Different Types of Children's Doctors

Different types of children's doctors are necessary just as adults need different doctors. Different types of children's doctors will have different specialties that make them qualified within their own field. Since children are constantly growing and changing, a pediatric doctor is going to be more effective than a family practitioner.

Pediatrician

• A pediatrician handles all general health care in children. This includes yearly physicals as well as illnesses that may arise. You may need a referral from a pediatrician to see other pediatric doctors.

Pediatric Cardiologist

• Pediatric cardiologists work with children that have heart problems. This may range from a simple heart murmur to a child receiving a heart transplant.

Pediatric Oncologist

• A pediatric oncologist is more adept at handling cancer diagnoses, treatment and care than a standard oncologist that practices on patients of all ages.

Pediatric Endocrinologist

• When a child has problems with growth, it is often hormonal. A pediatric endocrinologist works with children that may have pituitary problems, diabetes, thyroid problems and other such hormonal disorders.

Pediatric Psychiatrist

• Pediatric psychiatrists work with children to diagnose and treat any mental illness that may present itself.

Pediatric Speech/Language Pathologist

• Pediatric pathologists work with children on developmental delays related to language and speech. This could be related to hearing problems, mental delays or illness among other potential causes.

Pediatric Surgeon

• Children are small adults, which means all of their internal and external parts are smaller as well. Pediatric surgeons are more practiced and capable working with these smaller parts when surgery becomes necessary.