Providing compassionate pediatric care
Our pediatricians focus on the physical, emotional, and social health of children—from newborns and infants to children and young adults. From preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases, MedStar Health pediatric physicians and specialists include nationally recognized experts in children’s health.
Your MedStar Health pediatrician becomes your partner and advocate in personalized health care for your children by keeping you at the center of decision-making and encouraging you to participate in care whenever possible.
Our pediatric care is not only comprehensive—it is also convenient. With practice locations throughout our network of 10 hospitals, numerous outpatient clinics and nationally ranked specialty pediatric services, you’re never far from outstanding pediatric care.
Specialties
Featured conditions and treatments
Treatments
Routine medical care
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Sick visit
When your child isn’t feeling well, a visit to the doctor can help you figure out what’s wrong and how to treat it. This guide explains what to expect during a sick visit, including common medical tests for strep, flu, and COVID-19—so you and your child can be better prepared and less anxious.
Before the visit: be prepared
- Track symptoms: Note when symptoms started and how they’ve changed. Include fever, pain, cough, congestion, vomiting, or fatigue.
- Pack the necessities: Bring your child’s comfort item, drinks and snacks, a phone charger, your insurance card, and method of payment.
- Bring key information: Have a list of your child’s current medications, allergies, and vaccination history. This helps the doctor make an accurate diagnosis and rule out certain illnesses.
What happens during the sick visit
During the visit, the doctor will:
- Ask questions about your child’s symptoms (when they started, how long they’ve lasted, and how severe they are).
- Take vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, and oxygen level.
- Perform a physical exam:
- Look at the throat, ears, eyes, and nose.
- Listen to the lungs and heart.
- Check lymph nodes (small glands that help fight infection).
- Gently feel your child’s abdomen.
Common tests the nurse or doctor may perform
Strep throat test
This test determines whether a sore throat is caused by strep bacteria or a virus. Strep throat requires antibiotics, while viral infections do not.
- Rapid strep test: A throat swab with results in 5–10 minutes.
- Throat culture: Sent to a lab for confirmation if the rapid test is negative but suspicion remains high (results in 1–2 days).
How to explain it to your child: “They will use a soft swab to quickly brush the back of your throat. You might feel like you’re going to gag, but it only lasts a few seconds and doesn’t hurt.”
Influenza (Flu) test
If your child has fever, chills, cough, body aches, or extreme tiredness—especially during flu season—the doctor may test for influenza. Antiviral medications may be prescribed to shorten the illness.
Types of flu tests
- Rapid flu test: Nasal or throat swab with results in 15–30 minutes.
- PCR test: A more accurate test sometimes sent to a lab.
How to explain it to your child: “The nurse will quickly put a soft swab in your nose to see if you have the flu so they can give you the right medicine. It will be fast and won’t hurt.”
COVID-19 test
If your child has fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, loss of taste or smell, or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19, a COVID test may be done.
The test involves gently inserting a swab into the nostrils to collect a sample.
How to explain it to your child: “The nurse will put a cotton swab in your nose and move it in a circle a few times. It will be quick.”
The results
If the result is positive- Your doctor will provide guidance, which may include medication, rest, and staying home until your child is no longer contagious.
If the result is negative- The doctor may:
- Diagnose a viral illness that doesn’t need antibiotics.
- Recommend supportive care such as fluids, fever reducers, and rest.
- Suggest follow-up if symptoms worsen or don’t improve.
After the visit
Follow all medical instructions, including giving prescribed medication and ensuring your child gets enough rest.
Monitor symptoms
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Fever lasts more than three days.
- Symptoms worsen instead of improving.
- Your child develops new symptoms such as trouble breathing, rash, or extreme fatigue.
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Well-child visit
A well-child visit with your pediatrician is essential for keeping your child healthy and addressing concerns about their growth and development. This guide will help you make the most of your appointment.
What to bring with you
Your child should wear easy-to-remove clothes. If appropriate, bring extra diapers or a change of clothes. Below is a list of suggested items to pack.
- Comfort items- a favorite toy, book, or blanket.
- Entertaining distractions- games, activities, or electronic devices can reduce your child’s anxiety or help fill wait time.
- Snacks / water
- Forms- you’ll save time by bringing copies of any forms that need to be completed for school, daycare, sports, or camp.
Explain the pediatrician visit in three easy steps
Be sure to take the time to talk to your child prior to their appointment. Below are three things your child can expect.
- By the numbers- your nurse will measure how big and tall you are.
- Meet your doctor- your doctor will look at different parts of your body.
- Screenings- your doctor wants to check to be sure that your body is working the way it should. They might do some tests to check your ears, eyes, and other parts of your body. We can talk to them when we get there so we know exactly what is going to happen.
During the visit
This is the time to review any questions or concerns with your child’s doctor, such as eating habits, sleep patterns, or milestones.
- Share concerns- talk to the doctor about any behavioral or physical symptoms.
- Support your child- your doctor may recommend routine vaccinations and/or a blood test.
