Article Translations: (Spanish)
Pediatrics (pee-dee-A-trix) is the branch of medicine that specializes in the development, care, and health conditions of babies, children, and adolescents.
A pediatrician (pee-dee-eh-TRISH-in) is a doctor who diagnoses and treats children’s health conditions and concerns, including physical, behavior, developmental, and mental health issues.
Through regular checkups, pediatricians help make sure that kids grow and develop as they should. They’ll make sure that children get their immunizations on time and refer kids for specialty care as needed. They can diagnose and treat many problems, including:
Pediatricians track kids’ growth and development on growth charts. Tests a pediatrician may do include:
A pediatrician's training usually includes:
After medical school and residency, they may also do a fellowship in a subspecialty such as pediatric oncology or rheumatology or adolescent medicine. "FAAP" after a pediatrician’s name means the doctor passed their board exam and is a full Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Most pediatricians can take care of kids and teens until they’re young adults (18–21 years old). Some teens switch to an adolescent medicine specialist, a pediatrician who specializes in caring for teens.
Pediatricians and adolescent medicine doctors can help young adults transition to a primary care physician (PCP), such as an internal medicine doctor (internist) or a family medicine doctor.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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