Immune System and Infectious Disease Specialists at The Children's Hospital

Several physicians from different medical specialties may be involved in the treatment of your child at the same time. This multidisciplinary team approach is particularly important in managing symptoms of the immune system and infectious disease, especially as many symptoms are chronic and change in severity over time.

Your Care Team

Doctors

Pediatrician or Primary Care Physician

While your pediatrician or primary care physician may treat and/or diagnose your child's disease, he/she may refer you on to a specialist for more specialized treatment of certain aspects of the disease.

Allergist/Immunologist

An allergist/immunologist is a physician specially trained to manage and treat allergic disorders and asthma. As a result of their extensive study and training, an allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional to effectively manage the comprehensive needs of patients with allergic disease. The help of a trained allergist can reduce how often patients need to stay home from work or school due to symptoms. Studies show that those under the care of an allergist/immunologist also make fewer visits to emergency rooms, and are better able to daily manage their allergies and asthma. Our allergists may recommend consultation with other pediatric sub-specialists such as pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, ear nose and throat surgeons, and dermatologists to your child's primary healthcare provider if warranted.

Rheumatologist

A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases that may affect joints, muscles, bones, skin, and other tissues. Most rheumatologists have a background in internal medicine or pediatrics and have received additional training in the field of rheumatology. Rheumatologists are specially trained to identify many types of rheumatic diseases in their earliest stages, including arthritis, many types of autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and osteoporosis. In addition to four years of medical school and three years of specialized training in internal medicine or pediatrics, a rheumatologist has had an additional two or three years of specialized training in the field of rheumatology. A rheumatologist may also be board certified in rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Pediatrics.

Nurses

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

A PNP is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of children. A PNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment, and follow-up.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

An FNP is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced degree as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and has specialized in the care of the entire family. An FNP is licensed to see patients for assessment, treatment, and follow-up.

Clinical Nurse Specialists

A Clinical Nurse Specialist is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in a healthcare specialty area such as cystic fibrosis. Clinical nurse specialists see patients in clinic for follow up, assessment, and treatment.