A good relationship with a pediatrician is vital to ensuring your baby is healthy and hitting key developmental milestones.Ĭhildren may see a pediatrician for as long as they are young enough to qualify for care. Parents should take their infants to see a pediatrician from birth. When should your child see a pediatrician? On the other hand, family doctors are equipped to care for a patient throughout their entire adult life. While both types of doctors are fully equipped to care for and treat patients, pediatricians specialize in children and have more in-depth knowledge about the growth, development, and behavior of small kids. Similarly, family doctors are certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Pediatricians are then certified by the American Board of Pediatrics to be licensed to practice medicine. For family doctors, they complete a residency in family medicine, which includes some pediatric training, but also adult medicine and geriatrics (elderly patient care).
For pediatricians, they complete a residency in pediatrics. Family doctors may see patients of any age or may only see patients who are above a certain age.īoth pediatricians and family doctors must complete four years of medical school and a three-year residency (training) in their chosen specialty. Pediatricians typically only see patients who are under 18 years old, though some will see patients up to 21 years of age. The biggest difference between a pediatrician and a family doctor is the age of the patients they treat. Pediatrician vs family doctor: What’s the difference? Our Family Medicine team shares some insight into the differences between pediatricians and family doctors to help you make the right choice for your family. Both accept children as patients, so how are they different? Is one better than the other? When you’re making that many trips to the doctor’s office, it’s especially important to see a physician that both you and your child feel comfortable with.Īs you’re trying to decide on the best doctor for your child, you may be confused about the difference between a pediatrician and a family doctor. From annual sports physicals to playground injuries, kids tend to go to the doctor much more frequently than adults.
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