A pediatrician is a doctor who studies and provides medical care to babies, children, toddlers, and teenagers. They provide preventive and precautionary medical solutions. Pediatricians diagnose illnesses and infectious diseases in young people. Many conditions are specific to the age of a person pediatrician diagnoses all diseases that could occur during childhood. There are two broad categories of pediatricians – general and specialized. General pediatricians treat a broad spectrum of illnesses, while specialized Jax Pediatrician focus on specific, severe diseases like cancer. Some pediatricians also specialize in pediatric surgery. The daily work is almost the same as that of a general doctor – take a patient medical history, order and check tests, recommend treatments.

The primary difference between a pediatrician and other doctors is the age of their patients. Pediatricians generally treat patients under 18; some pediatricians see patients upto the age of 21. Other doctors see patients of all ages.

To become a pediatrician, you have to study the same as any other field of medicine. You must have a 4-year bachelor’s degree, then study 4 years in a medical school and then complete a 3-year residency or training in your specialization. Pediatricians do their residence in pediatrics, while other doctors generally study for all ages, including children, adults, and elderly patients.

Once the person had completed the above stipulations, they will be certified by their country’s pediatric board of doctors. After they receive this license, they can begin to practice medicine. Other doctors have also approved the panel of doctors of their respective specializations.

Pediatricians have in-depth knowledge about the illnesses and diseases seen in children. They understand the behavior and the necessary conditions for the growth and development of small children. Other doctors are more capable of treating adults and the elderly.

Although a pediatrician is also a primary care physician, there is a massive difference in a child’s treatment plans compared to that of an adult. The significant differences in the study of pediatrics and general internal medicine are:

1. Different physiology

The bodies of children are very different than that of an adult. This is because a child’s body is still developing, whereas an adult’s body is fully developed. During this development phase, the mind of a child experiences extreme changes. These factors alter the treatment plan of a child from that of an adult. The time it takes a child to heal from an injury is different from the time taken by an adult. Similarly, children manage pain quite differently than adults.

2. Focusing on the development

Pediatricians primarily focus on the healthy growth and development of a child. This involves teaching children about the changes that they will experience in their bodies as well as suggesting and administering necessary preventative medicines.

For example, children are given many vaccines like the polio vaccine to allow their bodies to fight dangerous and crippling viruses. At the same time, adults are only given vaccines if they are traveling to a place with an infectious disease or a new virus outbreak.

3. Precaution and prevention

A pediatrician specializes in recognizing signs of diseases that a child could potentially have. These diseases may be as common as a cold to life-threatening illnesses like cancer. A pediatrician reviews and diagnoses disease in a child. They may suggest the parents a treatment plan and medicines, or if the disease is severe, they may refer the parents to specialized pediatricians.

4. Continuous care

The medical history is significant as a child’s body and mind continue to grow and may face unique problems. Adults’ medical care is centered around healthy and safe living. The pediatrician’s job is to get a good medical history for a child to suggest the best treatment method. It is also necessary for parents to keep an appropriate record of their child’s health.

After going through the post, it is quite clear that when it comes to children pediatrician will be best as compared to regular doctors. They are specialized to treat children and handle them. It is not an easy task to tackle children and know them deeply to understand their problems. We recommend you consider a pediatrician rather than a doctor for your child’s better health and development.