Pediatric Medicine Overview

Pediatrics is a branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Currently, a shortage of pediatric subspecialists exists, and children in many parts of the country do not have access to the necessary care and treatment. Comprehensive pediatric care is dependent upon having proper and timely access to pediatric subspecialists when needed. A wide variety of interesting and crucial pediatric subspecialties are available as options in which medical professionals may become trained.

• Adolescent Medicine: Adolescent medicine focuses on the health, diagnosis, and treatment of children from age 12 to 21. The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine is a multidisciplinary organization of health professionals with an interest in adolescent medicine.
• Allergy & Immunology: Pediatric Allergy & Immunology involves studying, diagnosing, and treating allergies, asthma, and immunology in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics' section on Allergy and Immunology lists books, pamphlets, and other resources for parents and professionals about pediatric allergy and immunology.
• Alternative Medicine: When studying the pediatric subspecialty of alternative medicine, the focus is on complementary and alternative medical therapies, such as integrative medicine, homeopathy, and energy therapies. The Oxford Journal article focuses on the use of alternative medicine in treating pediatric pain.
• Anesthesiology: Pediatric anesthesiology deals with anesthesia during surgery or operative care, anesthetic care, preoperative management of pediatric patients, and alleviating children's pain. The Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto maintains a website for professionals and parents interested in learning about pediatric anesthesiology.
• Audiology: Pediatric audiology focuses on diagnostic hearing and rehabilitative services for children with hearing problems. The article by the Baylor College of Medicine's Department of Otolaryngology discusses things parents and professionals must consider when having their children's hearing problems evaluated.
• Behavior & Developmental Medicine: This pediatric subspecialty deals with behavior problems, sensory impairments, motor problems, and psycho-emotional disorders in children. The Developmental Medicine Center at Children's Hospital Boston evaluates and treats a wide range of developmental and behavioral problems in children.
• Biomathematics & Biostatistics: Pediatric Biomathematics and Biostatistics focuses on statistical and mathematical modeling in pediatric research. The Division of Biomathematics/Biostatistics in the Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center provides information for professionals and parents on the reasons for and operations of the department.
• Cardiology: Pediatric cardiology deals with heart disease and heart-related disorders and conditions in children. Pediatric Heart Care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota focuses on diagnosing and treating congenital and non-congenital heart problems in children.
• Child Psychiatry: Child and adolescent psychiatry focuses on diagnosing and treating the specialized mental problems and mental illness that can develop in children and adolescents. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry works to advocate for children with mental illness and also to educate families and the public about mental illness in children and adults.
• Chiropractic : Chiropractic medicine isn't just for adults. The pediatric subspecialty of chiropractic promotes the health and wellness of children through chiropractic medicine. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) strives to advance public awareness and acceptance of the use of chiropractic medicine in children's health.
• Critical Care: Pediatric critical care involves treating children who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses or injuries. The World Federation of Pediatric Intensive & Critical Care Societies exists to find ways to improve the way critically ill children throughout the world are cared for, and to educate those who care for them.
• Dentistry: Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry promotes policies and programs that optimize children's oral health care, representing the interests of children, adolescents, and those with special oral health care needs.
• Dermatology: This pediatric subspecialty deals with skin diseases, disorders, and problems in children and adolescents. The Society for Pediatric Dermatology promotes education, research, and care of pediatric dermatology patients.
• Developmental & Behavior Medicine: Pediatric developmental and behavior medicine deals with the diagnosis and treatment of sensory impairment as well as behavioral, motor, psychological, and emotional problems in children and adolescents. The Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics Department at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine focuses on multidisciplinary assessment of children with these conditions.
• Dysmorphology & Genetics: Pediatric dysmorphology and genetics involves studying birth defects, developmental abnormalities, and the impact of altered genes on a child's current and future health. Children's Specialists of San Diego have dysmorphologists and clinical geneticists on staff who assess and treat these problems in children and help parents understand the complicated issues involved.
