Seeking Patient Care?
While adolescence generally is a healthy period of life, changes in development, challenges of independence, new peer groups, and social exposures raise questions for youth and can put them at risk for problems. Many adolescents are uncomfortable seeking medical care, feeling too mature for a pediatrician and too young for their parents’ physician. The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Adolescent Medicine program is poised to handle the needs of this unique population, while also providing educational opportunities for trainees in this special health area. As faculty members of the Miller School of Medicine, our programs are academically based.
In addition to routine primary healthcare, our Adolescent Medicine physicians also treat many chronic or debilitating diseases, serving as primary care physicians and advocates for adolescents and young adults. They are always pleased to help these patients, who benefit from this specialized focus, even before risk behaviors set in. They assist with the transition to adult healthcare, as well.
The physicians’ familiarity with the common psychological and social concerns of adolescents enables them to establish the rapport necessary to ensure an ongoing, confidential, productive doctor-patient relationship. Monitoring of growth, development, and maturation factors are ensured. In a time of life when temptation may promote risky behaviors, having a caring physician can produce lifelong benefits.