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Pediatrics (also spelled paediatrics) is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents (from newborn to age 18-21). The word pediatrics is derived from two Greek words paidi (παιδί) which means "boy" and iatros (ιατρός) which means "doctor". Most pediatricians are members of a national body, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Canadian Paediatric Society, the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons, the Royal College Of Paediatrics and Child Health, Norsk barnelegeforening (The Norwegian society of pediatricians) or the Indian Academy of Pediatrics
Pediatrics differs from adult medicine in many respects. The obvious body size differences are paralleled by maturational changes. The smaller body of an infant or neonate is substantially different physiologically from that of an adult. Congenital defects, genetic variance, immunology, oncology, and a host of other issues are unique to the realm of pediatrics. Increasingly effective health care also means that diseases such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis are more often treated by pediatricians, though many or most patients grow into adulthood. Issues revolving around infectious diseases and immunizations are also dealt with primarily by pediatricians.
Pediatrics is also a springboard for any specialty of general medicine, each with its own unique aspects. Pediatric cardiologists deal with heart conditions in children, particularly congenital heart defects, pediatric oncologists often treat leukemias and lymphomas. Every subspecialty of the adult doctor exists in the pediatric field (with the exception of geriatrics), but some are unique to pediatrics, such as adolescent medicine, sports medicine, and neonatology.
More on [ Pediatrics ]
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British Paediatric Neurology Association - Association of consultants who devote most of their professional time to paediatric neurology. Publications, events and training information available on the site.
Meta Description: [ BPNA, British Paediatric Neurology Association ]
British Paediatric Surveillance Unit - Nationwide surveillance of infections and uncommon childhood disorders. Aiming to detect new diseases early so that early investigation can take place. Joint venture between the Royal College and other national bodies.
Meta Description: [ British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) undertakes active surveillance of rare paediatric disorders. ]
British Society For Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes - Professional society promoting education and research in pediatric endocrinology. Membership is open to clinicians actively engaged in the care of children with endocrine disorders and researchers.
Meta Description: [ The British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) aims to advance education in paediatric endocrinology and related subjects by promoting research in such areas and disseminating the useful results of such research. ]
Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's Hospital Medical School - Information about work done by this unit.
Paediatric Oncology Trainees Group - Information about group of specialist registrars and Senior House Officers with an interest in Paediatric Oncology.
Meta Description: [ The United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study group (UKCCSG) aims to improve the management of children with cancer and to advance the knowledge
and study of childhood malignancy ]
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health - Professional society for hospital and community paediatricians.
| Riding the nice, new elevator at the Strictly Pediatrics Medical Building in Austin, Texas. Levels B & 1R are service ... | |
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