Pursuing a pediatric subspecialty usually begins following the three years of pediatric residency, and is accomplished through an additional fellowship of about three years.

The American Board of Pediatrics administers an exam for those who complete pediatric residency in order to obtain pediatric board certification.Ī pediatric subspecialty essentially exists for every field of medicine: pediatric nephrology, pediatric cardiology and pediatric oncology, for example. Then, those pursuing pediatric care medicine must complete a pediatric residency of at least three years. An undergraduate education as well as certification from medical school are required. Pediatric doctors receive a rigorous medical education similar to those practicing adult medicine. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends patients stop receiving pediatric care when they are 21. General pediatricians treat a variety of childhood conditions and often monitor the developmental growth of their patients. Pediatricians are physicians specifically trained to treat infants, children and adolescents.