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

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

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

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

Differences between adult and pediatric medicine

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

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

• Neonatology
• Pediatric cardiology
• Pediatric oncology
• Pediatric surgery

Paediatric Resources
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