When you pick a doctor for your kid, you’re also selecting a partner in maintaining his or her health, well-being, and growth.
During the early days of your newborn’s life, you’ll turn to their doctor for guidance as you learn the ropes. You’ll also see them a lot because of the newborn health visit schedule. If your kid gets a severe cold at school, falls on the playground, or places a jellybean in an odd spot as he or she grows older, you’ll want a reliable resource.
But, in your child’s case, what type of doctor makes the most sense? Is it necessary for all newborns to visit a paediatrician until they reach a particular age, or can a family doctor offer treatment from the start? What age should your kid transition from a paediatrician to a family doctor or another physician who specialises in adult health?
We’ll go through the distinctions between paediatricians and family medicine physicians below, as well as some important points to keep in mind.
Family medicine doctor vs. paediatrician: What’s the difference?
You want a doctor who has extensive experience caring for youngsters. The good news is that both paediatricians and family physicians are trained and experienced in this area.
Primary care physicians of both sorts may offer normal preventive care, manage a wide range of disorders, and treat illnesses and injuries. They’ll also check sure kids meet developmental milestones and provide advice on required childhood vaccinations.
Differences between a paediatrician and a family doctor
While both physicians treat children, you may choose one over the other for a variety of reasons. Pediatricians focus only on the care of children, while family medicine specialists handle patients of all ages.
Patients of all ages are seen by family doctors.
Doctors who practise family medicine see patients of various ages and phases of life. To visit a family medicine doctor, you don’t have to be a child.
The breadth of a family doctor’s medical understanding is difficult to match. Almost any health condition that you or your kid has during your life is likely to be addressed by them.
They can treat asthma, pink eye, and bedwetting in youngsters, as well as providing specialist teenage care and birth control when necessary. Adults with chronic health issues such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes may benefit from them. Family physicians, including OB-GYNs and certified nurse-midwives, may do Pap tests, offer prenatal care, and other women’s health services. Some of them also give birth.
Pediatricians are doctors who specialise in the treatment of children.
Pediatricians are devoted to the treatment of children. Their specialised training and day-to-day concentration enable them to provide care that is specifically customised to your child’s requirements. They excel in caring for preemies and children with a variety of unique needs, including physical, mental, and social.
Here are a few examples:
Providing breastfeeding advice to mothers, including pumping for preterm newborns.
Providing reassurance to children who have been diagnosed with medical illnesses such as asthma, which may be frightening at first.
Providing support to children and their parents dealing with behavioural difficulties such as ADHD.
What age groups do doctors work with? Pediatricians often see children between the ages of 0 and 18.
If you reside in Malaysia and want to pursue a degree in family medicine, you may enrol in a family medicine specialist program in Malaysia to finish your education.