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Who is a pediatrician?

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who looks after the health needs of infants and adolescents from birth till age 18. They provide comprehensive healthcare for young patients, focusing on preventive care, growth and development, and diagnosing and treating common childhood illnesses.

They also play a crucial role in monitoring the growth and development of their patients. Pediatricians guide parents and caregivers on nutrition, sleep, and safety. They are also responsible for administering routine childhood vaccinations and regular wellness checkups.

Pediatricians may also specialize in a particular area of pediatrics, including pediatric cardiology, oncology, or neurology. They work closely with other healthcare providers, including nurses, physician assistants, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care for their young patients.

What does it take to become a pediatrician? 

Their education and training involve several years of study and practice, including the following:

1. Undergraduate education: Completing a Bachelor's degree in a field such as psychology, chemistry, or biology is the initial step toward becoming a pediatrician. This takes four years, followed by medical school.
2. Medical school: After obtaining a bachelor's degree, an aspiring pediatrician attends medical school, which takes an additional four years. In medical school, they study various subjects, such as anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology.
3. Residency: A pediatrician must complete a three-year residency program in pediatrics after medical school. During this time, they work in a hospital or clinic, gaining hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating various illnesses and injuries in children of all ages.
4. Certification: Once the residency program is completed, the pediatrician must pass a comprehensive exam to become board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The certification process includes a written and oral examination and a periodic renewal process to maintain the certification.

Even after becoming board-certified, a pediatrician must stay up-to-date with the latest medical treatments.

Responsibilities of a pediatrician

Pediatricians promote healthy lifestyles and tackle the day-to-day concerns of children and adolescents with acute and chronic conditions. Pediatricians shoulder a broad array of responsibilities, encompassing:

1. Monitoring growth and development: Pediatricians track children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development from infancy through adolescence. They keep track of height, weight, head circumference, and other vital signs and monitor developmental milestones, such as speech and motor skills.
2. Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries: Pediatricians diagnose and treat many diseases and injuries. These include common colds and infections. They can also address more severe conditions like asthma, diabetes, and cancer. Pediatricians may also provide emergency care for injuries like broken bones, burns, or head injuries.
3. Conducting preventive care: Pediatricians provide preventative services, such as immunizations, health screenings, and nutrition counseling. They also guide parents and children on how to prevent childhood injuries, accidents, and diseases.
4. Communicating with patients and families: Pediatricians frequently act as the main point of contact between families and patients. They provide education on healthy habits, answer questions about health and wellness, and work with families to develop treatment plans and goals for their child's health. 
5. Collaborating with other medical professionals: Pediatricians work closely with other medical professionals, such as nurses, physician assistants, and specialists, to ensure their patients receive the best possible care. They may consult with specialists on complex medical issues or refer patients to them for further treatment.
6. Advocating for children's health: Pediatricians play an important role in advocating for programs that support the health and well-being of children. They may work with policymakers, public health officials, and community organizations to promote access to healthcare, safe living environments, and healthy food options.

Different types of pediatricians

Regardless of the age group they are dealing with, pediatricians will refer their patients to specialists if they need specialized treatment. Pediatric specialists can be as follows:

1. Developmental/behavioral pediatrician: Specialized in diagnosing and managing behavioral and developmental delays in children.
2. Neonatologist: Specialized in the health and diseases of newborns and premature babies.
3. Pediatric audiologist: Specialized in hearing impairment and related disorders in infants and kids.
4. Pediatric cardiologist: Specialized in diagnosing and treating congenital/acquired heart diseases.
5. Pediatric pulmonologist (lung doctor): Treats children with breathing problems or lung issues.
6. Pediatric dietitian: Deals with nutritional counseling of children based on their allergies and specific developmental needs.
7. Pediatric endocrinologist: Specialized in diagnosing and treating children with hormonal imbalances or gland disorders.
8. Pediatric gastroenterologist: Specialized in managing diseases of the stomach, food pipe, liver, pancreas, and intestines in children.
9. Pediatric geneticist: Specialized in detecting, diagnosing, and treating children with genetic disorders.
10. Pediatric immunologist: Specialized in the management of allergies in children.
11. Pediatric nephrologist: Specialized in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting a child's kidneys and urinary tract.
12. Pediatric neurologist: Deals with the management of nervous system disorders in children.
13. Pediatric ophthalmologist: Specialized in diseases of the eyes and nerves or muscles involved in vision.
14. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon: Manages congenital or acquired deformities of the bones and muscles and fractures of the bones.
15. Pediatric physiatrist: Specializes in diagnosing and treating physical medicine and rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders or issues.
16. Pediatric otolaryngologist: Diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the ear, nose, and throat.
17. Pediatric plastic surgeon: Specializing in treating congenital disabilities, injuries, tumors, scars, etc.
18. Pediatric podiatrist: Involved with caring for conditions affecting children's feet, especially in the first year of development.
19. Pediatric radiologist: Specialized in using imaging technologies like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, etc., to diagnose children's diseases.
20. Pediatric rheumatologist: Deals with imparting care to children suffering from rheumatic (joint-related) disorders like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus.

