PEDIATRICIAN

A pediatrician is a medical doctor specializing in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, responsible for performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, providing preventive care like immunizations, and guiding parents on child health and development. Key duties include monitoring growth and development, creating treatment plans, prescribing medication, and referring patients to specialists when necessary.

Key responsibilities

• Perform examinations and assessments:

  Conduct regular well-child checkups, physical exams, and diagnostic tests to monitor growth, development, and overall health.

• Diagnose and treat illnesses:

  Identify and treat acute and chronic illnesses, infections, and injuries specific to children.

• Provide preventive care:

  Administer immunizations and vaccinations to prevent diseases.

• Develop treatment plans:

  Create and implement treatment plans for ill or injured children, and manage chronic conditions.

• Prescribe medication:

  Write prescriptions for necessary medications and therapies.

• Educate and advise:

  Provide guidance to parents and caregivers on a child's health, including nutrition, safety, hygiene, and development.

• Refer to specialists:

  Refer patients to other specialists when their condition requires expertise beyond the pediatrician's scope.

• Maintain records:

  Keep detailed and accurate medical records of each patient's health history and treatment.

• Coordinate care:

  Direct and coordinate the activities of nurses, assistants, and other medical staff.

Essential skills

• Communication:

  Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and other healthcare staff.

• Compassion and empathy:

  Displaying care and understanding for young patients and their families.

• Attention to detail:

  Meticulous record-keeping and careful consideration of symptoms and treatments.

• Problem-solving:

  Skill in analyzing symptoms and developing effective treatment strategies.

• Manual dexterity:

  Having skilled and steady hands for examinations and procedures.

• Physical stamina:

  Ability to handle the demands of a long and potentially physically taxing workday.