Paediatrician or GP – What’s the Difference?
How is a paediatrician different from a GP (general practitioner)?
In this video series, our paediatricians Dr Mas Suhaila Isa and Dr Heng Siok Kheng explain some important differences in how a paediatrician and GP can care for your child.
Paediatrician or GP: What’s the Difference?
Dr Mas: Paediatricians and GPs are different because babies and children are not just little adults. They are quite different because infants and children are smaller, and they have less mature internal organs which function differently from adults. Congenital problems and developmental issues, for example, are also very specific to young patients. Paediatricians are trained to handle these issues in babies, toddlers and older children.
Dr Heng: Dealing with the very young also means that paediatricians often need to communicate with parents and family, not just the patient. This part of the paediatrician’s work can be particularly demanding, especially when it comes to painful procedures, or poor prognosis.
Like this video? Check out other videos in our series:
About Author
Dr Heng Siok Kheng graduated from National University of Singapore (NUS) in 1987 with MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), went on to obtain her postgraduate degree in 1993, and obtained Specialist Accreditation as a Neonatologist in 2011. She has over 24 years of experience as a paediatrician. She has experience in dealing with newborn problems, treating common childhood illnesses as well as dealing with more serious problems needing hospitalisation care.
Dr Heng’s Place of Practice
Kids Clinic @ Toa Payoh
Blk 177 Toa Payoh Central #01-160 Singapore 310177
Tel: (65) 6354 0662
