Pediatrics in Paris

Pediatrics is the field of medicine that focuses on the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 21. Medical doctors who specialize in this field are called pediatricians. Not only do they provide medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill, but they also provide preventative health services for healthy children. They manage the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the children under their care through all stages of growth and development. They are involved in the prevention, early detection, and management problems, including:

• Developmental delays and disorders
• Functional disabilities
• Behavioral problems
• Social stresses
• Mental disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders.

When children get hurt or sick, they treat a range of injuries and diseases, such as infections, cancers, organ diseases, and dysfunctions, as well as genetic and congenital conditions. Some pediatricians are primary care physicians (meaning they are your first stop for general medical care and wellness visits for your children), while others specialize. There are more than 30 pediatric specialties, including pediatric oncology (the treatment of cancers in children), pediatric neurology (the treatment of brain and nervous system disorders in children), and pediatric cardiology (the treatment of heart conditions in children).

In general, pediatricians perform the following procedures to take care of your child:

• Physical exams
• Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, infections, and other health problems
• Evaluate your child’s physical, emotional, and social development
• Give you information about your child’s health, fitness, safety, and nutrition needs
• Prescribe medications and antibiotics
• Give vaccinations
• Refer you to a specialist if they think your child needs expert care. 

How Long Should I Stay in Paris?

In most cases, you and your child can leave the hospital or clinic right away after a pediatric procedure. Depending on the type of diagnostic test or medical treatment your child receives, you should plan to stay in Paris for around 2 to 7 days. During your stay, your child may need to attend several follow-up checkups where the pediatrician checks if the treatment is working for them.  

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The recovery times can be different from one child to another, depending on the overall health of your child, the specific condition they have, and the treatment they receive. For diagnostic tests, such as a physical exam, there is typically no recovery time needed. After vaccination, some children may develop a fever for 1 to 2 days. The pediatrician will let you know when your child can resume their normal activity level and go back to school after treatment.

What Aftercare is Required?

During your child’s recovery period, it is important that you monitor them closely. Make sure that they drink plenty of liquid, eat a healthy diet (as recommended by the pediatrician), and get plenty of rest. A regular visit to the pediatrician is important, every two to three months for children aged 1-month-old to 2 years old, every six months for 2 to 3 years old, and then once a year after the age of 4 up to 21. 

What's the Success Rate?

As the field of pediatrics continues to advance, the safety and success rate of pediatrics procedures continues to increase as well. With new technology, more knowledge, and a deeper understanding of pediatrics, the death rate of infants and children has been decreasing significantly in the last century. Of course, all procedures carry some type of risks and side effects. For instance, vaccinations have some side effects such as low-grade fever, soreness, temporary headache, or a severe allergic reaction. 

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to seeing a pediatrician that manages the health, growth, and development of your child. Should your pediatrician found something that needs specialized care, they will refer you to the relevant specialist.

Pediatrics in and around Paris

About Paris

Paris is the capital and most populous city of France and it is the second-most visited country in the world and it is easy to see why. The city is considered as an international center of fashion, culture, art, and gastronomy. Its boulevards are lined with museums, world-famous monuments, classical bistros and boutiques, wine bars, and design shops that successfully captured the heart of its visitors. Besides a popular destination for leisure, Paris is also one of the leaders in Europe for medical tourism. Hospitals and clinics in the city are well-equipped and are able to perform all manner of medical treatments for international tourists. The doctors and nurses offer the highest level of care that is hard to rival. 

Popular Parts of Paris

Paris is filled with iconic monuments with thousands of years of history. The most popular attraction of the city, as well as France’s symbol, is the Eiffel Tower. Visitors are allowed to climb as far as the 2nd floor via the south pillar’s 720 stairs or ride the elevator to the top. Besides the Eiffel Tower, visitors can stroll around the glamorous avenue des Champs-Élysées and admire Arc De Triomphe, admire the exquisite décor of Sainte-Chapelle, wander along the Seine, or try the city’s art nouveau cafes. Visiting Paris will never be complete without exploring its museums. One of the most popular is the Louvre, which is the biggest museum in the world with thousands of famous works, including the Mona Lisa.

Transport in Paris

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the main international gateway to the city. It connects the city with almost every country around the world. Getting around Paris is easy as the city boasts one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world. The metro subway system is extensive, generally safe, easy to use, and the trains usually arrive on time. The buses are spacious and affordable. There is also a commuter express (“RER”) train service that will take you to the city’s most important areas. Taxis are available and can be found easily.

Visas in Paris

France is a member of the Schengen Agreement, meaning citizens of 62 countries, including Singapore, the US, and Australia do not need a visa to enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days. Other nationals not listed in the visa-free entry should obtain and apply for a visa and always check at the nearest French embassy or consulate for the requirements.

Weather in Paris

Spring (March-May) has mild temperatures with a lot of rainy days. Summer starts in June bringing warm temperatures and sunny days. The average temperature during the summer is around 18°C. The temperature will slowly decrease in autumn (September – November), but the weather is still generally pleasant. Winter can be cold as the temperature drop to 4°C. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the euro. 1 EUR is approx. 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available. Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping can be mandatory in certain places.
3. Local Language: French is the official language, but many people in tourist areas speak English. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: Paris has a diverse religion, with Christianity as the biggest. Other religions, such as Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism, are present.
5. Public Holidays: Paris celebrates 11 official public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Bastille Day, and Christmas Day.