Table of Contents
- Overview
- Prevention
Sometimes, surgery can correct a heart problem. Other times, complete correction is not possible and surgery is done just to make the heart work as best as possible. The surgeon will work closely with the cardiologist to care for the baby before and after surgery.
DERMATOLOGIST
A dermatologist is a doctor who has special training in diseases and conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. Such a doctor might be asked to look at a rash or skin lesion on a baby in the hospital. In some cases, the dermatologist might take a sample of the skin. The dermatologist might also work with the pathologist to read the biopsy results.
DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICIAN
A developmental pediatrician is a doctor who has been specially trained to diagnose and care for infants who have trouble doing what other children their age can do. This type of doctor will order or perform developmental tests. The doctor can also help you find locate resources near your home that provide therapies to help infants and children in meeting development milestones. Developmental pediatricians work closely with nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and sometimes neurologists.
DIETICIAN
A dietician has special training in nutritional support (feeding). This type of health care provider may also specialize in pediatric (children’s) nutritional care. Dieticians help determine if your baby is getting enough nutrients, and may recommend some choices of nutrition that can be given through the blood or a feeding tube.
ENDOCRINOLOGIST
An endocrinologist is a doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of infants with hormone problems. Endocrinologists might be asked to see babies who have problems with the level of salt or sugar in the body, or who have problems with the development of certain glands and sexual organs.
GASTROENTEROLOGIST
A gastroenterologist is a doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of infants with problems of the digestive system (stomach and intestines) and liver. This type of doctor might be asked to see a baby who has digestive or liver problems. Tests such as x-rays, liver function tests, or abdominal ultrasounds might be done.
GENETICIST
A geneticist is a doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of infants with congenital (inherited) conditions, including chromosomal problems or syndromes. Tests, such as chromosome analysis, metabolic studies, and ultrasounds may be done.
HEMATOLOGIST-ONCOLOGIST
A hematologist-oncologist is a doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and types of cancer. This type of doctor might be asked to see a patient for bleeding problems due to low platelets or other clotting factors. Tests such as a complete blood count or clotting studies might be ordered.
Review Date: 12/05/2009
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Neil K.
Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics,
University of Washington School of Medicine.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
