PediatricianZachary, LA
A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the health and well-being of infants, children, and adolescents. They monitor young people's growth and development and can diagnose and treat various childhood illnesses. Pediatricians also guide parents and guardians on their children's healthcare, including vaccination schedules, regular check-ups, and any physical, emotional, and behavioral issues. Their expertise ensures that young patients receive age-appropriate care tailored to their needs.
The TKZ Pediatrics team serves families in Zachary and the surrounding area. We offer a variety of pediatric services to help keep your children healthy, no matter their age. Call our office at 1-225-420-1549 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
What is a Pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a doctor who treats newborns, children, adolescents, and young adults. These medical professionals serve an important role in the health and well-being of young people. They have a wide range of responsibilities, from conducting regular check-ups to diagnosing and treating acute injuries and illnesses, as well as managing chronic conditions. Some pediatricians work in general medicine and serve a wide variety of children.
Becoming a pediatrician requires extensive education and training, beginning with a bachelor's degree, often in a science-related field like biology or psychology. After the prospective doctor finishes their undergraduate degree, they will attend medical school to earn their Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Then, the pediatrician will need to complete a three-year residency in the pediatric field, which allows them to gain hands-on experience diagnosing and treating children.
By the time they finish their education, the pediatrician will have attended at least nine years of schooling. According to the Cleveland Clinic, they will need to have at least 12,000 to 14,000 hours of patient care hours during training. However, some pediatricians may pursue an additional fellowship in specialized areas, such as pediatric cardiology or adolescent care, to further their training and expertise. Depending on the specialty, this can take an additional two to six more years of training.
“A pediatrician is a doctor who treats newborns, children, adolescents, and young adults.”
Types of Services Offered by Pediatricians
Pediatricians start seeing children from the time they are born and often until they are young adults. The frequency of these visits will gradually become less as the child gets older. These medical professionals are often the first point of contact that parents have in the healthcare field and a trusted resource during their child’s growth, development, and well-being. Pediatricians commonly offer the following services:
- Annual checkups
- Vaccinations
- Behavioral and mood issues
- Acute and chronic treatment for sicknesses and injuries
- Track a child’s physical, emotional, and social development
- Offer health advice to parents and guardians
- Refer to families to specialists as needed
In addition to these services, pediatricians advocate for children's health, educating parents about preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices. They create a supportive environment where families can discuss their concerns and receive advice tailored to their child's needs.
“Pediatricians start seeing children from the time they are born and often until they are young adults.”
The Benefits of Seeing a Pediatrician
A pediatrician completes specialized training to recognize and treat illnesses and injuries that may affect infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents. Other benefits of trusting a pediatrician with a child's healthcare needs include:
Specialized and ongoing education
Pediatricians understand that children are not simply small adults. Rather, they have unique health concerns that require specialized training and experience. By trusting a pediatrician with a child’s care, their parents or guardians ensure that any health concerns are caught and treated as soon and as effectively as possible.
Additionally, pediatricians stay up-to-date with child-specific medical research and treatment options. This can help stop the progression of childhood diseases, developmental issues, or other health complications that can affect a child’s growth and well-being.
Relating to children and their parents
Pediatricians are trained to communicate with young people in a way they can understand. By meeting a child at their communication level, the doctor can make them feel at ease. This can make it less scary for kids to visit the doctor and turn it into a fun and positive experience. Additionally, the pediatrician can also relate to and communicate with the child’s parents, offering support and trust during difficult medical episodes or developmental concerns.
Child-friendly offices
Pediatric offices tend to be more child-friendly than other medical facilities. They design the healthcare setting to be smaller and friendlier, often using bright colors and kid-friendly furniture. They also offer fun distractions to help keep young children distracted and keep the experience relaxing and fun, such as a variety of toys and coloring books.
“By trusting a pediatrician with a child’s care, their parents or guardians ensure that any health concerns are caught and treated as soon and as effectively as possible.”
