Who’s Who on Your Child’s Healthcare Team

A highly specialized multi-disciplinary team can help evaluate and treat your child following a galactosemia diagnosis, and work with you to ensure quality lifelong care. Team members may include the following:

Pediatrician: Your baby’s first doctor plays an integral role in his/her care. A pediatrician is trained to diagnose, treat, and provide ongoing care for a variety of childhood illnesses, from mild to severe.

Metabolic Geneticist: These experts specialize in metabolic disorders. They help confirm a diagnosis of galactosemia when your newborn’s screening test is abnormal.

Dietician: A dietician can provide guidance on your child’s galactosemia friendly diet, including identifying appropriate substitutes for dairy-based formula or breast milk.

Neonatologist: Some babies will be in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The primary provider is the neonatologist who specializes in the care of newborns with serious illnesses.

Ophthalmologist: It is recommended that an ophthalmologist check for cataracts, which are caused by build-up of toxic galactitol, shortly after your baby’s birth. An ophthalmologist is a medical and surgical specialist who deals specifically with the structure, function, diseases, and treatment of the eye, and will monitor your child as she/he grows.

Neurologist: A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system.

Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hormone-related diseases and conditions.

Social Worker: Social workers support patients and their families through difficult times post diagnosis, with the goal of improving outcomes. They maintain professional relationships and act as guides and advocates for families.