Things to consider when choosing a pediatrician

To locate the best pediatrician near you, you can schedule an appointment by calling the office, as most pediatricians have designated times for expecting parents to visit. Some doctors conduct group classes for expectant parents to acquaint them with the practice and discuss newborn care, while others may prefer one-on-one interviews. Many insurance companies encourage these prenatal appointments or classes, often covering their costs. However, checking with the doctor's office and your health plan beforehand is essential.

To determine if the practice suits your and your family’s needs, consider the following factors and make a list of questions to help organize your thoughts:

1. Confirm the office hours, ensuring the schedule aligns with your preferences, such as weekend and evening hours.
2. Determine if the doctor works independently or as part of a group, understanding the contingency plans for your child's care when the doctor is unavailable.
3. Inquire about the doctor's affiliation with a pediatric hospital in your area.
4. Understand the office's procedures for handling phone calls during and after office hours, including the availability of telemedicine services.
5. Explore communication options, such as emailing your doctor and using electronic medical records to share your child's health information.
6. Clarify emergency protocols, whether the doctor handles emergencies or refers your child to an emergency room or urgent care center.
7. Discuss the cost of services, including payment options and potential referral to specialists if needed.
8. Inquire about the office's vaccination policies, ensuring alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention immunization schedule.
9. If you're expecting, check if the doctor will visit the hospital during delivery to examine your newborn.

Beyond posing these questions, your visit lets you observe the office's operations. Evaluate the cleanliness and child-friendliness of the waiting area and assess the staff's politeness and helpfulness towards patients in the waiting room and over the phone. Additionally, it would help if you interacted with other parents in the waiting area, gaining insights into what they appreciate about the practice and why they feel confident in the provided care.

How do you find the best pediatricians near you? 

Choosing a pediatrician for your child is an important decision, as this healthcare professional will play a critical role in your child's health and well-being. You want to find a knowledgeable and experienced pediatrician who will work with you to provide the best possible care for your child.

Zocdoc understands that choosing a pediatrician is a tricky decision. Parents get access to all the relevant information regarding pediatricians in Atlanta on this platform. Zocdoc's online platform allows you to search for pediatricians by location, insurance, and other criteria. This will enable you to find a pediatrician who meets your specific needs. You can even check your insurance through the insurance filter to make a proper decision.

Moreover, you can view each pediatrician's qualifications, years of experience, spoken languages, and specialties. Ensure you book based on a date convenient to you and the doctor's availability. You can review the patient-verified testimonials and ratings before scheduling an appointment with the best pediatrician near you. Keep your worries at bay, and look forward to your visit to the pediatrician, as all bookings on Zocdoc are safe, secure, and 100% free.  

Pediatrician statistics for Atlanta 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 67,000 pediatricians in the United States are committed to the mental, physical, and social well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

As of 2020, the infant mortality rate in Georgia was 6.3%, while 122,379 births were recorded in the same year. The Georgia chapter of AAP has over 1700 registered practitioners. In 2021, Georgia recorded a low prevalence of alcohol use among young adults. While children had a high immunization coverage, the county still had the highest number of asthma cases. The percentage of children aged 1-17 who had dental exams has decreased from 83.8% in 2019 to 80.9% in 2020. 

Sources

News Medical

KidsHealth

Pathways.org

European Network for Children with Arthritis

America's Health Rankings

OASIS

American Academy of Pediatrics

Georgia Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.