Everybody requires different care and regime than the other, especially children. They need extremely careful medication and care, as there are many physiological and emotional differences between adults and children. Therefore, pediatric medicine deals with medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric physicians are known as pediatricians. These doctors undergo specialized training that equips them to effectively meet the health needs of young patients.
Differences Between Pediatric Medicine and Adult Medicine
- Isn’t simple: It is not simple as ‘miniaturised’ adult medicine. Aside from the obvious body size differences, there are many more differences and issues that exist between pediatric and adult patients.
- Growth and Development issues: As the kids are in their tender age of development, pediatricians have to pay special attention to growth and development issues that are not typically present in adults.
- Issue of patient consent: As pediatricians are dealing with minors, the issue of patient consent is one of great importance to them. Therefore, a parent or legal guardian must give pediatrician permission to provide care for children in their custody.
- Challenges associated with child care: Pediatric patients are constantly maturing intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially. Now pediatricians must be able to handle the challenges associated with these changes effectively.
- Complex care: Childcare is complex care as the pediatricians have to navigate patient emotions and personalities frequently. Pediatricians must possess tremendous patience and empathy to communicate successfully with children and their families to ensure that the best possible care is provided in the office and at home.
Responsibilities of a Pediatrician
- Deal with medical appointments with children and their parents
- Educate parents/guardians about health issues affecting their child
- Review patient charts to ensure patients have required immunizations
- Determine a child’s need to see a specialist
- Ensure parents/guardians are aware of the nutritional needs of their child
Read also: How to Start Your Search for a Pediatrician
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