• Endocrinology: Pediatric endocrinology is a subspecialty that studies changes in physical growth and sexual development during childhood, as well as studying and treating disorders of the endocrine glands such as diabetes. The Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society (PENS) works to advance pediatric endocrine nursing and promote collaboration among professionals.
• Emergency Medicine: Pediatric emergency medicine deals with the assessment and treatment of acutely ill or injured children and adolescents in the emergency room or other emergency setting. The Center for Pediatric Emergency Medicine located in NYU's Langone Medical Center strives to improve children's emergency medical services throughout the country through research and education.
• Environmental Medicine: Pediatric environmental medicine looks at environmental triggers of health problems, such as asthma, in children. It also involves studying the effects of children's exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. The Pediatric Environmental Medicine Center at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC tries to improve public awareness of environmental exposures that can cause health problems and disease in children.
• Epidemiology: Pediatric epidemiology studies reasons why some children contract certain diseases, such as cancer, and others don't. The Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology studies how genetic, environmental and clinical factors influence health during pregnancy, at birth, and through childhood.
• Gastroenterology: Pediatric gastroenterology deals with gastrointestinal problems in children and adolescents, involving problems of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreatic, and nutritional disorders. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition provides education and training for professionals to advance the understanding of problems prohibiting normal development of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Genetics & Dysmorphology: Pediatric genetics and dysmorphology studies children with known or suspected genetic conditions and birth defects. The Genetics Department of Phoenix Children's Hospital evaluates children for such problems, specializing in diagnoses including phenylketonuria, cleft lip and palate, and muscular dystrophy.
• Guidelines & Health Policies: Pediatric practice guidelines and health policies involve standards of treatment for common conditions found in children, such as jaundice, gastroenteritis, and seizures. The AAP Policy page shows the current pediatric clinical policy statements and guidelines for treating problems and conditions in children such as choking, organ donation and transplantation, and drugs.
• Gynecology: Pediatric and adolescent gynecology studies gynecological problems unique to children and adolescents, such as ovarian cysts in prepubescent girls, delayed puberty, and ambiguous genitalia. The North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology promotes education, research, and communication for health professionals who provide gynecological care to children and adolescents.
• Health Policies & Guidelines: Pediatric health policies and guidelines dictate to the pediatric professional clinical standards of practice for treating various disorders, diseases and conditions in children. Cincinnati Children's Hospital publishes its pediatric evidence-based health policies and guidelines for treating conditions found in children such as inflammatory bowel disease, cardiac transplant, and loss of elbow motion.
• Family Practice: The subspecialty of family practice is very important when dealing with pediatric patients. Health professionals trained in family practice are usually educated to provide medical care to all ages, with specific training in surgery, psychiatry, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and geriatrics. The American Academy of Family Physicians represents family medical professionals to promote optimal health care for all ages.
• Hematology & Oncology: The pediatric subspecialty of hematology and oncology studies and treats blood disorder and cancer in children and adolescents. The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology promotes the optimal care of children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders.
• Hepatology: Pediatric hepatology deals with problems and disorders involving the liver in children. These may relate to hepatitis, bilirubin cysts, or metabolic disease of the liver, among others. Yale Medical Group's Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology/Hepatology treats problems in children such as esophageal disorders, liver and small-intestine biopsy, and diagnosis and management of liver metabolic disease.
• Imaging & Radiology: Pediatric imaging and radiology is an important subspecialty in that professionals are trained in safe radiologic and imaging procedures to use with children and adolescents to help diagnose and treat diseases and conditions. The Society for Pediatric Radiology promotes safe, effective imaging and radiology services and the education of professionals who provide these services.
• Immunology & Allergy: Pediatric immunology and allergy involves studying allergic diseases, immunodeficiency, asthma, rhinitis, and autoimmune diseases in children and adolescents. The Duke University School of Medicine Division of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology studies all of these conditions and also conducts research, specifically on pediatric asthma and food allergies.
