctor focused on a particular area of health for children. For example, a child with a heart condition may benefit from working with a pediatric cardiologist. Then, some parents are not specific because the child will be normal from birth.
Training:
A pediatrician is a graduate of a medical school. He or she is a primary care pediatrician then completes three years of education in an accredited pediatric residency program. They learn about caring for an infant, child, adolescent, and young adults during this period.
Following the pediatric residency, the pediatrician is eligible for board certification by the American Board of Pediatrics with the successful completion of a comprehensive written examination. Recertification is required every seven years.
Few things to ask the pediatrician to know they are fit:
- How long have you been in practice, and are you board certified?
- What is your child’s philosophy?
- How long do typical check-ups last?
- How do you handle patient emergencies?
- What is the typical cost of care?
- What if I need help after office hours?
- Are you affiliated with a hospital?
- Will I be able to get a same-day appointment if my child is sick?
- Are you a pediatric generalist, or do you have a subspeciality?
- Do you offer early, late, and weekend appointments?
Aims of Pediatrics:
Pediatricians diagnose and treat several conditions among children including:
- Injuries
- Infections
- Genetic & Congenital Conditions
- Cancers
Pediatricians are also involved with the prevention, early detection, and management of problems which includes:
- Development Delays and Disorders
- Behavioral Problems
- Functional Disabilities
- Social Stresses
- Mental Disorders Including Depression and Anxiety Disorders.
Subspecialities in Pediatrics:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Nephrology
- Etc
While choosing a pediatrician, you should also know the location and availability of the office. What time does it open and close, and do those hours agree with your schedule? Ask what happens if you have a question or need care after-hours or when your doctor isn’t available. A shared practice with multiple doctors could provide a backup. Or there should be another staff member, like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, who can answer non-urgent questions and provide general care.
Importance to Have a Pediatrician:
Pediatricians are responsible for the physical well being and mental health of a child from infancy to adulthood. Beginning in the early stages of the child’s life a pediatrician’s careful observation is essential to ensure proper development through structured assessments and early medication. A pediatrician can diagnose and treat acute and chronic disorders when it is necessary. They also treat health issues, illness, injuries, and injections, and administer health screenings and immunizations to keep your children healthy.
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