Adolescent Medicine and Primary Care
Meeting the Health Needs of Adolescents & Young Adults
The Adolescent Medicine Program at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital is the only one of its kind on the South Side of Chicago. We address the specific healthcare needs of young people between the ages of 11 and 21 — while supporting optimal growth and development through this period of rapid change.
Physical, emotional, cognitive and social changes are the hallmark of adolescence. During this time, children evolve into fully grown, mature, independent young adults. Yet, the pace of biological, emotional and intellectual growth varies widely among teens. Family and social circumstances also have a significant impact on this journey into adulthood. Our adolescent medicine specialists understand the impact of all these factors on healthy development. We strive to help teens and families meet the challenges associated with this transition.
The clinic is a family-friendly place. We recognize the importance of family in the lives of our patients, even as they strive to reach independence. Our experts respect the need for confidentiality — for both parents and teens — and at the same time encourage open communication between family members on any issues that may affect our patients' health and well-being.
Why Choose Comer Children's for Adolescent Care?
Well-Adolescent Care & Services
At our clinics in Hyde Park, we provide a wide variety of health services including:
- Wellness visits
- School physical exams
- Sport pre-participation visits
- Urgent care
- Adolescent gynecology
- Contraception and family planning services
Preventive Care
Our experts identify common teen and adolescent health issues before they develop into serious illnesses. We encourage our patients to develop healthy habits that will turn into life-long behaviors. During adolescent wellness visits, we focus on discussing patient and family concerns — with the understanding that young adults and parents may have different points of view.
Commonly addressed health issues include:
- Assessment of growth and development
- Body image and eating disorders
- Cigarette smoking, alcohol and other drug use
- Dating and relationships
- Depression
- Family conflict
- Mental health
- Nutrition, diet and exercise
- Obesity Peer pressure
- Safe driving School performance
- Sexuality, sexual behavior and birth control
Primary Care for Chronic Disorders
We provide comprehensive primary health care for adolescents, teens and young adults with chronic disorders, including:
- Acne
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bedwetting (Enuresis)
- Depression
- Developmental delays
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Recurrent pain syndromes (headaches, chest pain and abdominal pain)
- Rheumatologic disorders
- Scoliosis
- Sleep disorders
Board-Certified Adolescent Medicine Experts
Our team includes board-certified pediatricians and our program director who is also board-certified in adolescent medicine. Our physicians and nursing staff are available every weekday, while on-call pediatricians and nurses are easily accessible after hours and on weekends. Since we are part of a teaching institution, the same experts that treat your child are training the doctors of tomorrow.
Easy Access to Specialists
At Comer Children's, we have quick access to some of the best specialists in the area. The hospital houses more than 20 pediatric specialty and surgical programs.
Our adolescent and young adult medicine care team works closely with experts in a range of specialties, including:
- Allergy/Immunology
- Cardiology
- Ear, nose and throat care (otolaryngology)
- Dermatology
- Gastroenterology
- General surgery
- Gynecology
- Neurology
- Orthopaedics and sports medicine
- Psychiatry
- Pulmonary medicine
- Rheumatology
- Sleep disorders
Patient Education
We emphasize patient health education, and provide information to both patients and parents on a variety of topics. Our goal is to empower your adolescent, teen or young adult to become responsible for their own care by reinforcing healthy behaviors and recognizing and avoiding potential risks.
Quality and Convenient Pediatric Primary Care
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Academic Pediatrics at Comer Children's
Academic Pediatrics is a community of child health professionals engaged in research, advocacy, improvement science and educational scholarship to enhance the health and well-being of all children.