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8 Types of Pediatric Specialists

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8 Types of Pediatric Specialists

Pediatrics focus on children’s health and wellness. However, there are pediatric specialists who are specifically trained and experienced to look after a particular aspect of children’s health.

As you know, children continue to develop – both mentally, physically, and psychologically – as they grow older. Since children’s growing bodies are not the same as a fully grown adult, some pediatric specialists focus on each of these developing areas.

These specialists train for extensive periods to thoroughly and carefully understand the differences of a child’s body from an adult’s – and how to treat it properly.

If you have a son or daughter with a rare medical issue, developmental delays, disability, or chronic illness, you may want to reach out to a pediatric specialist.

Becoming a Pediatric Specialist

To attain this position, aspiring doctors need to complete their bachelor’s degree. After that, they’ll need to earn their medical degree. This may take up to four years or more depending on what kind of doctor they want to become. Aspiring doctors will also need to finish residency for up to three years.

After the residency period, a fellowship training will have to follow, which usually takes up to three years. Depending on the specific specialty, the length of schooling, fellowship training, and residency period may be longer.

For instance, doctors may need an additional two years of fellowship training to become certified as pediatric allergists. Aspiring doctors may need several more years after earning their medical degree to be a pediatric oncologist.

When all that is completed, they need to pass a board exam to be certified and professionally recognized as a specialist.

For special cases, a pediatrician will give parents a referral to qualified pediatric specialist for their child and whatever unique health condition they have.

Pediatric specialists often work in private clinics and practices, children’s hospitals, general hospitals, large hospitals, and university medical centers.

Pediatric Specialties

The following are the types of pediatric specialists that a child might need.

Pediatric Emergency Doctor

These pediatric specialists work in emergency rooms and urgent care centers. They handle the immediate care of infants, toddlers, children, and teenagers who come through the emergency room.

Pediatric Allergist

This type of specialist addresses different kinds of allergic reactions – anywhere from whatever type of food allergies, medicine, pollen, or mold. These allergies can sometimes lead to a rash, asthma, or severe anaphylaxis.

Neonatologist

This type of pediatric specialists is highly trained in handling complicated, high-risk, and severe medical conditions of infants and newborns. They also treat unborn babies detected with a birth defect while still in the womb.

Pediatric Cardiologist

This type of specialist addresses heart and congenital issues in children, including abnormal heart rhythms.

Pediatric Gastroenterologist

A pediatric gastroenterologist can help kids with issues in their gut health and digestion system. Some of these conditions include irritable bowel syndrome, excessive acid reflux, nutritional problems, and excessive stomach pain.

Pediatric Endocrinologist

This type of specialist focuses on hormone issues such as growth imbalance, diabetes, and other related issues.

Child Neurologist

Child neurologists are trained to deal with the nervous system and brain conditions in children. These conditions include migraines, seizures, and brain tumors.

Pediatric Oncologist

Oncology is an area of medicine that studies, diagnoses, and treats different types of tumors. Pediatric oncologists see children with cancers.

Appointment with a Pediatric Specialist

Unless the child’s health condition is urgent, your appointment with a pediatric specialist may take weeks or months.

During your first appointment, the pediatric specialist will thoroughly discuss your child’s health concerns. As a parent, you have to provide the information needed, including your child’s medical history, his or her lifestyle, diet, nutrition, and other necessary information.