The Major Types of Pediatricians

A pediatrician is very important in the life of a child. That’s because this doctor provides basic medical care from infantry to adulthood. A pediatrician provides the necessary medical care that ensures healthy development of a child. However, there are different categories of pediatricians with training in specific pediatrics branches. Major among them are as follows.

General Pediatrician, M.D

In most cases, a general pediatrician is a Doctor of Medicine or M.D. This pediatrician is a specialist in the provision of primary care. They offer basic medical care as well as treatment to young patients starting from birth to early adulthood.

General Pediatrician, O.D

A general pediatrician can be a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or O.D. This designation means that a pediatrician focuses on the body’s musculoskeletal system and holistic pediatric care as well as preventive medicine.

Pediatric Surgeon

This is a pediatrician with training in performing surgical procedures on children or young patients. A pediatric surgeon corrects problems in young patients surgically. Such patients may include newborns and patients in their late adolescence.

Neonatologist

This pediatrician has specialized training in providing care to premature and/or sick infants. Neonatologists are pediatricians that provide specialized care to newborn babies that need intensive care immediately after birth.   

Pediatric Geneticist

A pediatric geneticist is a pediatrician with specialized training in genetics and pediatrics. This pediatrician has training that enables them to identify birth problems’ causes. Such problems include body structure abnormalities, brain development and body chemistry issues.

Other Types of Pediatricians

There are pediatricians in other specialties. These include Pediatric Endocrinologists. These are specialists in the treatment of hormone issues in young patients. There are also Pediatric Cardiologists who are specialists in the heart problems of young patients. Other pediatricians include Pediatric Hematologists who specialize in treating blood disorders among young patients.

It’s important to know the specialty of a pediatrician before you choose them for your child. This ensures that your child will be in the right hands once you take them for treatment to your chosen pediatrician.