Pediatricians play a fundamental role in your child's developmental journey to adulthood. The medical professional specializes in babies', toddlers', and adolescents' physical, mental, and behavioral well-being. So, what does pediatric care entail?

Who is a Pediatrician?

Pediatrics is a medical specialty specializing in healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Thus, a pediatrician is essentially a child physician who manages children's physical, mental, and emotional wellness at every stage of development to adulthood. The goal of pediatricians is to reduce infant mortality, control the spread of infectious disease among children and promote a healthy lifestyle. As such, pediatricians can diagnose or treat diseases, disorders, and injuries affecting children. In addition, the professionals help prevent, detect, and manage long-term effects that may lead to developmental delays and functional disabilities among children. 

Pediatrician Training 

A pediatrician must graduate from medical school. This training usually takes four years of undergraduate studies and four years at the medical school learning physiology and anatomy. Alternatively, one can undertake a six-year combined course at a medical school. Then, the professional undergoes three years of pediatric residency. Some pediatricians may opt to spend more years training in a subspecialty. Notably, a pediatrician must have certification for the American Board of Pediatrics. 

The following are the significant types of pediatricians based on specialty:

• Developmental behavioral pediatricians – who diagnose and treat developmental learning and behavioral disorders
• Pediatric oncologist – treat various types of cancer affecting children  
• Pediatric cardiologist – dialogize and treat heart conditions among children 
• Pediatric pomologists – who manage breathing and lung disease among children 
• Neonatal-perinatal pediatrician – who care for infants before and after childbirth
• Pediatric neurologist – who specializes in neurological disorders in children  
• Adolescent medicine specialist – who care for adolescents between age 11 to 21 years 

What to Expect from a Pediatrician

Pediatrician care starts before childbirth and lasts up to 18 or 21 years. Thus, it is essential to establish a long-lasting healthcare relationship with a particular pediatrician. During the child development process, your kid will have numerous visits to the pediatrician for routine checkups and treatment. Typically, the visits to the pediatrician are many during infancy and tend to decrease as the child grows. During a typical visit, a pediatrician may conduct a physical examination, take measurements, administer vaccines, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and provide health education. 

A primary care pediatrician helps your child grow strong with a good health foundation. If you are looking for a pediatrician, get referrals from other parents, your obstetrician or gynecologist.