• Infectious Diseases: Pediatric infectious disease specialists are trained in diagnosing and treating recurring or persistent diseases caused by an infectious agent like bacteria or a fungus, or a rare infection in children and adolescents. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society (PIDS) strives to enhance the health of children and adolescents by promoting research, education, and communication among professionals providing pediatric infectious disease care.
• Intensive Care: Similar to Pediatric Critical Care, Pediatric Intensive Care is sometimes known as PICU in a hospital setting. Specialists trained in Pediatric Intensive Care provide the highest level of medical care to critically ill children. KidsHealth provides information for parents whose children may be sent to the PICU. This information includes what types of patients receive care in the PICU, what treatments are provided there, and how long you can expect your child to remain in PICU.
• Laboratory Medicine: Specialists trained in Pediatric Laboratory Medicine are trained to provide child-oriented laboratory testing for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. CHILDx is a group specializing in Pediatric Laboratory Diagnostics dedicated to improving children's health care by working with other pediatric professionals.
• Medical Informatics: Pediatric medical informatics deal with privacy protection of computerized pediatric medical records. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics Computer and Medical Informatics Chapter (IAPCMIC) works to educate pediatric medical professionals about the use of computers in pediatric medical records.
• Neonatology: Pediatric neonatologists specialize in the medical care of newborns, sick babies, and premature babies. Neonatology on the Web describes the duties of and training required to become a Pediatric Neonatologist.
• Nephrology: Pediatric nephrology deals with the care of kidney disease and conditions in children and adolescents. The Pediatric Nephrology Department at Cedars-Sinai Hospital diagnoses and treats kidney conditions in newborns through age 21.
• Neurology: Pediatric neurologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with suspected or confirmed neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, congenital brain abnormalities, seizures, migraine headaches, and neuromuscular disorders. The Child Neurology Society is an association of neurological professionals dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of neurological problems in children.
• Nutrition: Pediatric nutrition specialists deal with creating and fostering proper eating habits in children and adolescents that will last a lifetime. The Pediatric Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association promotes proper nutrition as well as legislation for healthy nutrition of children and adolescents. 
• Obstetrics: Pediatric obstetrics deals with the study of female reproduction, pregnancy, and childbirth among adolescents (those under age 21). These specialists encounter many problems not seen in females over 21 who are pregnant, such as premature birth, low birth weight, and even maternal death. The article in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine examines the question if pregnancy in early adolescence presents higher obstetrical risks.
• Oncology & Hematology: Pediatric oncology and hematology studies the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood diseases in children and adolescents. Doernbecher Children's Hospital of Oregon collaborates with Oregon Health and Science University to create a Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Department that is heralded throughout the U.S. as one of the nation's best.
• Ophthalmology: Pediatric ophthalmology deals with children's eye care and the treatment of eye disorders and diseases in children. The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) advances the quality of the eye care of children and promotes research on children's eye disorders and diseases.
• Orthopedics: Pediatric orthopedics treat children and adolescents with conditions like scoliosis, deformities of the spine, sports injuries, fractures, hip dysplasia, and more. The Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA) strives for the advancement and constant improvement of the care of pediatric orthopedic disorders and conditions.
• Otolaryngology: Pediatric otolaryngologists treat head, neck, and airway disorders in children and adolescents. Many of these include recurrent ear infections, tonsil disease, and masses in the head and/or neck. The American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) works towards excellence in the treatment of children and adolescent with head, neck, and airway disorders.
• Pathology: Pediatric pathology is a subspecialty dealing with diagnosis and categorizing of tumors and non-tumorous masses in children and adolescents. Johns Hopkins Pediatric Pathology Service specializes in the diagnosis of a wide variety of conditions and disorders in children, fetuses, and placentas.
• Perinatology: Perinatology is a subspecialty of pediatrics that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders in a fetus or newborn, sometimes even involving surgery on them. Yale Pediatrics Perinatology program is one of the most highly-regarded in the world.
• Pharmacology: Pediatric pharmacology deals with medicines specifically for children and adolescents. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics publishes up-to-date information for professionals specializing in pediatric pharmacology.
