Pediatricians in Washington DC

Pediatricians in Washington, D.C.

  File:Pediatrician with child.jpg

A pediatrician examining a child

Occupation
Names	Pediatrician
Pronunciation
Occupation type	Healthcare
Activity sectors	Medicine
Specialty
Competencies
Education required	Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Pediatricians in Washington, D.C. are medical doctors who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents in the capital city of the United States. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing preventive health maintenance for healthy children, medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill, and coordination of care for children with complex health needs.

Education and Training

Pediatricians in Washington, D.C., like their counterparts elsewhere, undergo extensive education and training. This typically includes:

• Undergraduate Education: A bachelor's degree, often with a focus on pre-medical courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Medical School: A four-year program leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
• Residency: A three-year pediatric residency program, where doctors receive specialized training in pediatrics.
• Board Certification: After completing residency, pediatricians can become board certified by passing the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) exam.

Scope of Practice

Pediatricians in Washington, D.C. provide a wide range of services, including:

• Preventive Health Care: Routine check-ups, immunizations, and health education.
• Diagnosis and Treatment: Managing acute illnesses such as infections, injuries, and other health issues.
• Chronic Condition Management: Care for chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and congenital disorders.
• Developmental Monitoring: Tracking growth and development milestones.
• Coordination of Care: Working with specialists and other healthcare providers to manage complex health issues.

Challenges and Opportunities

Pediatricians in Washington, D.C. face unique challenges and opportunities, including:

• Diverse Population: Serving a diverse population with varying healthcare needs and access issues.
• Policy and Advocacy: Engaging in health policy and advocacy efforts to improve child health outcomes.
• Research and Innovation: Opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and innovation in pediatric care.

Pediatric Healthcare Facilities

Washington, D.C. is home to several renowned pediatric healthcare facilities, including:

• Children's National Hospital
• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
• Howard University Hospital

Also see

• Pediatrics
• Healthcare in Washington, D.C.
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Medical education in the United States

Pediatric glossary of terms | Glossary of medical terms | Dictionary of pediatrics