What Does a Pediatrician Do?

How your pediatrician in Bedford, MA, can protect your child’s health

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in children’s medical care. A pediatrician has all the training of a medical doctor and has additional training beyond medical school. The additional training encompasses diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and diseases which affect children.

Drs. Mitchell Feldman, Francine Hennessey, and Jacquelyn Chambers at Patriot Pediatrics in Bedford, MA, provide a wide range of medical services for children. They proudly serve residents of Bedford, Billerica, Chelmsford, Lexington, and Concord, MA.

Let’s look at what happens during a well-child visit, which provides the foundation of your child’s routine healthcare. The first well-child visit happens within 2 to 5 days of your baby’s birth. Additional well-child visits will happen at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 15 months, 18 months, and 2 years.

During the well-child visit, your pediatrician will:

  • Record your child’s height, weight, heart sounds, and breathing

  • Perform a complete physical examination

  • Track your child’s growth and development

  • Administer any necessary vaccinations

Vaccinations are a vital part of what your pediatrician does. They provide easy, effective protection against serious, contagious diseases. To view or print the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for immunizations, please click here:

In addition to well-child visits and vaccinations, your pediatrician can also:

Provide care and treatment for acute illnesses, including:

  • Viruses, including colds and flu

  • Bacterial infections, including strep throat and ear infections

  • Injuries, including cuts, lacerations, sprains, and strains

  • Skin conditions including rashes, acne, and eczema

  • Allergies, asthma, and other breathing difficulties

Provide testing and screening for behavioral and developmental issues including:

  • ADD and ADHD

  • Learning difficulties

  • Delayed speech

Your pediatrician can also provide emergency care for sports or vehicular accidents or injuries and other sudden events.

To learn more about the services available from your pediatrician, talk with the experts. Call Drs. Mitchell Feldman, Francine Hennessey, and Jacquelyn Chambers at Patriot Pediatrics in Bedford, MA. They proudly serve residents of Bedford, Billerica, Chelmsford, Lexington, and Concord, MA. You can reach them in the office by calling (781) 674-2900, so call now.