Pediatrics

Pediatrics is the medical specialty which focuses on the providing care of infants and children under the age of 18 years old. Skilled in assessment for developmental and/or physical concerns, a pediatrician focuses on prevention, detection, and management of physical, behavioral, developmental, and social problems that affect children.

Pediatricians diagnose and treat infections, injuries, and many types of disease and dysfunction. They administer common health screens such as vision tests, developmental tests, and blood lead tests. They work to reduce infant and child mortality, foster healthful lifestyles, and ease the day-to-day difficulties of those with chronic conditions. They appreciate the vulnerability of childhood and adolescence, and actively advocate for measures to protect their health and safety.

Simply put, Pediatricians take care of children. This might involve treating an ear infection, talking to parents about school or behavioral problems or seeing children for well-child checkups and giving them their shots. It can also include application of a fluoride varnish to the teeth of young children to ensure good oral health in later years.

Pediatricians typically complete 11 years of training to become a pediatrician, including:

• 4 years of college
• 4 years of medical school
• 1 year of an internship in pediatrics
• 2 years of a pediatric residency

Board certification is awarded by the American Academy of Pediatrics.