If your own baby or child falls ill and has to go to the pediatrician, this is a stressful situation for most parents and children. The pediatrician is the right contact person for illnesses of the child, but also for preventive examinations and vaccinations. Consultations with developmental abnormalities or behavioral problems are also part of the tasks of a pediatrician.
What is a pediatrician?
The pediatrician is the right contact person for illnesses of the child, but also for preventive examinations and vaccinations. A pediatrician, which is called pediatrician in the technical language, is a specialist in pediatrics and adolescent medicine. After completing his medical studies, he specializes in a five-year continuing education program in the special features of the child’s and adolescent’s body as well as the most common diseases of childhood and adolescence and their treatment options. In addition, the work of a pediatrician also has a preventive – i.e. precautionary – function, which comes into play primarily in vaccinations and screenings. Some pediatricians choose to pursue advanced training in a particular specialty, such as the treatment of cancer, nervous disorders or heart disease in children. Other areas of advanced training include treating diabetes, orthopedic problems, rheumatism, lung disease, developmental disorders, and digestive and kidney problems. Most pediatricians in private practice treat a wide range of conditions and will refer a sick child to their specialized colleagues if there are problems or for further diagnosis. A specialized pediatrician often works in a children’s hospital.
Treatments
A pediatrician in private practice is often confronted in his daily work with rather harmless bacterial and viral diseases such as infections of the respiratory tract or the digestive system. He examines the children and then proposes treatment. In addition, there are injuries or minor accidents that can be treated on an outpatient basis. Another important area of activity of a pediatrician is the performance of the preventive medical examinations, colloquially known as Us (U1 – U11, as well as J1 and J2). During these examinations, the pediatrician assesses the age-appropriate emotional, social and physical development of the child and finally enters his or her findings in the yellow screening booklet that parents are supposed to bring with them to each U. The pediatrician then checks the child’s health and well-being. Screenings take place at predetermined times and the physical and mental abilities to be checked are predetermined. Screenings are an early detection measure so that any abnormalities can be responded to in a timely manner. The pediatrician also carries out the vaccinations recommended by the STIKO (Standing Commission on Vaccination in the Federal Republic of Germany). If parents are unsure about the necessity of certain vaccinations, the pediatrician is a competent contact and is happy to advise parents on these issues.
Diagnostic and examination methods
The methods a pediatrician has at his disposal for examination and diagnosis depend primarily on his practice equipment and on his focus. For example, diagnostic procedures such as palpation, listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, talking with parents, weighing and measuring the child, and checking the throat and ears are the primary methods used for minor illnesses. In addition, a pediatrician has the ability to test the child’s blood, swabs and urine for abnormalities. Some pediatricians can perform rapid tests right in their office, while others send the samples to a lab for evaluation. Whether a pediatrician’s office has an X-ray or ultrasound machine depends on the orientation of the practice. Specialized pediatric practices perform additional tests in their area of expertise. For example, a pediatric cardiologist may write an EKG or a pulmonary pediatrician may perform a respiratory function test.
What should parents look for?
When parents are looking for a pediatrician, it is often helpful to talk to other parents about their experiences. Ultimately, however, it is often a matter of personal sympathy, especially in pediatrics and adolescent medicine, because what is most important for a good relationship with a pediatrician is a solid foundation of trust.The child should feel comfortable during the examinations, which is achieved above all by a child-friendly approach of the doctor to the child. But a good pediatrician should also take enough time for the parents’ questions and concerns so that any uncertainties can be quickly resolved. At least during the first decade of life, the pediatrician is an important companion for parents and child.
