Find a Pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of infants, children and adolescents up to about age 19 years. Like other medical specialists, pediatricians train for an additional 4 to 6 years after obtaining their MD degree.
General pediatricians see patients with a very wide range of problems, such as:
- premature births
- acute and chronic medical illnesses
- developmental disorders
- mental health challenges
- diabetes
- cancer
- complex heart disease
- asthma and allergies
Some pediatricians are subspecialists, who care for patients with very specific needs.
Generally, a pediatrician will see a child who is referred by a family physician for diagnosis, treatment or continuing follow-up if the child has a complex problem, is seriously ill or requires hospitalization.
Referral Process
- Generally, patients need a referral from their family doctor, nurse practitioner or registered midwife to see a pediatrician. If you feel your child has a complex or chronic condition that could be helped by a pediatrician, please speak to your primary health-care provider about a pediatric referral. Your general pediatrician can determine whether or not your child needs a subsequent referral to a pediatric subspecialist.
- Many smaller communities do not have a pediatrician, but some have access to visiting pediatricians who do outreach clinics.
- You can also be referred to a pediatrician in a larger community.
