As your family grows, you might find yourself in a difficult situation when selecting a primary care physician. Because children get sick often and require regular check-ups, you cannot put off this choice for very long. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.6% of children aged 5 to 11 years old have been absent from school for 11 or more days of school due to illness or injury. This means that choosing a pediatric physician is imperative.
Why do parents take their children to a pediatrician rather than any other kind of general practitioner? They do this because there are a few basic distinctions between regular doctors and pediatric physicians. Read more to understand what they are.
Pediatric Physician
Pediatricians are medical professionals who focus their practice on the care of children. They undergo a pediatric residency program lasting a minimum of three years, making them an invaluable resource for treating the illnesses and conditions that specifically affect children.
Regular Doctor
A regular doctor typically has experience treating patients of all ages, including children and adults. However, they do not carry much in the way of specialty training. They have prior knowledge and experience in a wide range of medical fields and issues, enabling them to provide care for virtually any patient. However, they may have to refer you to a specialist for assistance if a particular problem arises.
What Sets Pediatric Physicians Apart
Pediatricians have extensive training in the medical care of infants and children and know how to communicate effectively with young patients. Their soothing demeanor and ability to put their young patients at ease during stressful situations make them the ideal people to go to with sick children.
Besides the children, pediatricians also have experience communicating with parents who are under a lot of stress. If your child becomes ill unexpectedly, you can look for pediatric urgent care to address their health issues right away. The more specific and particular the care, the better.
Pediatrix is staffed by trained and experienced medical professionals who have all the technical knowledge and interpersonal skills necessary to deliver exceptional care to children. Contact us today to set up an appointment for your little one!
