Types of Pediatric Doctors

If you have a love for both children and healing, a career as a pediatric doctor may be the right fit for you. And, if you should have a specialty you wish to pursue, you will be happy to know the different types of pediatric specialties.

Neonatologist

A neonatologist focuses on newborn infants, particularly those who are ill or were born premature. Should a child be born with a birth defect or just simply born prematurely, a neonatologist will assist in the delivery and beginning care of the infant. Typically the neonatologist will work with the mother’s obstetrician throughout the whole pregnancy if a birth defect is to be expected. In order to become a neonatologist, one must receive additional education to train for how to handle various high-risk situations which may occur.

Pediatric Neurology

A pediatric neurologist is trained to treat and diagnose problems with a child’s nervous system. These types of problems can include seizures, epilepsy, tumors in the brain, delayed speech and mental retardation. As with other pediatric specialties, extra training and specialized education will be needed in order to properly handle any high-risk situation which may occur.

Pediatric Oncology

A pediatric oncologist specializes in treating children and teens who suffer from blood diseases and cancer. These may include leukemia, tumors in the bones and brains, as well as various diseases which affect the blood cells.

Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics

A pediatrician who specializes in Development-Behavioral pediatrics is trained to evaluate whether a child suffers from a behavior, learning or development problem. These types of ailments can include: attention disorders, speech delays, learning disorders, tics and delayed motor skills.