Pediatricians manage the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their patients, in every stage of development - in good health or in illness. Generally, pediatricians focus on babies, children, adolescents, and young adults from birth to age 21 years to:

• reduce infant and child mortality.
• control infectious disease.
• foster healthy lifestyles.
• ease the difficulties of children and adolescents with chronic conditions.

Pediatricians diagnose and treat the following:

• infections
• injuries
• genetic defects
• malignancies
• organic diseases and dysfunctions 

However, pediatricians are concerned with more than physical well-being. They also are involved with the prevention, early detection, and management of other problems that affect children and adolescents, including the following:

• behavioral difficulties
• developmental disorders
• functional problems
• social stresses
• depression or anxiety disorders

Pediatrics is a collaborative specialty—pediatricians work with other medical specialists and healthcare professionals to provide for the health and emotional needs of children.