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Vaccinations
Vaccinations are an important way to protect your child from serious diseases. This routine vaccine helps boost immunity and keep your child healthy. This guide will explain what to expect, how to prepare your child, and tips for supporting your child during their vaccination.
Describe a vaccination
Doctors and scientists have worked together to make a type of medicine called a vaccine. A vaccine will help teach your body to fight bad germs, keep you from getting really sick, and protect others.
Before the procedure
When to talk to your child about their vaccination
You know better than anyone how and when to set your child up for success. We’ve provided some guidance around when it is best to discuss your upcoming vaccination appointment.
- 2 to 3 years old: Tell your child immediately before the visit. “Your nurse is going to give you a quick needle stick to make sure your body stays healthy. Do you want to read a book or watch a show while they do it?”
- 4 to 9 years old: Start the conversation a day or two before the visit. “The nurse is going to give you a vaccination, or a shot, to make sure your body stays healthy. It may feel like a quick pinch. During the vaccination, would you like to watch or look away?”
- 10+ years old: Talk with your child days before their vaccination. “The nurse is going to give you a vaccination, or a shot, using a small needle. It may feel like a quick pinch. What do you want to bring to the appointment? Do you have any questions?”
Explain the vaccination process in three easy steps
- Your nurse cleans your arm with a small, wet wipe that might feel cold.
- Your nurse gives your arm a poke with a needle. Some kids say it might feel like a quick pinch.
- Your nurse puts a small, sticky bandage on your arm.
Bring the essentials
- A comfortable shirt with loose-fitting sleeves.
- Activities to distract your child.
- A favorite comfort item (e.g., stuffed animal or blanket).
- A small snack and drink.
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Taking medicine
Administering medicine can be challenging, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are some practical tips and techniques to help your child feel more comfortable, making medicine time easier and less anxiety-inducing.
Ask your pharmacist
Pharmacists can suggest easier forms of medication or help with flavoring to make it easier for children to swallow. Ask your pharmacist about the following options:
- “Are there chewable or liquid options?”
- “If it's flavorless, can they add flavor?”
- “Can the pill be cut in half?”
- “Can the capsule contents be mixed with food?”
Practice makes perfect
Starting with small, manageable items like sprinkles can help kids learn how to swallow pills gradually.
- Start with sprinkles.
- Gradually increase the size to mini candies, like M&M’s™ Minis or Skittles™.
- Move up to larger candy such as Mike & Ikes™.
Get creative
Offering your child fun options can make taking medicine feel less stressful and more engaging.
- Use a silly straw or choose a favorite cup.
- Put the medicine in a spoonful of Jello or pudding.
- Wash it down with a sip of their favorite drink.
- Offer a reward or special treat.
Give choices
Letting kids decide how to take their medicine gives them a sense of control, making the experience more positive.
- Would they like to sit or stand?
- Do they want to turn or tilt their head while swallowing?
- Do they want to count 1-2-3?
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Eye drop application
Many children need eye drops for exams, treatment, or post-surgery care, but anxiety can make application challenging. Missing doses may cause discomfort or worsen vision. This quick guide will help you give eye drops with ease.
Get ready
- Giving eye drops can be easier with an extra set of hands. If possible, invite another adult to help.
- Relax and create a calm, soothing environment.
- Check to be sure you have the right drops.
- Wash your hands.
- To keep the bottle clean, don’t let the tip touch anything.
- Have tissues on hand.
Explain what you are doing and why
Be positive and honest. Focus on how the drops will help your child feel better or help the doctor help them.
- Dry eyes: “Imagine you’ve been playing outside on a hot summer day and need a drink. Your eyes need a drink.”
- Allergies: “When your eyes get scratchy, the drops can help lessen the itch.”
- Eye exam: “Sometimes, the doctor needs to put drops in your eyes to see all the parts of your eye better, like unwrapping a gift to see what’s inside.”
Practice
If your child is anxious, you can practice applying eye drops on a doll or yourself so your child can see exactly what will happen.
Closed eye method
- To prepare, tape a picture of your child’s favorite place, character, or iSpy game to the ceiling, or have someone hold it above them to give them something to look at.
- Turn on your child’s favorite song.
- Have your child lie on their back with eyes closed.
- Place a drop or drops in the inner corner of their eye near their nose.
- When they open their eyes, the drop(s) will roll in.
Open eye method
- To prepare, tape a picture of their favorite place, character, or iSpy game to the ceiling, or have someone hold it above them to give them something to look at.
- Pull down the lower eyelid to make a pocket to catch the eye drops.
- With your other hand, hold the eye drop bottle upside down with the tip just above the pocket.
- Squeeze the drops into the pocket.
- Ask your child to blink several times until the drops enter the eye.
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Blood test
This guide provides important information about your child’s upcoming blood test. It explains what to expect during the blood test, how to prepare your child, and how to help you and your child stay calm and comfortable.
Before the procedure
When to talk to your child about their blood test
You know better than anyone how and when to set your child up for success! We’ve provided some guidance around when it is best to discuss your upcoming appointment along with age-appropriate language.
- 2 to 3 years old: Tell your child immediately before the visit. “The doctor is going to collect some of your blood to make sure your body is healthy. Do you want to read a book or watch a show while they do it?”
