Pediatrics: Types Of Baby Doctors

Although the pediatrician is the one you normally consult in regards to the health and well-being of your child, there are many other doctors too who have dedicated their lives to the study of children’s health. These professionals are just as important for the health care of infants and young children.

The world of pediatrics is not limited just to those monthly visits to the clinic for your baby’s check-ups. There are many other specialists other than your trusty pediatrician who work round the clock to make sure babies and children live a sound life. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Pediatrician

A pediatrician is a general practitioner for babies and children. The jobs of a pediatrician include performing routine checkups and treating minor injuries and common illnesses in children. When necessary, a pediatrician will refer a case to a specialist.

Pediatric Oncologist

It is a heart-wrenching thing indeed when a baby or small child is diagnosed with cancer, but the sad reality is, countless cancer patients are made up of little ones. The professional in the field of medicine who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in babies and children is called a pediatric oncologist.

Pediatric oncologist are trained to care for young cancer patients and they specialise in various methods and medications for their treatment.

Pediatric Cardiologist

A cardiologist is a heart doctor, hence ones who look after babies’ hearts are called pediatric cardiologists. Their job is to detect and treat any kind of heart disorder, congenital or acquired, in babies and children. Pediatric cardiologists also measure the heartbeat of unborn fetuses.

When babies or children require surgery to correct heart defects, such as holes, valve defects, etc, a cardiologist will have to refer the baby to a pediatric heart surgeon.

Pediatric Surgeon

As the name suggests, a pediatric surgeon performs surgery on children. They also deal with birth defects and injuries, extract tumors, and will even perform transplants when required.

A doctor has to complete a 5-year residency in general surgery followed by a 2-year residency in pediatric surgery to qualify as a pediatric surgeon.

Pediatric Neurologist

Here’s a group who of medical professionals who study and undertake the delicate procedure of treating the nervous systems of babies and children. They also treat head injuries and look into any possible disorders.

Pediatric neurologist also treat children with nerve-muscle disorders, and those who display behavioral disorders. They have to complete a residency in pediatric neurology in addition to pediatric residency.

Pediatric Endocrinologist

A pediatric endocrinologist is a doctor who specialises in the human hormones, particularly in a child’s body. If the baby or the child is suspected to be facing growth issues, an endocrinologist is called in to evaluate the level of hormonal growth.

Pediatric endocrinologists also treat children who are suffering from thyroid, pituitary, and other hormonal problems.

Pediatric Pulmonologist

A pediatric pulmonologist is a specialist in treating lung disorders in babies and in children. A pediatric pulmonologist is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and even the management of the treatment plan of the baby as he grows and even when he becomes an adult. This is because babies with lung disorders need constant monitoring, for which these doctors are specifically trained.