Infants, children, and adolescents through the age of 18 years should see a pediatrician, a specialist in healthcare for babies, children, and teenagers.
Pediatricians provide medical care for acute and chronic illness in children as well as preventive services for healthy children. They manage physical, emotional, and mental healthcare for every stage of childhood development and any level of health or illness.
The specialized study of pediatrics has a critical mission.
While children are prone to many of the same injuries and illnesses as adults, their smaller body size and physical and mental immaturity is significantly different from adults and requires expert knowledge in those differences*.
Congenital defects, genetic variation, and developmental issues are more significant for an infant or young child than for an adult. Also, there are legal concerns in the pediatric population that are not present for most adult patients.
Children are minors and typically cannot make healthcare decisions for themselves. Every pediatric encounter must consider the issues of guardianship, legal responsibility, privacy, and informed consent.
Pediatric care is highly collaborative, with the pediatrician working closely with other specialists and healthcare professionals. The field of pediatrics has several sub-specialties for children with complex health problems who require different treatment than an adult with the same condition.
FUN FACT: The word pediatrics literally means “healer of children.” It is derived from two Greek words – pais, meaning child, and iatros, meaning doctor or healer.
Pediatrics is a relatively new medical specialty that was introduced and developed by the father of pediatrics, Abraham Jacobi, in the mid-1800s. We are proud to continue his work by providing top-notch pediatric care.
Don’t hesitate to call your primary healthcare provider or visit one of our convenient Dallas-Fort Worth area Legacy ER & Urgent Care locations if you have any concerns about your child.