What is a pediatrician and who do they treat?
Pediatricians diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses or injuries in children who range from newborns to young adults up to 21. Pediatricians -- also called pediatric doctors -- manage the prevention, early detection, and treatment of various conditions, including congenital defects, developmental disorders, behavioral issues, eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia), and familial and social stresses (including child abuse), as well as depression and anxiety disorders. They also oversee the general health of their patients by administering physical examinations and immunization shots
Pediatric doctors may also collaborate with other medical specialists and healthcare professionals to provide for the health and emotional needs of children. They may also specialize in fields such as adolescent medicine, pediatric cardiology, pediatric endocrinology (treating diseases such as diabetes), pediatric oncology (treating cancer in children), neonatal/perinatal medicine, and orthopedics (treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system), among other specialties.
Following graduation from medical school, pediatric doctors complete three years of education in an accredited pediatric residency program. A pediatric doctor is then eligible for board certification by the American Board of Pediatrics, and recertification is required every seven years.
When would I take my child to see a pediatrician, and what conditions does a pediatrician treat?
You will need to visit your pediatric doctor right after your baby is born to make sure your new child is healthy and growing properly. During this examination, the doctor will weigh and measure the baby, give appropriate immunization shots, explain the proper care of your baby (including care of the umbilical cord and, if applicable, circumcision), make sure the baby is feeding properly (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding), and address any concerns you may have. Your pediatrician may visit the hospital to examine your baby for the first time a day or two after he or she is born. Otherwise, you should schedule your first appointment within the first few days after you take your child home from the hospital.
In the first two years of your child’s life, you can expect a minimum of eight visits to the pediatrician: a one-month check-up, two-month check-up, four-month check-up, six-month, nine-month, one-year, 15-month, 18-month, and two-year check-up. During these visits, your child will be measured and weighed, receive a physical examination and health assessment, and receive all required immunization shots.
After age two, your child will visit the pediatrician annually for a physical examination until age 21. During these examinations, your child will also be measured and weighed, examined for overall health, and given any immunization shots to attend school, if required. You should also visit your pediatrician when your child is sick or injured, exhibits symptoms of a sleep disorder or behavioral problem (bed-wetting, depression, or hyperactivity), or needs a physical examination and health assessment to participate in sports.
Common conditions a pediatric doctor will treat include colic and failure to thrive
, attention deficit disorder
or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), vomiting and diarrhea, sleep issues
, poisoning and other conditions. Pediatricians may also answer any questions you have regarding your child’s development, including how to handle a bully, the proper way to discipline a child, and the effects of TV and video games on children.
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