Paediatric

Paediatrics is a branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends people be under pediatric care up to the age of 21. A medical doctor who specializes in this area is known as a paediatrician, or pediatrician.

History[edit | edit source]

The word paediatrics and its cognates mean "healer of children". Paediatrics is a relatively new medical specialty, developing in the mid-19th century. Abraham Jacobi (1830–1919) is known as the father of paediatrics.

Training[edit | edit source]

In the United States, a medical school graduate wishing to specialize in pediatrics must undergo a three-year residency composed of outpatient, inpatient, and critical care rotations.

Subspecialties[edit | edit source]

There are many subspecialties in pediatrics, including neonatology, pediatric cardiology, pediatric oncology, and pediatric surgery.

Differences between adult and pediatric medicine[edit | edit source]

The body size differences are paralleled by maturation changes. The smaller body of an infant or neonate is substantially different physiologically from that of an adult.

Role of pediatrician[edit | edit source]

Pediatricians are involved with the prevention, early detection, and management of problems including developmental delays and learning disorders, behavioral problems, functional disabilities, social stresses, mental disorders including depression and anxiety disorders, and management and prevention of child and adolescent obesity.

See also[edit | edit source]

Paediatric Resources
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