You also may encounternurse practitionerswho specialize in pediatric care.
With additional training, some pediatricians focus on a specific area of care, such as cardiology or genetics.
Others may have training in thecare of LGBTQ+ youth, or with developmental health issues like autism.
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This article explains the role of a pediatrician in health care for children, teens, and young adults.
It will help you to learn more about their training, specialties, and the services that pediatricians offer.
What Is a Pediatrician?
The American Academy of Pediatrics lists dozens of areas of expertise for pediatric healthcare providers.
Pediatrician Subspecialties
There are many types of pediatricians.
These include problems in a full range of pediatric chronic illnesses and disabling conditions, such ascerebral palsy.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about a childs behavior even if they don’t ask.
Pediatric Gastroenterology
These specialists care for children and adolescents who have digestive difficulties.
Agastroenterologistalso may have specific areas of expertise, such as liver disease.
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
If your child is affected with blood disorders andcancerthey may see a pediatrichematologist-oncologist.
Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Pediatric hospitalists work primarily in a hospital.
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Premature and high-risk babies are often cared for by these specialists.
Pediatric Nephrology
A pediatricnephrologistspecializes in care for children with various kidney diseases.
This is called residency.
This training exposes them to the various clinical rotations in different pediatric sub-specialties, like endocrinology or emergency medicine.
Pediatricians who subspecialize must also meet the training requirements specific to each of those subspecialties.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pediatrician?
At least 11 years of education is required to become a pediatrician.
A pediatrician may then spend additional years training on a specialty like cardiology or endocrinology.
It also can depend on the age of the child.
How to Choose a Pediatrician
Choose a trusted healthcare provider to care for your child.
Ask friends and family for recommendations, but check the provider’s credentials and make a thoughtful decision yourself.
You may encounter nurse practitioners and other providers who specialize in pediatric care, too.
Resources and referrals are available to help you choose the right pediatrician for your child.
American Pediatric Association.Special Interest Groups.
Children’s Health.Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The American Board of Pediatrics.Subspecialty certifications and admission requirements.
American Board of Pediatrics.General ABP FAQs.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Pediatrics 101: A resource guide.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Team Up with Your Childs Doctor for the Best Care.
MedlinePlus.When your baby or infant has a fever.
