Adolescent Medicine

Young adults and teenagers may need to see an adolescent medicine provider if they have a congenital health condition that requires specialized care, such as a heart defect or cystic fibrosis. These teens benefit from seeing adolescent medicine doctors who have experience treating congenital conditions and also have experience providing care for maturing young adults.

Adolescents who are facing health issues that are new or unique for their age group can also see an adolescent medicine doctor for additional support and care. These issues may include eating disorders, mental health conditions, menstrual problems or other reproductive health issues. Adolescent medicine specialists help these patients bridge the gap between seeing a pediatrician who may not provide exams they need, such as Pap smears, and adult care providers who have less training in helping younger patients.

At Riley at IU Health, our healthcare providers recognize adolescents’ needs for independence and confidentiality. Though parents play an important role in their children's health, our doctors may ask parents to leave the room during appointments. Anything shared by the patient during this time will remain confidential. Our patients can be assured that doctors will listen closely to their problems and respect their right to privacy when it comes to sensitive issues. We understand that we can only give our patients the appropriate care to keep them safe and healthy when we hear the whole story.

Our doctors also speak with parents about their worries so they can better understand how their teenager is growing and changing. We help parents and teenagers navigate their changing relationship, allowing the parent to remain involved while giving the adolescent more independence. We teach parents how to communicate and care for their child's health while respecting their developmental needs.

The Adolescent Medicine Department at Riley at IU Health is one of the largest of its kind in the nation and one of only seven departments funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau to train medical professionals to care for young adults and teenagers. Physicians in the Adolescent Medicine Department serve as faculty members at the Indiana University School of Medicine and as leaders in many state and national organizations that aim to improve the health and well-being of adolescents.