By: Elizabeth M. Alderman, MD, FAAP
If your child is between the ages of 11 and 21 years, they may benefit from the care of an adolescent medicine specialist.
Today’s teens and young adults often face intense social and academic pressures, as well as exposure to risky behaviors that can affect their health. As their bodies change, they may experience challenges related to their reproductive and sexual health.
Adolescent medicine specialists have the training to care for the complex needs of teens and young adults. They provide comprehensive support for physical, emotional and behavioral health—from physical exams (including gynecologic) and immunizations to reproductive and mental health care. Their expertise helps ensure teens get age-appropriate care during this important stage of growth and development.
What training does an adolescent medicine specialist have?
Adolescent medicine specialists are medical doctors who have completed at least 4 years of medical school and 3 years of general pediatric, family medicine or internal medicine residency training, as well as an adolescent medicine fellowship.
Training for pediatricians interested in treating adolescents now also includes fellowships specifically in adolescent medicine.
What kind of care and treatment do adolescent health specialists provide?
Adolescent medicine specialists provide adolescents and young adults with comprehensive care and treatment for a variety of problems and conditions, including:
Based on individual state laws around adolescents and confidentiality, certain health care issues related to reproductive and mental health can be assessed and treated confidentially.
Where can I find an adolescent health specialist?
Adolescent medicine specialists practice in a variety of medical institutions, university medical centers, community hospitals, clinics, private medical offices, juvenile detention facilities and school- and college-based health services throughout the country.
Adolescent medicine specialists—the best care for teens and young adults
Adolescents have unique and important health care needs. Parents and teens can feel confident that an adolescent medicine specialist is a qualified, trusted partner who understands how to care for and guide young people through the many physical and emotional changes of adolescence.
These physicians have special training to help adolescents in the transition from pediatric to adult health care services. Adolescent medicine specialists know how to examine and treat adolescents in a way that puts them at ease. Their waiting rooms and exam rooms are relaxed and age appropriate; nurses and other medical staff are skilled at communicating in ways that connect with young people.
Adolescent medicine specialists also support families by helping parents and teens communicate communicate more openly and effectively with each other.
Remember
Although your pediatrician can care for most adolescent problems, there may be conditions where your adolescent may benefit from seeing an adolescent specialist who has extra training in adolescent medicine.
To find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist in your area, tap here.
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About the author
Elizabeth M. Alderman, MD, FAAP, is Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Adolescents and Young Adults and Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein.