pediatrician

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, from birth through the end of adolescence. They monitor growth and development, provide preventive care, diagnose and treat illnesses, and manage chronic conditions. Pediatricians also offer guidance to families on nutrition, safety, sleep, behavior, and development.

Education and training: After earning a medical degree, pediatricians complete a residency in pediatrics, typically lasting three years in the United States, with additional fellowships available for subspecialties such as neonatology, pediatric endocrinology, or pediatric oncology. Licensure to practice medicine is required, and in many countries board certification in pediatrics is obtained through a national or regional board.

Scope of practice: Pediatricians care for healthy children during well-child visits and screenings, administer immunizations, and provide anticipatory guidance. They diagnose and treat acute illnesses and injuries, as well as manage chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and congenital disorders. In hospital settings, they may work as pediatric hospitalists or collaborate with specialists in neonatal and pediatric care.

Subspecialties: Subspecialties include neonatology for newborns, and fields such as pediatric cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, neurology, and oncology, among others. Subspecialists generally require additional fellowship training after general pediatrics.

Role in public health: Pediatricians participate in vaccination programs, school health services, and research to improve child health outcomes.

Global context: Training pathways and certification vary by country, but the core role remains focused on safeguarding the health and well-being of children and adolescents.