What is med-peds and how is it different from a pediatrician?

Abigail Stoker, MD

Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Family practice, pediatrician, internal medicine, med-peds … there are so many different types of general practice doctor’s offices, and it can be difficult to understand the differences. What is med-peds? How is it different from a pediatrician’s office, and is it the right choice for your family?

Abigail Stoker, MD, internal medicine specialist, spoke with us about med-peds vs. pediatrics vs. family medicine, and what that means for your care.

What is med-peds?

“Med-peds is short for internal medicine – pediatrics,” said Dr. Stoker. “Basically, it’s a combined specialty that combines pediatrics and internal medicine.”

Med-peds physicians are equally trained in pediatric, or child-centered, care and also in internal medicine. They’re usually board certified in both specialties.

How is med-peds different from family medicine?

“Med-peds physicians go through the same training that pediatricians do, so they get exposed to the full range of pediatric care during their education,” said Dr. Stoker.

This combined training means that med-peds physicians are often able to care for the entire family, from infancy through adulthood. A med-peds physician may find themselves caring for three generations of the same family, creating a continuity of care similar to the idea of the ‘family doctor’ in the past. Adolescents nervous about the transition into handling their own adult care may be more at ease with a med-peds physician who can continue working with them.

Dr. Stoker noted that these physicians are also typically exposed to a greater variety of inpatient care during training than family medicine physicians, who tend emphasize their training more in the outpatient or office settings.

What specialties do med-peds physicians work in?

“Med-peds physicians often work in inpatient settings as a hospitalist for adults, children or both,” said Dr. Stoker. “You may also see them working in the outpatient setting as a primary care physician for large age ranges.”

Med-peds physicians can subspecialize in any of the specialties that an internist or pediatrician would apply for, as well.

Would a med-peds physician or family medicine be a better choice if you need care for chronic illness?

“Really, both specialties are able to prepare a doctor to provide excellent care for chronic medical conditions,” said Dr. Stoker. “What really matters is the fit between the patient and their individual provider.”

Patients with chronic illness should focus on ensuring they look for a provider who they feel takes the time to understand their medical problems and communicate and work with them on how to reach their unique health goals.

Should patients check on if their doctor is med-peds or family medicine before scheduling?

“I would say yes, it’s definitely worth checking into this before you start working with a specific practice or doctor,” said Dr. Stoker. “Largely because it’s always helpful to know the training background of your medical provider, and it can help you to find a physician who best fits the needs of individual patients or their families and who fits within the care you need for your own health needs and interests.”