Many parents aren’t sure whether to find a local family physician or a local pediatrician for their child. Let’s look at the differences: A local pediatrician is a physician who has taken education and training in treating infants and children (generally up to the age of 18, although some see patients until about age 21). A local pediatrician will have taken extensive training in children’s physical and mental health (for example, ADHD). A local family physician is a medical doctor who works with infants, children, adults and seniors. Instead of having to find a new local family physician once the child is 18 or so, a family doctor can keep seeing the child as an adult. It’s a personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer. A local pediatrician and local family physician may perform annual physical exams, giving immunizations, treating injuries and infections, helping patients manage chronic diseases such as asthma or juvenile diabetes, monitoring developmental milestones and providing nutritional advice (from infant nutrition to teen’s nutrition). A local pediatrican or family physician can also refer a child to other specialists as needed, for example a local gastroenterologist for celiac disease or a psychiatrist for depression.

Paediatrics & Child Health (PCH) is the official journal of the Canadian Paediatric Society, and the only peer-reviewed paediatric journal in Canada. Its mission is to advocate for the health and well-being of all Canadian children and youth and to educate child and youth health professionals across the country

From the beginning, the American Academy of Pediatrics has been guided by its mission to ensure the health and well-being of all children.