- 4 to 9 years old: Start the conversation a day or two before the visit. “The doctor is going to collect some of your blood to make sure your body is healthy. It may feel like a quick pinch. During your blood test, do you want to take deep breaths, or count down from 20?”
- 10+ years old: Talk with your child days before their blood test. “The doctor is going to draw some blood using a small needle. It may feel like a quick pinch. What do you want to bring to the appointment? Do you have any questions?”
Describe what a blood test is
You will have your blood tested today. This can also be called a “blood draw” or “labs.” Testing your blood gives the doctors and nurses important information about your body.
Explain a blood test in three easy steps
- A person called a phlebotomist cleans your arm with a small, wet wipe that might feel cold.
- The phlebotomist places a needle in your arm. It may feel like a poke or pinch.
- The phlebotomist gently removes the needle and puts a small, sticky bandage on your arm.
Bring the essentials
- A comfortable shirt with loose-fitting sleeves for your child to wear.
- Activities to distract your child.
- A favorite comfort item (e.g., stuffed animal or blanket).
- A small snack and drink.
During the procedure
Kids benefit from having choices. Here are some of our favorite ways to help kids during their blood test:
- Sit next to you or sit on your lap
- Watch or look away
- Hold your hand or squeeze a stuffed animal
- Look at a picture book or listen to a song
- Take deep breaths or count to 10
Be calm and supportive
Children often look to their caregivers during times of stress.
- Be truthful about the sensations they may experience: “You may feel a quick pinch.”
- Crying is a normal reaction. Try redirecting your child’s attention: “It’s ok to cry. Let’s take a deep breath together.”
- Reassure. “I know you’re scared. I’m here and you’re safe.”
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Cuts & scrapes
Cuts can be scary for children. They might bleed or be painful. It’s important to clean a cut to slow the bleeding and reduce the chance of infection.
Wash your hands
Make sure you have gentle soap and water, clean cloths, and bandages ready. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the cut.
Get comfortable
Encourage your child to sit or lie down in a comfortable position to minimize struggling and discomfort. If possible, provide your child with an activity to distract them.
Wash and clean the cut
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
- Clean the cut with cool water and mild soap, removing any dirt with tweezers. This will minimize pain, reduce swelling, and lower the risk of infection.
- Pat dry and consider applying a bandage.
When to call your doctor
If you have any concerns, call your child’s doctor or go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room. Some reasons you may want to see a doctor include: deep cuts that bleed a lot, cuts that look infected or are swollen, or cuts that are not healing properly.
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Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are common in children. Most are caused by nose-picking, blowing the nose too hard or too often, or getting hit on the nose. Although they can be scary, they are usually not serious. Below are ways to support your child.
Stay calm
Reassure your child that they will be fine. The sight of blood can be scary, but remember, nosebleeds are often not serious.
Sit upright
Sit your child upright in a comfortable position. Ask them to lean forward. Leaning back may cause the blood to go down your child’s throat, which may taste bad and could cause gagging or vomiting.
Apply pressure
Pinch the soft part of your child’s nose for 10 minutes. Play music to distract them, and avoid checking until the full time has elapsed. If the nose is still bleeding after 10 minutes, repeat this step.
Take it easy
Have your child take slow breaths through their mouth and encourage them to relax. Discourage nose-blowing, nose-picking, and roughhousing.
When to contact a doctor
If the bleeding doesn’t stop within 20 minutes, or your child has trouble breathing or may have broken their nose, contact your child’s healthcare provider.
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Lice
Head lice are common in school-age children and can affect all hair types, regardless of cleanliness. They spread through head-to-head contact or sharing items like hats or brushes. While not serious, getting rid of lice takes time and patience.
How do I know if my child has lice?
Itching is a sign of lice, particularly behind the ears or at the back of the neck. Nits (eggs) appear like tiny white balls that are firmly attached to your child’s hair, usually close to the scalp. Sometimes, lice are mistaken for dandruff.
Stop the spread
Check all family members and wash all bedding, hats, and clothes in hot water to contain the spread of lice.
How do I treat lice over the counter?
Over-the-counter treatments, including special shampoo, cream or oil, bathing cap, and lice comb, are available at a pharmacy near you. Follow directions carefully.
Comb out your child’s hair with a special lice comb to remove nits and dead lice. Many treatments don’t kill nits, so a second application may be needed.
How do I treat lice – other options
There are also prescription treatments for lice, which your doctor might recommend. If the treatment you have tried is not successful, or if you want to outsource lice removal and have peace of mind, there are likely professional lice removers in your area.
How do I avoid lice in the future?
Consider carefully combing your child’s hair once a week while looking for signs of lice. Remind your child not to share hats with friends.
Know the policy
Familiarize yourself with your child’s school’s lice policy, for example, when to contact the school if your child has lice or how they inform you if there is a case of lice in your child’s class.
Research
The pediatrics department’s research team is one of the best in the nation. We are devoted to the advancement and dissemination of medical knowledge through various research projects to find the best outcomes for our patients.