When your child is sick or injured, knowing who to turn to matters. You’ve probably seen both “pediatrician” and “physician” used when searching for care. But what’s the real difference, and how does it affect your next visit?
Here’s what you need to know, especially when urgent care is on the table.
What Is a Physician?
A physician is a licensed medical doctor. This broad title includes anyone who has completed medical school and holds either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Physicians can specialize in any area of medicine—from surgery to cardiology to general family practice.
Learn more about the different physician specialties at the American Medical Association.
In short: all pediatricians are physicians, but not all physicians are pediatricians.
What Makes a Pediatrician Different?
A pediatrician is a physician who specializes in treating children, from newborns to teenagers. After medical school, pediatricians complete several years of additional training focused only on children’s health.
That includes:
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Growth and development milestones
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Childhood diseases and infections
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Behavioral and emotional issues
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Vaccination schedules
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Communicating with both kids and parents
Pediatricians also take board exams specific to pediatrics, which general physicians don’t.
For more details on pediatric training, see the American Academy of Pediatrics.
When to See a Pediatrician
You’ll typically bring your child to a pediatrician for:
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Well visits and annual checkups
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Developmental concerns like speech delays or behavioral changes
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Vaccines, screenings, and preventive care
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Ongoing health issues like asthma or allergies
If you need help deciding between urgent care and the emergency room, check our guide: Choosing Urgent Care: Addressing the Top Reasons Kids End Up in the ER with Urgent Care.
When a Physician Can Still Help
Not every situation needs a pediatric specialist. Many urgent care centers have board-certified physicians who are trained to treat children, even if they’re not pediatricians. These providers are fully licensed and experienced in handling minor illnesses and injuries.
For example, a general physician at an urgent care clinic can help with:
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Ear infections and earaches
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Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach flu
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Rashes, bug bites, and skin conditions
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Cuts, scrapes, wounds, and lacerations
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Bladder infections
- And more!
If something more specialized is needed, they’ll refer you to a pediatrician or hospital as appropriate.
See our full list of Conditions we treat.
Why Pediatric Training Matters in Urgent Care
At Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado, every provider is explicitly trained in pediatrics. That includes:
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Child-sized equipment
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Pediatric medication dosing
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Staff experienced in calming scared or uncomfortable kids
That’s what makes pediatric urgent care different from walk-in clinics or general urgent care centers. You don’t just get fast treatment, you get care tailored to your child’s needs.
Choosing the Right Care at the Right Time
If it’s a well visit or long-term concern, your pediatrician’s office is the best place to start.
If your child is sick after hours, on a weekend, or has a minor injury that can’t wait, pediatric urgent care is a trusted option.
You don’t need an appointment. Just walk in, and your child will see a provider who specializes in their care.
Need Care Now?
We’re open evenings, weekends, and holidays, when your pediatrician isn’t. Visit our Locations & Hours for directions to our office near Costco.