Story by: Norton Children’s on November 25, 2022
A pediatrician is more than just your child’s doctor; they are an advocate for your child’s health and also act as a supportive resource for parents. Pediatricians see children of all ages, from newborns to young adults.
“Pediatricians are uniquely trained to support your child’s overall health, including their physical, mental, emotional and social well-being,” said Matthew D. Kinney, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. “We also track a child’s growth and developmental benchmarks, along with guiding and supporting parents throughout each stage of a child’s development.
Pediatricians undergo extensive education and training. It takes at least eleven years of education to become a pediatrician: four years of undergraduate school; four years of medical school; and three years of a pediatric residency. Some spend additional years training in a subspecialty.
Pediatrician offices located throughout the Louisville and Southern Indiana area.
Your child typically may see a pediatrician if they are sick or hurt, or during a regular checkup. Pediatricians have a wide scope of responsibilities: from preventive care, like wellness exams and vaccinations, to diagnosing and treating various acute and chronic health conditions.
Here is a list of what a pediatrician can help with:
Nurse practitioners (their advanced practice registered nurse credential is abbreviated as APRN after their name) are a part of many pediatrician offices. They possess education and training in a specialized area, such as pediatrics, and are qualified to care for newborns, children, teens and young adults. Depending on availability, a nurse practitioner may be able to see a child sooner than a doctor to provide diagnosis and treatment.