If your child has an illness or injury requiring hospitalization, he or she may be cared for by a pediatric hospitalist.
Pediatric hospitalists are pediatricians who work primarily in hospitals. They care for children in many hospital areas, including the pediatric ward, labor and delivery, the newborn nursery, the emergency department, the neonatal intensive care unit, and the pediatric intensive care unit.
Pediatric hospitalists work with your regular pediatrician and other physicians and providers involved in your child’s care. If there is a significant change in your child’s condition, a pediatric hospitalist will update your pediatrician. When your child leaves the hospital, a pediatric hospitalist will give your pediatrician an overview of your child’s hospital stay and detailed instructions for any necessary further care.
What Type of Training Do Pediatric Hospitalists Have?
Pediatric hospitalists are medical doctors who have had at least
- Four years of medical school
- Three years of pediatric residency training
What Types of Treatments Do Pediatric Hospitalists Provide?
Pediatric hospitalists care for children with a wide variety of illnesses and medical needs who require hospital care. Such medical needs include
- Infectious illnesses of the blood, skin, lungs, and kidneys
- Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and croup
- Problems with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma
- Common pediatric illnesses such as influenza and dehydration
- Recovery from injuries or surgeries
- Care of newborns
Pediatric hospitalists often assist other pediatricians, family practitioners, general surgeons, and subspecialty physicians in caring for children.
Where Can I Find A Pediatric Hospitalist?
Pediatric hospitalists practice in a variety of medical institutions including children’s hospitals, university medical centers, and community hospitals. Your pediatrician can tell you if your local hospital has pediatric hospitalists on staff.
Pediatric Hospitalists — The Best Care For Children
Children are not just small adults. They do not always say what is bothering them. They cannot always answer medical questions or be patient and helpful while in the hospital. A pediatric hospitalist can work with your pediatrician and other specialists to care for your child in a way that is comfortable and reassuring for you and your child. If your pediatrician suggests that your child receive care from a pediatric hospitalist, you can be assured that your child will receive the same high-quality care provided by your pediatrician while in the hospital and the pediatric hospitalist will work closely with your regular pediatrician to ensure appropriate follow-up or long-term care.
To find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist in your area, click here.