As children grow into teenagers and young adults, their healthcare needs naturally evolve. Along with physical growth, families often begin to ask an important question: Should my child continue with pediatric care, or does family medicine make sense for this stage of life?
It’s also important to know that many families choose family medicine from the very beginning. Some children receive care from a family medicine physician throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, without ever needing to transition at all. Others start with pediatrics and later move to family medicine. Both approaches can provide excellent care — the right choice depends on comfort, health needs, and family preferences.
Pediatrics and Family Medicine: Understanding the Difference
Pediatricians specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, with training focused on childhood development and pediatric-specific conditions. Family medicine physicians are trained to care for patients of all ages, from newborns through older adulthood.
As a family medicine physician, Dr. Ashley Gullett helps families decide what approach best fits their situation.
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all age when someone needs to leave their pediatrician,” she explains. “What matters most is that patients receive care that supports their physical, emotional, and developmental needs — whether that’s through pediatrics or family medicine.”
Who May Benefit from Family Medicine?
Family medicine may be a good fit for families who value continuity, flexibility, and care that grows alongside their child. Because family medicine physicians are trained to care for patients of all ages, many families choose family medicine from the newborn stage through adulthood.
Family medicine may be a good option for:
- Families who want one provider to care for multiple generations
- Parents who prefer consistent care as children grow from infancy to adolescence
- Children and teens who benefit from long-term relationships with a familiar provider
- Families looking for comprehensive primary care, including preventative care, acute illness visits, and wellness exams
- Parents who want a gradual, supported transition into adult care – without changing providers
Family medicine physicians are trained to provide newborn care, childhood wellness visits, immunizations, and management of common pediatric conditions, while also supporting families through each developmental stage.
Pediatrics plays an essential and valued role in healthcare. Children with complex medical needs, rare conditions, or those requiring frequent subspecialty care may be better served by a pediatrician or pediatric specialty team. In many cases, family medicine physicians and pediatricians work collaboratively to ensure children receive the care best suited to their needs.
“Our goal is always to support what’s best for the child and family," says Dr. Gullett. "Sometimes that’s family medicine, sometimes pediatrics, and sometimes a combination of both.”
Supporting Children and Teens Through Every Stage
Because family medicine physicians care for patients across the lifespan, many children remain with the same provider from early childhood through their teen years and into adulthood. This continuity allows care to evolve naturally as children grow and gain independence.
The teenage years are often a time when patients begin taking a more active role in their healthcare. Family medicine physicians support teens as they learn to:
- Ask questions and understand their health
- Participate in medical decision-making
- Manage appointments, medications, and preventative care
Family medicine commonly addresses pediatric and teen health needs such as annual wellness visits, sports physicals, acne, anxiety, routine illness care, and conversations about healthy habits and preventive health.
Finding the Right Fit
Whether a family chooses pediatrics, family medicine, or transitions between the two, the relationship between patient and provider is key.
“One of the most important parts of primary care is trust,” says Dr. Gullett. “Patients should feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and taking an active role in their health.”
Some families value seeing one physician for multiple family members, while others prefer that teens or young adults establish care with a provider of their own. Pediatricians and family medicine physicians can both help guide families toward a provider who fits a patient’s personality, preferences, and health needs.
Care That Grows with You
Family medicine focuses on long-term relationships, preventive care, and early intervention. Whether a patient has been followed since the newborn stage or transitions later in life, family medicine provides consistent care that adapts as needs change.
“When a provider knows a patient over time, we can focus on prevention and overall wellness — not just treating problems as they arise,” Dr. Gullett explains.
From childhood illnesses and teen wellness to adult preventive care and chronic condition management, family medicine is designed to support health through every stage of life.
Is It Time to Transition – or Continue?
Choosing between pediatrics and family medicine, or deciding if and when to transition, is a personal decision. Some patients never need to transition at all, while others choose to make a change during adolescence or early adulthood.
No matter the path, the goal remains the same: care that feels comfortable, consistent, and supportive — now and for years to come.
AshleyGullett , DO
Ashley Gullett, DO is a board-certified family medicine physician who joined The Iowa Clinic Family Medicine department because of its reputation for delivering exceptional patient care through a physician-led, team-based model. She chose family medicine because she is passionate about building meaningful, long-term relationships with her patients – often caring for multiple generations within the same family. A third-generation osteopathic family medicine physician, Dr. Gullett finds it most rewarding to meet patients where they are and support them in reaching their health goals.
An Ankeny native, Dr. Gullett is excited to return to central Iowa to care for the community she and her husband grew up in and be closer to family. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, visiting farmers markets, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time in the kitchen with her three kids.