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 care for infants, children and adolescents up to 21 years of age. In addition to providing preventive care, pediatricians also diagnose and treat medical conditions; refer young patients to specialists; and advise parents about how to handle growth and development issues. Physicians in this specialty use a variety of equipment to perform the essential functions of the job.