Is Family Doctor Better Than Pediatrician?

A family physician has various advantages, including the ability to care for all family members, including new babies. They can provide care from day one and even offer services for pregnant women. Also, since children rarely outgrow their family doctors, they can continue to visit them into adulthood. Family doctors are available 24/7, so your child will always have access to a caring physician.

Family doctors treat patients of all ages.

Family physicians specialize in treating people of all ages and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage common illnesses and conditions. Their skills include treating minor injuries, chronic diseases, and preventative medicine practices. They also have the expertise to make medical recommendations for the whole family, including those for children. Family doctors typically practice medicine in smaller offices to take care of many kinds of illnesses. 40% of all practicing physicians are family doctors.

While internists treat adult patients, family doctors focus on caring for children and adolescents. Family physicians treat patients of all ages, and they often counsel patients on how to stay healthy. Family physicians typically see the same patients throughout their lives and sometimes see multiple generations simultaneously. Moreover, they are highly trained in pediatrics, women’s health, and general medicine. These physicians also often coordinate care with specialists when necessary.

They have more training in women’s health.

A family doctor specializes in internal medicine and treats adults and children. They usually complete medical school and three years of residency training in family medicine or internal medicine. Some also pursue subspecialty training in an area, such as cardiology or gastroenterology. While family doctors and internists are trained to treat adults, family physicians have more activity in women’s health. For instance, a family doctor can perform breast exams, and Pap smears for a woman who has not yet seen an OB-GYN.

A family doctor specializing in women’s health will also be able to develop rapport with patients, learn about a woman’s health-related issues, and synthesize pertinent information. These doctors will also be better equipped to address their patients’ concerns and develop a care plan. During your visit, your doctor will understand your unique needs and concerns and tailor a plan of care based on your needs.

They provide obstetrical care.

According to Dr. Anita Malone, clinical assistant professor in the Women’s Health Division at Michigan Medicine, family doctors provide better obstetric care than pediatricians. This is because family doctors have a lot of experience in obstetrics, while pediatricians have more expertise in pediatrics. This will give both doctors the advantage of sharing knowledge and maximizing patient care. This way, both doctors will be more prepared for the demands of childbirth and delivery.

The researchers compared the care children received from pediatricians versus family physicians. They found that children aged between one and four years were more likely to have their health care provided by a family physician. The researchers also found that children from rural areas and those living in a large city were more likely to receive care from a family physician. Moreover, family physicians are more likely to provide obstetric care to children than pediatricians.

They have a broader scope of practice.

While pediatricians are typically the go-to medical experts when it comes to child health, the practice of family doctors has more opportunities. Family doctors have a wide range of specialties, including pediatrics and OB/GYN. They can provide care for patients of all ages, geriatrics, and women’s health. Furthermore, the wide range of practice areas allows family doctors to enjoy an excellent work-life balance.

In comparison to pediatricians, family physicians typically manage chronic, common ailments in children as well as those that are common in adults. The scope of practice of family physicians is extensive, and their role is expected to impact not only the patient but the entire population. 

If you consider you need medical attention to diagnose your health, please visit us at Bronte Medical Centre. Our team of professionals will attend to you as soon as possible; see how our health services in Oakville.