Pediatricians vs Family Physicians

Awaiting the birth of a baby is an exciting time, and a busy one. Along with considering baby names and buying a crib, choosing the right health care provider should be on your to-do list too.  When it comes to medical care for kids, there are three types of qualified providers: pediatricians, family physicians, and pediatric nurse practitioners.

About Pediatricians

Pediatrics is the medical specialty fully focused on the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth through adolescence. A pediatrician will not only diagnose and treat diseases, but also try to prevent them in the first place.

Pediatricians complete 4 years of medical school, followed by 3 years of pediatric residency. To become board certified, a pediatrician must pass a written examination given by the American Board of Pediatrics. To keep current on changes in children’s health care, pediatricians must re-certify by taking examinations every 7 years. They also must take a certain number of continuing medical education (CME) courses each year to be eligible for license renewal in the state in which they practice.

About Family Physicians

Family physicians must complete 3 years of residency after medical school. Family medicine residents train in pediatrics and several other areas such as internal medicine, orthopedics, and obstetrics and gynecology. They usually spend several months training in each area. Afterward, they’re eligible to take the certifying examination of the American Board of Family Medicine. They’re also required to earn CME credits and take periodic recertification exams.

Because they train in many areas, family physicians are qualified to care for patients of all ages. This means your child would be able to see the same doctor from birth through adulthood. It also means that all members of your family can receive their primary care from the same doctor. A family physician will know the medical history of all family members and may also be more aware of the emotional and social issues within your family.

About Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

A pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) has earned a master’s degree in nursing and can take medical histories, perform physical examinations on children, make medical diagnoses, write prescriptions, and provide counseling and treatment. Like pediatricians, PNPs may specialize in a particular area, such as neurology or endocrinology. PNPs work closely with doctors in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Some parents might hesitate to choose a PNP, possibly worrying that the PNP is less extensively trained in children’s health care. These feelings are largely unwarranted. A PNP might be able to see your child sooner, and can provide high-quality care. For complex medical problems, PNPs are trained to consult the doctor.

Your search for a health care provider should begin well before your baby’s due date. Babies often come early and you’ll want to be sure you’ve found someone whose style and personality work with your own.