what is a pediatrician

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in treating infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. They manage the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children, from birth through childhood and sometimes beyond. Pediatricians prevent, detect, and manage physical, behavioral, and developmental issues that affect children. They provide preventive health maintenance, ongoing monitoring for healthy children, and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. Pediatricians also coordinate care for children after hospital discharge. They advise on, diagnose, and treat many different diseases, including infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and developmental disorders. Additionally, pediatricians provide advice to parents on issues such as diet, caring for injuries, addressing developmental delays, dealing with behavioral problems, and managing chronic illnesses. Pediatricians undergo extensive education and training, including a four-year undergraduate degree and specialized training for pediatrics while completing their residency. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a pediatrician was $177,130 in 2020.