Each of our members employs pediatric specialists, who are the only physicians uniquely qualified to treat children with complex, chronic conditions. The treatment they provide is highly specialized and thus different from the primary care provided by general pediatricians, who concentrate on colds, fevers, and other common illnesses and injuries.
The unique developmental and emotional needs of children and adolescents are significantly different from those of adults, and time spent with these patients is resource and time intensive, typically involving the entire family.
The view that children with complex health care needs can see adult specialists as an acceptable alternative is flawed. There are distinct characteristics of pediatric care, as well as physiological and cognitive differences between children and adults.
The skilled care provided by pediatric specialists has consistently demonstrated reductions in length of hospital stay, the number of readmissions, and therefore reduces costs. Additionally, research has shown improvements in overall quality of life and survival rates for children with rare, serious, and chronic health conditions.
What are the different pediatric subspecialties?
Pediatric subspecialty areas are:
- Adolescent Medicine
- Child Abuse Pediatrics
- Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
- Medical Toxicology
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology-Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Surgery
- Transplant Hepatology
- Sleep Medicine
- Sports Medicine
For more information on what each subspecialty is, visit the American Board of Pediatrics.
What kind of training is required of a pediatric specialist?
Pediatric specialists have a commitment to treat children with special health care needs and have the advanced training and experience necessary to treat children’s complex medical and surgical conditions.
- Four years of medical school
- Three years of training in a pediatric residency program
- Additional 3-5 years of training in the area of their specialty
- Board certification
Pediatric surgeons undergo additional:
- Five years of general surgery training
- Two years training in pediatric surgery
- Board certification
Additional Resources:
UCLA Center for Health Policy Research: Assuring Children’s Access to Pediatric Subspecialty Care in California
PEDIATRICS: Current Workforce of Pediatric Subspecialists in the United States