Adolescence is a developmental period marked by physical, psychological and social changes that include achieving adult stature and sexual maturity, increase in intellectual capacity, a search for identity and a place in one's society, separation from the family and development of relationships with significant others. While most adolescents make this transition without major problems, they need a significant amount of reassurance, guidance and support to make the right decisions. The practice of adolescent medicine was created to address the age specific issues that arise during the second decade of life.
In the process of making these changes adolescents are experimenting and testing limits. In the dependence-independence struggles, the choices adolescents make can affect their health for the rest of their life. This is also the time, when a number of adult illnesses can begin. The challenge of adolescent medicine is to help sort out the emotional from the physical, as well as to provide preventive care.
Under the leadership of
Dr. Lorena M. Siqueira, the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Miami Children's Hospital is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive and confidential care to adolescents.
Services provided include:
Medical care for acute and chronic illness
Pubertal and menstrual concerns
Family planning services
Evaluation and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Behavioral Issues and Interventions
Eating Disorders
Smoking/Tobacco Cessation Classes
If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (305) 668-5525.
Additional Resources
Articles by MCH Physicians
Outside Websites
Adolescent Medicine Staff
Adolescent Eating Disorders