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.
Patients visit primary care physicians for many reasons, including stomach / digestion difficulty, minor injuries, hormonal issues, joint problems, or simply to schedule a checkup / annual physical. Primary care doctors provide long-term care and disease monitoring, and refer patients to specialists when necessary.