When most parents think of a pediatrician, they think of just a normal general practitioner who works with children. In reality, pediatric services cover a wide range of specialties and medical fields, so much so that there are entire hospitals or practices that are dedicated solely to pediatric care. That being said, you may be taking your child to a pediatric service without knowing the benefits and experience of working with children that a pediatrician offers.
Why Do I Need a Pediatric Specialist?
In short, a pediatrician works better with children simply because they are trained working with that age group in addition to having the passion of working with children. Going to the doctor can often be a traumatic experience for little ones. A pediatrician will most often make a child feel comfortable during the doctor’s visit.
The following are some pediatric specialties that you might not be aware of:
1. Orthodontists and Dentists
Both of these pediatric services offer surgery as well as normal procedural checkups. The main difference between the pediatrician and the regular professional stems from the fact that children often see a dentist’s visit as something to be dreaded. A pediatric dentist will often have toys and other fun things to do in their office simply so children see the office as a fun place to be, rather than a nightmare.
2. Orthopedics
These are professionals that deal with the musculoskeletal system, especially bones and problems related to bones. Most people know to go to a clinic when they break a bone or they have a fracture, but many don’t know how pediatric services apply to orthopedics. As a matter of fact, an orthopedic specialist will work with you and your child for checkups relating to sports physicals and normal growth with regards to bones.
3. Child Neurology
A neurologist deals with problems in the brain and nervous system, especially things like narcolepsy or other sleep problems. Child neurology is actually a specialization for doctors in its own right and has a specific role in child care. Because children are so vulnerable as they are growing up into adults, there are plenty of issues that might merit a checkup by a neurologist who specializes in working with children.
4. Sports Medicine
While related to orthopedics, sports medicine is particularly important for student athletes. Many sports can create issues that will affect your child’s health in adulthood, and a doctor who specializes in sports medicine will know how to identify potential issues. In addition, they are able to provide physical therapy and training for preventive measures such as stretching.
Pediatric services in general are there to ensure that your child is growing up into a healthy and happy adult. There are plenty of practices that provide many different specializations under one roof, which means that there is communication between doctors to be able to coordinate treatment for your child. In the end, a pediatrician is specialized in providing the best care possible in a comfortable environment.
