Medical Career Advising Resources Project - pediatrics
Professional Description
Pediatrics is a specialty that focuses on the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases.
Pediatrics is a discipline that deals with biological, social, and environmental influences on the developing child and with the effect of disease and dysfunction on development. Children differ anatomically, physiologically, immunologically, psychologically, developmentally, and metabolically from adults.
The pediatrician understands the constantly changing functional status of his or her patients incident to growth and development and the consequent changing standards of "normal" for age. A pediatrician is a medical specialist who is primarily concerned with the health, welfare, and development of children, and is uniquely qualified for these endeavors by virtue of interest and initial training. Maintenance of these competencies is achieved through experience, training, continuous education, self-assessment, and practice improvement.
A pediatrician is able to define accurately the child's health status as well as to serve as a consultant and to make use of other specialists as consultants. Because the child's welfare is heavily dependent on the home and family, the pediatrician supports efforts to create a nurturing environment. Such support includes education about healthful living and anticipatory guidance for both patients and parents.
Association Contact Information
- American Academy of Pediatrics
345 Park Boulevard
Itasca, IL 60143
800.433.9016
Website
Website for students, residents, and young physicians
Source: American Medical Association. Graduate Medical Education Directory 2011-2012