Finding Resources in Your Area
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A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of infants, children and adolescents up to about age 19 years. Like other medical specialists, pediatricians train for an additional 4 to 6 years after obtaining their MD degree. General pediatricians see patients with a very wide range of problems, such as:
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Some pediatricians are subspecialists, who care for patients with very specific needs. In BC, a pediatrician will see a child who is referred by a family physician for diagnosis, treatment or continuing follow-up if the child has a complex problem, is seriously ill or requires hospitalization. |
Pediatrics is a collaborative specialty — pediatricians work with other medical specialists, healthcare professionals and parents to provide for the health and emotional needs of children. See links below for resources in your community.
Pediatricians and Family Doctors (Visit the College of Physicians and Surgeons website)
NOTE: Type in the name of your community or the nearest large community and choose the category, e.g., “family physicians” (doctors) or “pediatrics” under “specialists”.
Referral Process
- In British Columbia, patients need a referral from their family doctor, nurse practitioner, or registered midwife to see a pediatrician. If you feel your child has a complex or chronic condition that could be helped by a pediatrician, please speak to your primary health-care provider about a pediatric referral. Your general pediatrician can determine whether or not your child needs a subsequent referral to a pediatric subspecialist.
- Many smaller communities do not have a pediatrician, but some have access to visiting pediatricians who do outreach clinics.
- You can also be referred to a pediatrician in a larger community.