What Is a Paediatrician and How Do They Differ from General Doctors?

When it comes to looking after your child’s health, choosing the right healthcare professional is one of the most important decisions you can make. Many parents are familiar with the role of the general practitioner (GP), but fewer fully understand how a paediatrician differs, and when their expertise might be needed.

At Childhealthy, we believe that informed parents make confident decisions. This guide will help you understand what paediatricians do and how they compare to general doctors.

What is a paediatrician?

A paediatrician is a medical doctor who specialises in the care of infants, children, and young people, typically from birth up to the age of 16 or 18. Paediatricians are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of medical conditions that are unique to younger patients. Their expertise spans physical health, development, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing.

Unlike general practitioners, paediatricians undergo specific postgraduate training in children’s health, including hospital placements and community-based experience. This means they are not only familiar with the physiology of growing bodies but also with the emotional and developmental milestones children experience as they grow.

What do paediatricians do?

Paediatricians provide both acute and long-term care for children. They may assess a newborn in hospital shortly after birth, diagnose a toddler with developmental delay, or help manage a long-term health condition in an adolescent.

Their role can include:

Diagnosing and treating infections and injuries
Monitoring growth and development
Managing chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes
Supporting families with concerns about developmental differences, such as autism or ADHD
Offering guidance on nutrition, behaviour, sleep, and emotional health

Paediatricians often work closely with families, schools, and other healthcare professionals to create comprehensive care plans that support a child’s wider needs. Some paediatricians develop special interests in areas such as neonatology, community health, or paediatric cardiology.

How is a paediatrician different from a general doctor?

General practitioners (GPs) are trained to provide healthcare to patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. They play a vital role in family medicine, offering preventative care, diagnosing common conditions, and coordinating treatment across specialities.

Paediatricians offer a deeper level of expertise specifically in children’s health. Their training focuses solely on younger patients, which equips them to manage more complex or less common conditions in children.

When should a child see a paediatrician?

In private practice, parents can also choose to book a consultation directly with a paediatrician for quicker access to care or further reassurance.Children may be referred to a paediatrician by their GP or another healthcare professional if additional investigation or specialist care is needed.

At Childhealthy, our Consultant Paediatricians are experienced in supporting children with a broad range of needs and are happy to see children with or without a GP referral. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to book an appointment with a paediatrician, contact us today.

Disclaimer: the information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and treatment.