At a Glance:
- Paediatricians (Pediatricians in US English) are specialist medical practitioners expert in diagnosing and treating foetuses, babies, young children and adolescents.
- Some children may only see a paediatrician once, while others may see a paediatrician for years for congenital diseases, issues or chronic conditions.
- In Australia, to become a paediatrician a doctor must undertake at least six additional years of full-time training.
- Some paediatricians further specialise in specific fields, such as Paediatric Cardiology or Neonatal Paediatrics.
What is a Paediatrician?
Paediatricians (also known as pediatricians in US English) are doctors who specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of infants, children, and adolescents. This care may include pre-birth foetal care as well. Some individuals will regularly see a paediatrician throughout their childhood, while others may only visit them due to specific circumstances.
For example, a baby or young infant with a pre-existing health condition will likely receive regular care from a paediatrician until they reach adulthood. Alternatively, a child may only see a paediatrician once in their life while in the hospital after sustaining a broken arm from a fall.
In some cases, adults may remain in the care of a paediatrician if they have an existing condition, such as developmental or intellectual disabilities. Due to such circumstances, changing doctors once the patient reaches adulthood could potentially be traumatising or ineffective. Some adult patients may stay with their paediatrician their entire lives.
What Do Paediatricians Do?
Paediatricians specialise in treating babies, children, and young people, providing various services, such as:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Management for acute and chronic health conditions
- Health advice and information
- Tests and screenings
- Medical check-ups
- Immunisations
- Health assessments
These specialists for children cover all aspects of a young person’s health, including physical, developmental, mental, and behavioural concerns. Some common areas of care a child may receive from a paediatrician include:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Autism
- Cancer
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chronic diseases
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Developmental delays
- Diabetes
- Disabilities
- Down Syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Genetic disorders
- Infections
- Meningitis
In Australia, paediatricians must complete at least six years of specialised full-time training after they have become a doctor. They may also choose to specialise further into paediatric disciplines, such as:
- Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics - specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as ADHD, Autism, developmental delays. Oppositional Defiance Disorder, learning disabilities and the like.
- Paediatric Cardiology - diagnosing and treating paediatric heart conditions.
- Paediatric Emergency Medicine - emergency short-term treatment for neonatal (the first four weeks after birth) to adolescent patients.
- Paediatric Medical Toxicology - diagnosis and treatment of poisoning in children.
- Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine - treatment of foetuses as well as premature and newborn babies.
Where Can You Find a Paediatrician?
Paediatricians work in various settings, including hospitals, walk-in clinics, and private and public practices. Because of their specialised training, you can often find them working as part of a team in the emergency department at a hospital, at your local children’s hospital, or on the maternity ward.
However, if you require consistent paediatric care for your child, you will need a local family doctor or general practitioner referral. Depending on the health concern, one paediatrician may refer a patient to another sub-specialist in the paediatric field.
While some parents may have a referral at the time of delivery, others may only seek out a paediatrician later when facing an issue with their child. Of course, each doctor is unique and will have a different approach to offering care and support.
It is crucial when determining a paediatrician for your child that you meet with them and discuss any questions you have and objectives for your young one’s care. You should be comfortable with the individual assessing and treating your child. Parents have the right to ask for a new doctor if they are uneasy or uncertain of their choice.
What Makes a Good Paediatrician?
What constitutes a good paediatrician may differ from person to person. SOme people may be looking for a practitioner that is kind and gentle with children and makes the family feel at ease, whereas others may be searching for a doctor who is forthright and efficient. No matter the style of practitioner that you are looking for, any paediatrician will ensure proper care for your child. Of course, even if a parent likes a paediatrician there is no guarantee a child will.
Some things to look out for in a paediatrician include:
- Exceptional comprehension when listening to patient concerns and understanding their needs and requirements
- Excellent communication to relay information and ideas to patients in words they can understand
Although you will always want a paediatrician with the proper training and experience to diagnose and treat your child, finding someone who will positively work with you and your family is the best choice.
For example, if you have a child that suffers from seizures, you may want to explore all treatment methods to help your youngster. Any paediatrician will listen to your concerns and help you determine if one treatment plan is better suited than another. In such a case, a paediatrician may think your child may be a potential candidate for CBD oil treatment in lieu of traditional drug regimens that they may have already failed or have had a poor reaction to. CBD oil is highly regulated in Australia and is only available through prescription and of extremely high purity.
If you need to search for and book healthcare appointments for your child, the fastest and easiest way is at MyHealth1st.com.au