Making sure your child is on track for healthy growth and development is always the number one priority of the pediatric care at St. Anthony Clinic. Pediatricians are specifically trained to care for infants, children and adolescents. They perform routine well-child exams, sports and school physicals, immunizations and treatment for occasional and on-going illnesses.
The pediatric care at St. Anthony involves taking the time to understand individual health care needs and provide the best treatment options available for each and every patient. Pediatric medicine isn't as simple as "miniaturized" adult medicine. Aside from the obvious body size differences that exist between pediatric and adult patients, there are a number of other issues that come into play. Because most pediatric patients are still physically developing while under their care, pediatricians must pay special attention to growth and developmental issues that are not typically present in adult patients. These considerations significantly impact the course of care prescribed by pediatric health specialists when compared to treatments for adults facing similar conditions.
Because pediatric patients are constantly maturing intellectually, emotionally, and socially—as well as physically—pediatricians must be able to handle the challenges associated with these changes effectively. While all doctors must frequently navigate patient emotion and personalities, when it comes to caring for children, this is can be especially complex. Pediatricians must possess tremendous patience and empathy to communicate successfully with children and their families to ensure that the best possible care is provided in the office and at home.