Schedule your child’s next checkup with a My DR Family Clinic pediatrician—your partner in children’s health.
From birth, your child’s health and development become a priority. A pediatrician not only treats illnesses but also guides and supports their growth.
In this post, you’ll learn what a pediatrician is, what they do, when to see one, how they differ from a family doctor, the types of pediatricians, and how My DR Family Clinic can help you with professional pediatric care.
What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of children from birth to age 18 (or even 21). After graduating from an accredited medical school, they complete a pediatric residency of at least three years in general pediatrics.
Some choose to pursue additional years of specialized training in fields such as pediatric cardiology or neurology. Board-certified pediatricians are licensed by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing rigorous examinations in pediatric care.
What does a pediatrician do?
A pediatrician is a doctor trained to care for the physical, emotional, and social health of children.
- Preventive care: Provides pediatric checkups, vaccinations, and growth and development monitoring.
- Diagnosis and treatment: of common diseases such as asthma, infections, influenza and otitis media.
- Developmental monitoring: Ensure age-appropriate milestones.
- Mental and behavioral health: Support for issues such as anxiety, ADHD, behavior…
- Parents’ Guide: Offers professional medical advice on sleep, nutrition, hygiene, and safety.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the role goes beyond the office: educating families and promoting well-being.
When should you see a pediatrician?
Pediatricians provide primary care from birth through adolescence. Consult a pediatrician for:
- Newborns, infants and first year care
- Routine checkups and physical examination
- Vaccinations
- Fever, infections or any illness
- School or sports exams
- Developmental or feeding concerns
They are the first point of contact for children’s health and also provide support during emergencies or long-term plans.
Pediatrician vs. Family Doctor
Both pediatricians and family doctors provide primary care, but with key differences:
Pediatrician:
- Specialized only in children
- Specific training in pediatric residency
- Expert in vaccines, milestones, and childhood diseases
- Ideal for complex needs or pediatric specialists
Family doctor:
- Serves from babies to the elderly
- Provides continuity between generations
- Convenient for families who prefer a single doctor
The pediatrician is best equipped to handle conditions affecting children, but the two can work together to provide comprehensive care.
Types of pediatricians and pediatric specialties
Beyond the general pediatrician, there are pediatric subspecialists such as:
- Pediatric cardiologists
- Pediatric neurologists
- Pediatric endocrinologists
- Pediatric Gastroenterologists
The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes several sub-specialties, and some physicians choose to become dual-certified (pediatrics + another specialty) after residency and fellowship training at accredited medical centers.
According to the American University of the Caribbean, the path to becoming a pediatrician requires many years of medical education, clinical rotations, and passing state exams.
Training and professional career of a pediatrician
To become a pediatrician you must:
- Graduate from an accredited medical school (MD).
- Complete the clinical requirements of the MD.
- Enter and complete a pediatric residency (minimum three years).
- Optional: complete an internship or fellowship for additional specialization.
- Pass the American Board of Pediatrics exams to become board-certified.
The training emphasizes comprehensive care for children and adolescents, preparing these physicians to work with other specialists to provide quality primary care.
How My DR Family Clinic Cares for Your Child
At My DR Family Clinic, we offer expert care focused on your child’s physical and emotional health:
- Regular checkups, vaccinations, and developmental monitoring
- Care for common illnesses such as flu, asthma, and infections
- Child-friendly services and a respectful environment for parents
- We accept most insurances and offer same-day appointments.
- Team with years of experience in medical education, pediatric residency, and caring for the needs of children
Choosing us means more than visiting a pediatrician: it means investing in a trusted partner for children’s health.
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment with a pediatrician. Take control of your child’s health with My DR Clinic Family Clinic. Your child deserves the best from the start.
