A paediatrician or a child specialist is a doctor who manages the health of your child. A paediatrician is trained to manage the physical, behavioural, and mental health of a child. A child specialist is trained to treat childhood illnesses, from minor health issues to serious health disorders. A child can be treated by a paediatrician right from birth.

Paediatricians can treat a child right from birth. From birth till 2 years, there may be many visits to the paediatrician. From age 2 to 5 years, there will be once a year “well-child” visits. After the age of 5 years, paediatric visits will be done annually. Up to the age of 18 years, you can visit a paediatrician.

Paediatricians are concerned with the physical and mental well being of children. Paediatric surgeons specialize in surgeries. A paediatrician can also perform surgeries with the necessary training. Paediatricians may only evaluate and treat children through non-invasive procedures. Paediatric surgeons perform minor surgeries like removal of foreign bodies to major surgeries like cardiac surgery.

A paediatrician is trained to perform procedures like: vaccine administration, treat dislocated shoulders or elbows, treat minor injuries, remove foreign bodies, split brown bones, perform circumcision. Apart from these specific procedures paediatricians also ensure well-being of the child through routine examinations. They also handle conditions that affect new born children.

Paediatricians and physicians are both doctors, but treat patients belonging to different age groups. Paediatricians specialize in treating patients aged 18 years and younger, while general physician treats patients above the age of 18 years. Paediatricians focus on providing medical care to infants, children and teenagers. Physicians may specialize in certain field of medicine.