Adolescent Medicine
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?
At our adolescent clinics in Hyde Park, we provide a wide variety of health services including:
- Well-adolescent visits
- School physical exams
- Sport pre-participation visits
- Urgent care
- Adolescent gynecology
- Contraception and family planning services
Our experts identify common teen health problems before they develop into serious illness. We encourage our patients to develop healthy habits that will turn into life-long behaviors. During well-adolescent visits, we focus on discussing patient and family concerns — with the understanding that teens and parents may have different points of view. Commonly addressed 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
- Nutrition, diet and exercise
- Obesity
- Peer pressure
- Safe driving
- School performance
- Sexuality, sexual behavior and birth control
We provide comprehensive primary health care for adolescents with chronic disorders, including:
- Acne
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Developmental delays
- Diabetes
- Enuresis (bedwetting)
- Hypertension
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Recurrent pain syndromes (headaches, chest pain and abdominal pain)
- Rheumatologic disorders
- Scoliosis
- Sleep disorders
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.
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, including experts in:
We emphasize patient health education, and provide information to both patients and parents on a variety of topics. Our goal is to empower your teen to become responsible for his or her care by reinforcing healthy behaviors and recognizing and avoiding potential risks.
Quality and Convenient Pediatric Primary Care
Schedule Online
Book a pediatric primary care appointment online right away from the comfort of your mobile device.
Set Up A Pediatric Video Visit
Save time by skipping the trip to the doctor's office and video conference with your provider instead.
Request an Appointment
Don’t have time right now? Submit an appointment request form and we’ll call you back within two days to schedule an appointment.
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.