Frequently Asked Questions
Read more about pediatric urology's role in your child's care, and what makes it different from nephrology, pediatrics, or other specialties in your health team.
Are pediatric urologists also pediatricians?
More often than not: no. In most parts of the world, pediatric urologists either started out as general or adult urologists, who then specialized further for one to two years to become a pediatric urologist, or pediatric surgeons, who then took additional training for pediatric urology.
In the Philippines, the members of the Philippine Society for Pediatric Urology generally began their practice as urologists.
One exception to the above is that, in North America, a pilot program has been launched specifically for pediatricians, trained in hospital medicine, to train further in pediatric urologists.
These pediatricians are still well-versed in pediatric medicine, and may or may not take on the role of primary care, including vaccinations, general pediatric illnesses, or well-child visits.
On the whole, however, pediatric urologists practicing in the Philippines do not fulfill this function, and their practice is targeted towards treating diseases of the genitourinary tract only.
What’s the difference between a nephrologist and a urologist?
One big difference is that pediatric nephrologists are initially trained in pediatric medicine, rather than surgical training. Nephrologists are well-versed in treating kidney disease, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or transplantation, and other conditions of the kidney. They are also trained to deal with urinary tract stones.
Urologists, with the exception named above, are surgeons. They treat conditions of the genitals and urinary tract, including tumors, blockages of the urinary tract, congenital malformations, and surgical emergencies. They also perform renal transplantation, and do surgical management of kidney stones.
Clearly, the conditions that both doctors manage can overlap a lot. Nephrologists and urologists have to work closely together because surgical conditions can affect the kidney’s health, and vice versa. It is very common for a nephrologist to refer to a urologist colleague, and the other way around.
How do we know which specialist to visit first?
The best answer is to consult with your primary pediatrician, who may be in a good position to check which specialist may best give your child attention first.
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However, don't fret--whether you consult a nephrologist or urologist first, your doctor will point you in the right direction.