Who are Pediatricians?

A branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents is Pediatrics and the doctors who are specialised in Pediatrics are called Pediatricians.

What are the qualifications of a Pediatrician?

A 5-year medical degree [MBBS] that is recognized by the General Medical Council and a 2-year foundation course of general training are the basic requirements for an individual to be a doctor. However, following are the specialties or extra qualifications required to be a Pediatrician:

• DNB - Pediatrics
• MD - Pediatrics
• DM - Paediatric Critical Care
• Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program in Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Diploma in Child Health (DCH)
• CCT - Paediatrics (Neonatal Medicine)
• CCT - Paediatrics
• MS - Paediatrics Surgery
• Fellow of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (UK)
• FCPS (Paediatrics)
• Ph.D. - Paediatric
• Diploma in Paediatrics

What age does a Pediatrician treat?

Pediatricians usually treat the patient until the age of 18 to 21 according to the medical conditions and the severity.

What does a Pediatrician do?

For taking care of the child, a Pediatrician will:

• Perform physical examination
• Administer vaccine to the child
• Makes sure the child meets the milestones in growth, behavior, and skills
• Diagnose and treat the child’s illnesses, infections, and injuries, etc
• Provide information about the child’s safety, health, and fitness needs
• Refer to specialists if the Pediatrician thinks the child needs expert care

How frequently does the Pediatrician should be consulted?

Till the age of 2, the Pediatrician will see the baby many times. At the age of 2-5 years, the Pediatrician should be consulted once a year and after the age of 5 years, the Pediatrician should be consulted as needed or whenever the child is sick. 

How does a Pediatrician work with the baby delivery team?

Generally, the hospitals ask if the patient has a Pediatrician when visiting to deliver a baby. The first examination of the baby is done by the Pediatrician present at the hospital. If the Pediatrician checks the baby, they’ll send the note about the examination. After the mother is discharged from the hospital the Pediatrician will see the baby 48 to 72 hours later and during the regular check-ups after that. 

Are Pediatrician and Neonatologist the same?

Pediatricians are the medical doctors who diagnose and treat diseases, medical conditions, and injuries that require care for babies, children, and adolescents. However, Neonatologists are the one who takes care of infants and specially premature newborn who are suffering from serious and complex medical conditions.