Paediatric surgeons, as their name suggests, perform surgeries on children from birth to the age of 13 years and, in some hospitals, up to 15 years. Paediatric surgeons work closely with paediatricians, but they are different in that paediatricians diagnose and treat childhood illnesses but do not perform surgeries. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council (KMPDC) recognizes no subspecialties for paediatric surgery. Paediatric surgeons play a vital role in children’s healthcare in Kenya.
What are some of the problems treated by a paediatric surgeon?
Paediatric surgeons are skilled in diagnosing and surgically managing childhood conditions. Most of the time, a general practitioner or a paediatrician will refer your child to a pediatric surgeon. These doctors will do the following:
- Correction of congenital disabilities.
- They are performing surgeries to treat groin conditions, for example, hydrocele, undescended testes, and hernias.
- They are carryout emergency surgeries to manage conditions such as appendicitis, intussusception, and obstruction of airways by a foreign body.
- Perform surgeries to manage childhood trauma and injuries such as knife stabs.
- They diagnose cancerous and non-cancerous growths and performing surgeries to remove them.
- They perform other surgeries involving children and adolescents.
What are the educational and training requirements for a paediatric surgeon?
Like all other specialist doctors, anyone intending to become a paediatric surgeon must complete a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery (MB ChB) or its equivalent and be registered as a Medical Officer (General Practitioner) by the KMPDC. Later, the one enrolls for a Master of Medicine (MMED) specializing in Paediatric Surgery. This training takes a minimum of 3 years. Just like other specialties, it will take a newly qualified paediatric surgeon to practice for two years to be recognized by KMPDC as a specialist. The training of a paediatric surgeon is rigorous. It requires a doctor to acquire special skills to provide surgical care to children, some of whom are not able to explain what their problems are.
How can I find a paediatric surgeon?
Find a pediatric surgeon in your location by clicking here.
Related specialty
A pediatric surgeon is related to a pediatrician.
Leave a Reply