Pediatrician vs. Pediatrist — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 17, 2023
Pediatrician is a doctor for children's medical care. Pediatrist is an outdated/rare term, often confused with podiatrist (foot doctor) or pediatrician.
Difference Between Pediatrician and Pediatrist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who manages the health, including physical, behavioral, and mental health issues, of children from birth until age 18. A pediatrist, on the other hand, is not a recognized term in modern medicine and may represent a misspelling or confusion with "pediatrician" or "podiatrist."
Pediatricians are trained to diagnose and treat a broad range of childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases. The term pediatrist doesn’t correspond to a specific medical profession, and its usage could lead to misunderstandings, particularly if it's confused with podiatry, the branch of medicine that deals with foot, ankle, and lower extremity disorders.
To become a pediatrician, an individual must complete medical school followed by a residency in pediatrics. They're skilled in regular health check-ups and preventive health care for kids. In contrast, a pediatrist does not have a defined educational path or professional identity within the medical community.
Pediatricians play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing vaccinations, health exams, and treatment for a wide range of pediatric health conditions. The term pediatrist, lacking a clear definition or professional scope, doesn't signify a recognized role within healthcare.
Families rely on pediatricians for accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive healthcare services for their children. The term pediatrist, due to its ambiguity and lack of professional recognition, doesn't inspire the same level of trust or authority.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Child healthcare specialist
Undefined/incorrect term
Professional Scope
Broad child health services
No recognized scope
Training
Medical school, residency
No specific training
Healthcare Role
Crucial for child health
No established role
Recognition
Widely recognized/accepted
Not recognized/ambiguous
Compare with Definitions
Pediatrician
A doctor specializing in children's health.
Make an appointment with the pediatrician for a check-up.
Pediatrist
A word often confused with pediatrician or podiatrist.
They mistakenly looked for a pediatrist when they needed a foot doctor.
Pediatrician
A medical professional focusing on youth health.
The pediatrician diagnosed the child with asthma.
Pediatrist
A term incorrectly used in place of pediatrician.
The new parents were confused about what a pediatrist does.
Pediatrician
A doctor trained in infant illnesses.
The pediatrician advised on proper nutrition for the baby.
Pediatrist
A term not identifying a medical specialist.
They realized 'pediatrist' wasn’t a recognized medical profession.
Pediatrician
A professional treating health issues in adolescents.
She visited a pediatrician for vaccination before college.
Pediatrist
A word with no clear professional reference.
The article mentioned a pediatrist, leading to misunderstandings.
Pediatrician
A doctor skilled in young individuals' health needs.
The concerned parents rushed their toddler to the pediatrician.
Pediatrist
Incorrectly used medical terminology.
The speaker corrected 'pediatrist' to 'pediatrician' in their presentation.
Pediatrician
(American spelling) A physician that specializes in pediatrics; the medical care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Pediatrist
A physician who specializes in pediatrics.
Pediatrician
A physician who specializes in pediatrics.
Pediatrist
A specialist in the care of babies
Pediatrician
A specialist in the care of babies
Common Curiosities
What does a pediatrician do?
A pediatrician provides medical care to infants, children, and adolescents.
How long does it take to become a pediatrician?
Typically, it takes at least 11 years after high school: 4 years of college, 4 of medical school, and 3+ of residency.
What does a pediatrist specialize in?
It's an incorrect/undefined term, possibly meant to be "pediatrician" (child health) or "podiatrist" (foot health).
Is a pediatrist a recognized medical professional?
No, it’s likely a confusion with "pediatrician" or "podiatrist."
Does a pediatrist work in a hospital?
The term doesn't refer to a real profession; "pediatricians" and "podiatrists" do work in hospitals.
What's the main focus of a pediatrician?
Child health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Can a pediatrist treat foot ailments?
The term is likely a mix-up; a "podiatrist" treats foot conditions.
Should I see a pediatrist for child health issues?
The term is incorrect; you should see a pediatrician for child health concerns.
Are pediatricians only for sick children?
No, they also perform routine check-ups, immunizations, and developmental screenings.
Do pediatricians perform surgery?
Some do, but they're known as pediatric surgeons, a subspecialty.
Why should I choose a pediatrician for my child?
They specialize in children's health and developmental needs.
Can I take my teenager to a pediatrician?
Yes, pediatricians often care for patients until age 18.
Is a pediatrist the same as a pediatrician?
No, "pediatrist" is likely a typo or confusion; "pediatrician" is the correct term for a child doctor.
What conditions does a pediatrist treat?
It's a mistaken term; a "pediatrician" treats child health conditions, a "podiatrist" foot conditions.
Can a pediatrician prescribe medication?
Yes, pediatricians can prescribe medication as part of children’s healthcare management.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
