Pediatricians diagnose, treat and help prevent children’s diseases and injuries. When children become sick, you diagnose the child and may recommend a treatment plan. Many pediatricians first visit a newborn after he or she is born.

Physician assistants provide health care services under a physician’s supervision. They perform tasks that are usually performed by doctors. They conduct physical exams and provide treatment, and counsel patients. Physician assistants may prescribe medications.

Family and general practitioners are often called primary care physicians. They diagnose, treat and help prevent disease and injuries. Family practitioners may refer patients to doctors who are experts in certain diseases, called specialists, when further treatment is needed.