A sampling of specialists

A sampling of specialists and what they do from CHOP - Children's Health Tip of the Day - December 30, 2004

Endocrinologist

Sees children with problems with growth, puberty, diabetes, or disorders related to hormones or glands.

- Short stature
- Early or delayed puberty
- Enlarged, underactive or overactive thyroid
- Ovarian, testicular or ambiguous genital dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Obesity

Geneticist

Trained to identify the causes and natural history of defects in body structures, brain development or body chemistry.

- Birth defects (physical differences present at birth)
- Conditions with one or more defects (Down syndrome)
- Conditions that cause disabilities (fetal alcohol syndrome)
- Inborn errors of metabolism (cystic fibrosis)
- Familial or hereditary problems (congenital heart defect)

Infectious Disease

Treats recurring or persistent disease caused by bacteria, fungus, parasite or other rare infection.

- Respiratory infections
- Bone or joint infections
- Tuberculosis
- AIDS
- Hepatitis
- Meningitis

Neonatologist

Handles the most high risk situations in newborns.

- Breathing disorders, infections or birth defects
- Prematurity, critically illnesses or surgeries
- Life-threatening medical problems
- Medical problems in mother or baby in the delivery room that may compromise an infant’s health

Nephrologist

Treats kidney, urinary tract disease, bladder problems or high blood pressure.

- Dialysis
- Kidney transplant
- X-ray and lab studies related to kidney disease
- Blood pressure monitoring

Rheumatologist

Treats children with pain in joints, muscles, bones or tendons.

- Arthritis
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus, and scleroderma
- Unexplained complaints of chronic musculoskeletal pain, weakness and fatigue
- Inflammatory disease

Otolaryngologist

Treats illnesses affecting the ear, nose or throat.

- ENT disorders
- Surgery of the head and neck
- Communication disorders diagnosis

Hematologist/Oncologist

Diagnoses and treats blood diseases and cancer.

- Cancers including leukemias, lymphomas and brain tumors
- Diseases of the blood (sickle cell disease)
- Bleeding disorders (hemophilia)