Paediatric Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง
paediatric
[หpiหdiษtrษชk ]
Definition
medical field
Paediatric refers to the branch of medicine that deals with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. This field encompasses a wide range of health issues, from minor illnesses to serious diseases, and often involves both preventive care and treatment.
Synonyms
child health, childcare, pediatric.
Examples of usage
- The paediatric ward is always filled with cheerful doctors and nurses.
- She decided to specialize in paediatric medicine after volunteering at a children's hospital.
- Paediatricians are trained to diagnose and treat childrenโs diseases.
- Regular paediatric check-ups are essential for monitoring growth and development.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- Pediatric medicine was formalized as a specialty in the 1900s, recognizing the unique healthcare needs of children.
- In the early 1800s, children's healthcare was often overlooked, but by the 20th century, pediatricians began advocating for child welfare.
- The founding of major pediatric organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1930, marked a significant step in focusing on child healthcare.
Culture
- Pediatricians often serve as educators for parents, teaching about childhood development and health practices.
- In many cultures, traditional practices in child-rearing and health have influenced modern pediatric care.
- Children's literature also plays a role in pediatric care by educating kids about health and wellness in an engaging way.
Science
- Research in pediatrics often emphasizes developmental milestones and how childhood diseases differ from adult conditions.
- Studies show that early intervention in pediatric care leads to better long-term outcomes for children's health.
- Advancements in technology, such as telemedicine, have been crucial in providing pediatric care during times like pandemics.
Psychology
- Understanding child psychology is essential in pediatrics to address not only physical but also mental health needs.
- Behavioral issues often emerge in childhood; pediatricians are trained to recognize and refer children to specialists when necessary.
- Play therapy and age-appropriate communication strategies are often integrated into pediatric care to ease childrenโs anxiety during visits.
Origin of 'paediatric'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Greek 'paidi' meaning 'child' and 'iatros' meaning 'healer' or 'physician'.
- It was first used in the late 19th century, as the need for specialized child healthcare grew.
- The term encompasses various fields, including general health, surgery, and management of chronic diseases in young patients.
The term 'paediatric' has its roots in the Greek word 'paidiรก', meaning 'child', combined with the suffix '-iatric', which refers to medicine or healthcare. The field of paediatrics emerged in the early 19th century as a specialized area of medicine, recognizing that children have distinct health needs that differ from adults. Prior to this specialization, children were often treated in the same manner as adults, which was not always effective or safe due to their unique physiological and developmental differences. The establishment of paediatric medical practices was influenced by growing awareness and research on childhood diseases, leading to the development of dedicated medical training programs for paediatricians. Today, paediatrics encompasses not only the treatment of illnesses but also the overall well-being, growth, and development of children, making it a crucial field in modern medicine.