In 2011 16.7 million children lived in food-insecure households, about 35% more than 2007 levels, though only 1.1% of U.S. children, or 845,000, saw reduced food intake or disrupted eating patterns at some point during the year, and most cases were not chronic.
Following graduation from medical school, primary care pediatricians complete three years of education in an accredited pediatric residency program. Pediatric residency training emphasizes care of the whole infant, child, adolescent, and young adult.
Pediatricians are primarily trained to: 1  Diagnose and treat illnesses typically associated with children, as well as address the special medical needs of younger patients, such as genetic defects, malignancies, childhood infections, and injury. 2  Assess the proper treatment approaches that cater to the specific age of a patient.