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: Pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, also called physiatrists, specialized in diagnosing and treating pain in children, restoring function lost due to illness or injury, and providing non-surgical treatments for children. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota has a well-respected Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program designed to treat these problems of children and adolescents in an outpatient setting.
• Physical Therapy: Pediatric physical therapy deals with restoring movement and function to children and adolescents that might have been lost due to illness or injury. The American Physical Therapy Association's Section on Pediatrics provides news and information for both consumers and professionals on current topics in pediatric physical therapy.
• Preventive Medicine: Pediatric preventive medicine specialists strive to prevent life-threatening (or non life-threatening) illnesses and diseases in children and adolescents. Miami Children's Hospital has a Preventive Medicine unit that is the first of its kind in the United States.
• Psychiatry: Pediatric psychiatrists deal with the special psychological and mental problems found in children and adolescents. They diagnose and treat disorders involving thinking, feeling, and behavior. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry advocates for children with psychological problems and educates families of these children and the public.
• Public Health: Pediatric public health specialists educate and treat the public about public health problems and threats affecting children, including smoking, immunization, terrorist attacks, and communicable diseases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services article on the Pediatric Hospital Surge Capacity in Public Health Emergencies describes how health care facilities must be prepared for the needs of children during public health emergencies such as bioterrorism attacks.
• Pulmonology: Pediatric pulmonologists deal with respiratory diseases and conditions in children and adolescents, such as asthma, respiratory synctal virus, and allergies. Georgia Pediatric Pulmonary Associates treat all of these problems and more, and offer information for families and children on their website.
• Radiology & Imaging: Pediatric radiology and imaging specialists learn the proper methods involved in radiologic diagnostic procedures with children and adolescents. Pediatric Imaging Teaching Files of the University Hospitals of Cleveland provide a variety of pediatric cases and imaging files to teach professionals and students of pediatric radiology and imaging.
• Rehabilitation & Physical Medicine: Pediatric rehabilitation and physical medicine specialists provide care for children with physical disabilities, accident victims, or injury victims, in addition to providing assistive technology. Gilette Children's Specialty Healthcare provides rehabilitation and physical medicine services to treat spinal cord and brain injuries, cerebral palsy, and chronic pain, among other conditions.
• Rheumatology: Pediatric rheumatologists treat children with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatoid disorders. The Pediatric Rheumatology Home Page provides information and resources for families of children with rheumatology conditions.
• Speech Therapy: Pediatric language and speech therapists provide assistance in diagnosis and treatment of children with communication disorders. These could stem from genetic or congenital problems, developmental disorders, or hearing impairments. Children's Speech Therapy Center in Virginia provides many options for speech therapy services for children in need, and resources for families and teachers who work with children with speech/communication problems.
• Sports Medicine: Pediatric sports medicine specialists care for medical and orthopedic problems commonly found in young athletes, such as concussions, heat-related illnesses, and sports injuries. The Sports Medicine Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta provides programs and services for all types of sports-related problems and injuries found in children, and offers information for parents on preventing problems.
• Telemedicine: Pediatric telemedicine provides immediate care to injured and acutely ill children via video conferencing and the Internet, to evaluate and treat problems arising from occurrences such as child abuse, emergencies, and child development problems. The UC Davis Children's Hospital Pediatric Telemedicine Program is one of the first in the nation that links families in remote settings in need of medical care with pediatric providers and pediatric subspecialists.
• Toxicology: Pediatric toxicologists study over-the-counter and prescription medicines that are dangerous to children. The American Academy of Clinical Toxicology runs a Pediatric Toxicology Interest Group to study and educate the public on pediatric poisonings.
• Urology: Pediatric urologists treat congenital and acquired problems involving the urinary tract in children and adolescents, including bed-wetting, abnormally located urinary openings, and other urinary disorders. The Society for Pediatric Urology promotes knowledge and advancement among pediatric urologists and students of pediatric urology. 

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