Pedatrician

Pronunciation
Pediatrics or Paediatrics [pee-dee-a-triks]
Pediatrician [pee-dee-uh-trish-uh n]
Adolescents [ad-l-es-uh nt s]
Immunizations [im-yuh-nuh-zey-shuh n z]
Diagnose [dahy-uh g-nohs]





What Is a Pediatrician?
Pedeatrics is the branch of medicine concerned with the development, medical care, and diseases of babies/infants, children, and adolescents, and the age limit usually ranges from birth up to 18 years of age (in some places until completion of secondary education, and until age 21 in the United States).  A medical practitioner who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician. The word paediatrics and its cognates mean "healer of children"; they derive from two Greek words: παῖς (pais "child") and ἰατρός (iatros "doctor, healer")


What Does Your Pediatrician Do?
Your pediatrician will see your child many times from birth to age 2 and annually from age 2 to age 5 for "well-child visits." After age 5, your pediatrician will likely continue to see your child every year for annual checkups. Your pediatrician is also the first person to call whenever your child is sick. In caring for your child, a pediatrician will:

• Do physical exams.
• Give your child recommended immunizations.
• Make sure your child is meeting developmental milestones in growth, behavior, and skills.
• Diagnose and treat your child's illnesses, infections, injuries, and other health problems.
• Give you information about your child's health, safety, nutrition, and fitness needs.
• Answer your questions about your child's growth and development.
• Refer to and collaborate with specialists should your child need care beyond the pediatrician's expertise.

Why Do You Need a Pediatrician?

Family physicians can also provide routine care for children. Choosing between a family doctor and a pediatrician can be a personal preference. Here are some reasons to consider choosing a pediatrician:

• Pediatricians have specialized training in the physical, emotional, and behavioral needs of children.
• Pediatricians only see children, so they often have a broader experience recognizing and treating childhood illnesses.
• If your child was born early or has a health condition that needs close monitoring, a pediatrician may offer more specialized care.