Did you know the word “pediatrics” is a combination of the English word “paedo”—which means “of children”—and the Greek word “iatros”—which means “healing”?
That’s why the term “primary care pediatrics” refers to the provision of integrated and accessible health care for kids from birth until adolescence. But who typically works as primary care pediatrics?
Here’s a breakdown of the main roles within a primary care pediatrics team.
Pediatrician
If you’ve ever met a kids’ doctor, chances are they were a pediatrician! Pediatricians provide healthcare to kids and young adults. They often work with specialists to treat an array of physical ailments. For instance, it’s common for pediatricians treating kids with ear infections to reach out to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.
Pediatricians also provide mental and emotional healthcare to their young patients. This includes the provision of behavioral therapy, often administered by an ADHD pediatrician. Other types of pediatricians treat a specific age group, such as newborn pediatricians who are experts at providing healthcare to newborn babies.
Board Certified Pediatrician
While every pediatrician holds a medical doctorate (MD), the best pediatricians often have the acronym “FAAP” next to their name. This indicates that they’ve passed board exams to become a full Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Membership is only granted to pediatricians who complete three years of residency training and another two to six years of specialty training.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric nurse practitioners undergo special training to provide medical assistance to kids and young adults. They specialize in the prevention and management of chronic and acute conditions and often work alongside pediatricians in clinics, hospitals, and health centers. They also do out-of-office work like conducting well-child visits with pediatricians at patients’ homes.
It’s common for pediatric nurse practitioners to hold postgraduate degrees in specific areas of medicine. For instance, pediatric nurse practitioners with master’s degrees in immunology are often experts at administering vaccinations.
The most qualified pediatric nurse practitioners are often members of organizations like the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). These organizations provide comprehensive training to their members on acute and specialty care for kids so they’re able to assist with procedures like testing for ADHD.
Whether you’re searching for a qualified ADHD pediatrician or a pediatrician for newborn babies in Stone Oak, we’re ready to assist you at A Thru Z Pediatrics. We offer comprehensive medical care for kids and perform well-child visits to ensure our patients get top-level preventative care. We also conduct same-day visits for diagnostic test screening as well as sports physicals to remedy health problems affecting kids’ participation in sports.
If you’re eager to find out what makes us one of the best primary care pediatrics San Antonio, get in touch with us today!