A paediatrician is a doctor who focuses on the health of infant, children, adolescents and young adults. Paediatric care starts from birth up to the age of 18.  A paediatrician offers medical care for children who are acutely ill and chronically ill and also manages physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the children under their care at every stage of development, in both sickness and health.  This may include treating children for common illnesses and infections, performing routine evaluations and examinations to identify developmental issues or talking to parents about behavioural issues.  Some of the other responsibilities of the paediatrician also includes

• Administering vaccines
• Diagnose and treat illnesses, infections, injuries and other health problems.
• Educate parents with information about child’s health, nutrition requirements
• Writing prescriptions for medications
• Referring to specialist if child requires expert care

Some paediatricians may specialize to treat specific health issues in children (e.g. paediatric cardiology – they deal with managing various cardiac disorders, congenital heart defects, and other cardiovascular issues specific to young children; paediatric endocrinology – they deal with hormonal disorders in children and adolescents)