Care for children is an important part of most family physicians’ practice, especially for those of us who practice in rural areas or places with fewer pediatricians. It also is a key element of residency training, when exposure to pediatric care builds the skills and confidence that help new family physicians maintain a broad scope of practice.1
This edition of FP Essentials provides a comprehensive overview of well-child care by age groups. Section One focuses on newborns and infants from birth to age 12 months and provides useful tips and updates on screening and anticipatory guidance. Section Two addresses well-child care for toddlers and preschool-aged children ages 1 to 5 years, when nutrition, sleep, safety, behavior concerns, and toilet training are part of the conversation. Section Three focuses on school-aged children from ages 6 to 12 years. In this group, use of screen media increases dramatically, growth and development remain important issues, and children often begin to bring their own questions and concerns to their physician. Section Four covers the well-child care needs of adolescents ages 13 to 17 years. I knew nicotine vaping was common among adolescents, but I was surprised to learn that marijuana use is now more common than cigarette use.
I hope you find this edition of FP Essentials helpful for your practice. When you have finished studying it and are ready to submit your posttest answers, please tell us what was most useful and what we can do to improve. We look forward to hearing your ideas for topics you would like covered in future editions.
Karl T. Rew, MD, Associate Medical Editor
Clinical Associate Professor
Departments of Family Medicine and Urology
University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
