When you become a parent, you are faced with countless choices regarding your new child. One of those choices is who your child’s doctor is going to be: a pediatrician or a family medicine doctor.
Both are skilled and caring physicians, but there are some differences between the two that are worth knowing. Here is a closer look at what makes them different and some insight as to why you might choose a pediatrician for your child’s care.
What Is the Difference Between the Two?
Both a pediatrician and a family medicine doctor go to medical school and complete a residency. The difference is in what they train to do after that.
After medical school, a pediatrician spends three years of residency training focused entirely on infants, children, and teenagers. Once they begin practicing, their whole career is focused on caring for young patients.
A family medicine doctor trains to care for patients of all ages, from children to seniors. They have broad knowledge across many areas of medicine and follow current guidelines for both pediatric and adult patients, making sure children are on track with appropriate milestones just like a pediatrician would.
Neither choice is wrong. But that difference matters when your child is the patient.
Why Many Families Choose a Pediatrician
They Know Child Development Inside and Out
Pediatricians are trained to track how children grow and develop at every stage. They know what milestones to expect and when to take a closer look if something seems off. Whether your child is a newborn or a teenager, a pediatrician understands what to look for in those ages. That knowledge helps them spot concerns early, when they are easiest to address.
They See Childhood Conditions Every Day
Pediatricians treat ear infections, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), growth concerns, childhood asthma, developmental disabilities, and other common conditions in kids every single day. That experience adds up. In pediatric medicine, the entire patient base is children, they can more easily recognize patterns, catch things early, and know exactly what treatment works best.
Their Office is Built for Kids
Going to the doctor can be a stressful event for many children. Pediatric offices are equipped to handle that, as the staff knows how to talk to kids, keep them calm, and make them feel comfortable in these situations.
They Can Follow Your Child for Years
A pediatrician can care for a child from birth through age 18, or even 21 in some cases. In that time, they build a full picture of their patient’s health, from knowing a child’s growth history, past illnesses, which vaccines they have received, and family health background. That history makes it easier to notice changes and provide care that is specific to the child.
They Stay Current on Pediatric Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics regularly updates recommendations for childhood health. A pediatrician will make sure children are on track with appropriate milestones in accordance with current guidelines.
They Understand Kids’ Behavioral and Mental Health
Pediatricians are trained to recognize signs of autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other behavioral health concerns. They know how to talk with children, teens, and young adults in ways that feel comfortable and age appropriate and can connect a family with the proper resources or specialists.
When a Family Medicine Doctor May Be a Good Fit
Family medicine doctors provide excellent care for children. In some situations, they may be the better fit for your family.
Families might prefer having one doctor care for everyone in the household. Other families may not have easy or convenient access to a pediatrician in their area. And for older teens nearing adulthood, a family medicine doctor can make the transition to adult care more seamless.
Families in Huron County and surrounding areas have access to both. At Fisher-Titus, we offer both pediatric care and family medicine, so you can choose what works best for your family.
Pediatric Care Close to Home
As the largest pediatric group in the area, Fisher-Titus Pediatrics has five convenient locations in Norwalk, Bellevue, Sandusky, Wakeman, and Willard. Same-day and next-day appointments are available, so you can get your child the care they need without a long wait.
Schedule an appointment for your child with a Fisher-Titus pediatrician today.