Adolescence is an important transition time between childhood and adulthood. Puberty, peer influences and changes in responsibilities lead to a host of important issues during adolescence and the teen years, like friendships, relationships with the opposite sex, health habits, diet and fitness, smoking, sex, drinking and drug use. The period of time is often filled with risk-taking behaviors that increase the risk of injury and death. Motor vehicle accidents cause nearly 32 percent of deaths for adolescents and teens and are the leading cause of death for this age group. Homicide is the second leading cause of death especially for those 15 to 19. The third leading cause of death is suicide.

Physicians for Adolescents and Teens According to the National Adolescent Health Information Center, nearly 90 percent of adolescents and teens see a physician at least once a year. Health care needs may be met by a family physician or by a type of specialist called an Adolescent Medicine Physician a doctor who is specifically trained to deal with the unique physical and mental health needs of adolescents and teens. In addition, during this time period, teens are establishing important health patterns that will impact their adult lives.

Adolescent Medicine Specialists are physicians who have completed medical school and postgraduate training and are board certified in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. In addition, they complete one to three years of training in conditions specific to adolescent health care needs (like growth and development, eating disorders, substance abuse, acne, psychosocial adjustment, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases and sexual identity). The physicians may also apply for board certification in Adolescent Medicine.

National health leaders have recognized the importance of focusing on adolescent health. Planners with Healthy People 2010 developed an Adolescent Health Steering Committee to develop and set 107 objectives specifically targeting adolescents and young adults (10 to 24). The health objectives cover areas like reduction in mortality, injury, violence and substance use, improvement in mental health and reproductive health and prevention of chronic disease.

For general information on adolescent health and medicine:
Advocates for Youth, http://www.advocatesforyouth.org
American College of Physicians, public website, http://www.doctorsforadults.com
American Medical Association, http://www.ama-assn.org
AWARE (Adolescent Wellness and Reproductive Education) Foundation, http://www.awarefoundation.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov
International Association for Adolescent Health, http://www.iaah.org
Society for Adolescent Medicine, http://www.adolescenthealth.org