Pediatric nephrology is the study and treatment of children with kidney disorders. A pediatric nephrologist is a physician who diagnoses and manages kidney disease and kidney function in infants, children and adolescents. This specialist consults with a surgeon regarding a young patient’s kidney transplantation, and will help manage blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, and dialysis procedures. This physician has special training in dialysis physiology, management of renal failure, pharmacology, hypertension, nutrition, and development of the kidney and urinary tract in children.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Florida has 31 practicing pediatric nephrologists. Broken out by city, pediatric nephrology doctor density in Boca Raton is 1, in Fort Lauderdale is 4, in Gainesville is 6, in Gulf Breeze is 1, in Hollywood is 2, in Jacksonville is 2, in Lake Mary is 1, in Melbourne is 2, in Miami is 9, in Miami Shores is 1, in Milton is 1, in Miramar is 1, in North Miami is 1, in Orlando is 4, in Pace is 1, in Palatka is 1, in Palm Bay is 1, in Pembroke Pines is 1, in Pensacola is 2, in Rockledge is 1, in Saint Petersburg is 3, in Tallahassee is 1, in Tampa is 4, in Viera is 2, in Wellington is 1, and in Weston is 2.

Florida’s warm and humid subtropical climate makes it a winter destination for many. Population in 2000 was 15,982,378, according to census statistics. Tallahassee, located in the north panhandle area, is the state capital. Tourism is a major industry in Florida, with Cape Canaveral, Disney World, the Everglades National Park, Universal Studios, the Atlantic coast and the Gulf coast all destinations for visitors and residents. Year-round outdoor activities include camping, golf, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Florida has a population of 17,789,864. Of this population, 3,975,071 are under the age of 18 and 2,978,335 are at or above the age of 65.