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Pediatrics 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 pediatrician, or paediatrician. Pediatrics is a relatively new medical specialty, developing only in the mid-19th century. Abraham Jacobi (1830–1919) is known as the father of pediatrics.

Scope and aims

Pediatrics is concerned not only with the immediate management of the ill child but also with long-term effects on quality of life, disability, and survival. Pediatricians are involved with the prevention, early detection, and management of problems including:

• Developmental disorders
• Behavioral problems
• Functional disabilities
• Social stresses
• Mental disorders including depression and anxiety disorders

The aim of pediatrics is the reduction of infant and child rate of deaths, control the spread of infectious disease, promote healthy lifestyles for a long disease-free life and help ease the problems of children and adolescents with chronic conditions.

Subspecialties

Pediatrics is a diverse and versatile field, encompassing various subspecialties, including but not limited to:

• Neonatology: Focusing on the medical care of newborns, especially the ill or premature newborn.
• Pediatric cardiology: Dealing with disorders of the heart and the circulatory system.
• Pediatric endocrinology: Concerned with diseases and disorders of the hormones and the endocrine system.
• Pediatric oncology: Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children.
• Pediatric neurology: Dealing with disorders of the nervous system.
• Adolescent medicine: Focusing on the care of patients who are in the adolescent period of development.

Education and training

Becoming a pediatrician requires years of education and training. After obtaining a medical degree, candidates must complete a residency in pediatrics, which typically lasts three years. In many countries, additional subspecialty training is required to practice in one of the pediatric subspecialties.

Challenges

Pediatricians face unique challenges in their field, including:

• Dealing with patients who may be uncooperative or unable to communicate their symptoms effectively.
• Having to consider the impact of treatment on a child's growth and development.
• Navigating complex ethical issues, such as consent and confidentiality in the care of minors.

Future directions

The field of pediatrics is constantly evolving, with ongoing research into improving child health outcomes. Future directions may include more personalized medicine approaches, based on genetic profiling, and increased focus on preventive care and mental health.

See also

• Child health
• Infant mortality
• Vaccination
• Pediatric surgery