Adolescent Medicine

Bridging the Gap

The teen years were once a no-man’s land of medicine, with adolescents caught between pediatricians and adult physicians.

“But teens sometimes resist seeing a pediatrician, so parents may neglect important annual exams during these difficult years,” says Robert Pendergrast, MD, an adolescent medicine physician and director of the Adolescent Medicine Program at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

Dr. Pendergrast leads a team of pediatric specialists who understand the unique health and social issues teens face and take the time to address them with patients and their parents. As the only physician at Georgia Regents Medical Center who has completed a fellowship in adolescent medicine, Dr. Pendergrast has additional training in caring for and communicating with tweens and teens and is responsible for educating and training other physicians in this area.

Making the Transition

“During these formative years teens face challenges that can affect their future health and development,” says Dr. Pendergrast. “That’s why we not only monitor our patients’ health, but address social, psychological and developmental issues with them and their families.”  

Their goal is to help your children make it through adolescence safely and in good health, so they will be better prepared to take responsibility for their health in the future.

Support Through the Awkward Years

Adolescents often have concerns they don’t feel comfortable addressing with their parents. An adolescent medicine physician can provide your child with accurate health-related information and guidance in a caring, confidential manner.

“It’s so important for people in this age group to develop a relationship with a physician they like and trust. During adolescence, people need to learn the importance of primary care,” says Dr. Pendergrast.

To schedule an appointment with an adolescent medicine physician, call 706-721-KIDS (5437) now.

A Holistic Approach to Tween and Teen Care

Adolescent medicine physicians at Children’s Hospital of Georgia address a full range of issues in people between the ages of 11-21, including:

•  General health checks-up, immunizations and primary care
•  Diagnoses and care of general medical problems
•  Nutrition, exercise and eating disorders
•  Smoking cessation

Helpful Related Links:

Georgia Regents Pediatric Primary Care

Georgia Regents Adolescent Medicine Specialists