Pediatricians

Pediatricians are medical professionals focused on the care of children from birth through young adulthood. Their scope of practice includes preventive care, such as immunizations and developmental monitoring, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses and behavioral or mental health concerns.

In the United States, the profession requires a medical degree (MD or DO), a three-year residency, and board certification. The field includes various subspecialties, including neonatology, pediatric oncology, and adolescent medicine.

The profession is represented by major organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which has approximately 67,000 members, and the International Pediatric Association (IPA), which represents pediatricians from over 144 countries. Innovations in this space are relevant to their mission of attaining optimal health and well-being for their young patient populations.