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. Pediatricians prevent, detect, and manage physical, behavioral, and developmental issues that affect children. They perform a diverse range of health-related services that range from health and wellness screenings to management of complex medical conditions. Some pediatricians work in general practice, while others specialize in treating children with specific health conditions. Pediatricians generally perform the following procedures:

• Physical exams
• Giving vaccinations
• Treating injuries, including fractures and dislocations
• Evaluating a child’s physical, emotional, and social development
• Prescribing medications, such as pain relievers and antibiotics
• Providing general health advice

Pediatricians undergo extensive education and training. First, they must get a four-year undergraduate degree. During undergrad, they take pre-medical courses such as biology and chemistry. If a doctor decides to specialize in pediatrics, they move on to a three-year pediatric residency program. Residency includes extra training in various pediatric specialties such as newborns, newborn intensive care, general pediatrics, and developmental-behavioral pediatrics. During residency, pediatricians must gain the knowledge, skills, and experience they’ll need to treat a broad range of conditions in children. After this training, pediatricians are eligible for board certification by the American Board of Pediatrics with successful completion of a comprehensive written exam. They keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date with continued education, self-assessment, and clinical improvement. Pediatric care generally covers people until they turn 21, but this age limit is not mandatory, and some insurance companies terminate pediatric care after a person turns 18.