Are you wondering whether you should find a local family physician or a local pediatrician for your child? Let’s take a look at the differences.

A local pediatrician is a physician who has special training in treating infants and children. Usually, a local pediatrician generally treats kids up to the age of 18. A local pediatrician will have extensive training in children’s physical and mental health. Here are some examples of some conditions they may treat:

• Headaches. These are common and usually aren't serious. Like adults, children can develop different types of headaches, including migraine or stress-related (tension) headaches. Children can also have chronic daily headaches.
• Constipation in children is a common problem. A constipated child has infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools. Common causes include early toilet training and changes in diet. Fortunately, most cases of constipation in children are temporary.
• Depression and anxiety in children and teens. 

 A local family physician is a medical doctor who works with infants, children, adults and seniors. Instead of having to find a new local family physician once the child is 18 or so, a family doctor can keep seeing the child as an adult. It’s a personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer. A local pediatrician and local family physician may perform annual physical exams, giving immunizations, treating injuries and infections, helping patients manage chronic diseases such as asthma or juvenile diabetes, monitoring developmental milestones and providing nutritional advice (from infant nutrition to teen’s nutrition). A local pediatrican or family physician can also refer a child to other specialists as needed, for example a local gastroenterologist for celiac disease or a psychiatrist for depression.