Reasons to See a Pediatrician
Parents often take their children to visit a pediatrician for routine checkups and preventive care. Routine appointments with this medical professional can help monitor a child's growth, developmental milestones, and overall health. These visits help detect any potential health issues in their early stages, improving the child's treatment outcomes.
In addition to routine care, the pediatrician can address common illnesses and minor injuries children often experience when they are growing up. They diagnose and treat acute conditions like ear infections, strep throat, and flu. They also help parents manage a child's chronic condition, such as asthma or food allergies. If the doctor suspects that the child is experiencing a developmental delay or behavioral issues, they can offer the child and their family support and refer them to specialists for more advanced screenings and tests.
“In addition to routine care, the pediatrician can address common illnesses and minor injuries children often experience when they are growing up.”
What to Expect From a Visit With a Pediatrician
When visiting a pediatrician, parents can expect a thorough health assessment of their child. This appointment is also known as a well-child visit. Dr. Woodroffe will review the child's medical history, check vital signs, and examine their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Our team will assess the child differently based on their age. For example, an infant well-child visit will focus on the baby's growth, such as weight, length, and head circumference, to ensure they are meeting their developmental milestones. The doctor will also check their skin for birthmarks or rashes and inspect their genitalia for tenderness, lumps, or other signs of infection. In contrast, a well-child visit for a school-age patient will focus on their mental, social, and emotional development, such as their sleeping habits, motor and language skills, and how much physical activity they get every day.
In addition to physical exams, Dr. Woodroffe can advise parents and guardians on preventive care to protect their child's overall health and well-being. This guidance may include tips on safety during sports and other physical activity, teaching proper hygiene when potty training, and how to support their growing child's emotional well-being. If necessary, the doctor will also discuss upcoming vaccinations, screenings, or tests to monitor the child's health. A well-child visit is also a great time for parents to ask questions and receive reassurance about their child's growth and development.
"Dr. Woodroffe will review the child's medical history, check vital signs, and examine their physical, emotional, and cognitive development."
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What kind of training and education does a pediatrician undergo?
Q. What services do pediatricians offer?
Q. What are the benefits of choosing a pediatrician for a child’s healthcare?
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Woodroffe is a trusted pediatrician serving children and their families in the Zachary area. Do you have questions about our services? The TKZ Pediatrics team is here to help. Call our office at 1-225-420-1549 to schedule your child’s next check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatricians
Q. What is the difference between a pediatrician and a family doctor?
A. A pediatrician specializes in providing medical care for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on their unique developmental and health needs. In contrast, a family doctor offers comprehensive healthcare for individuals of all ages, treating a wide range of conditions in children and adults. While both types of doctors can provide children with medical care, pediatricians undergo specific training in illnesses and development that relate to the needs of young people.
Q. What are the signs that my child needs to see a pediatrician?
A. If your child has persistent high fever, unusual irritability or lethargy, or difficulty breathing, they may need to see a pediatrician. It is also vital to seek medical advice if your child does not meet developmental milestones, does not sleep or eat well, or shows signs of severe pain. However, be sure to bring your child in for regular check-ups so our team can monitor their growth and overall health, even if they are not experiencing any immediate medical concerns.
Q. At what age should my child start seeing a pediatrician?
A. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed a set of comprehensive guidelines for well-child care. This is known as the periodicity schedule, which sets a standard for screenings and assessments recommended at each visit, from infancy through adolescence. The AAP recommends that parents and guardians take their newborn child to the pediatrician as early as 3 to 5 days old.
Q. How do I reach the pediatrician in case of an emergency or after hours?
A. Most pediatricians provide a contact number or an after-hours answering service that parents can call for urgent health concerns. Use this number for urgent concerns or specialist referrals. However, if your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical concerns.
Q. How does the pediatrician handle concerns about delayed development?
A. It is normal to be concerned about your child’s developmental progress. Our team is here to address any questions or concerns you may have. We can conduct a thorough assessment, including developmental screenings and evaluations tailored to the child’s age and specific milestones. We can then discuss our findings with you and provide guidance on whether they need treatment or other resources.
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