A pediatrician is a medical doctor and a standard practitioner. Unlike other physicians, they provide mental, social, and physical care for infants, toddlers, and adolescents. They observe the growth of a child in several ways after specialization and rigorous education. An adult may bring in a child with a temperature of 103.1 and extreme nausea, the numerous simple tests for diagnosis or referral to another healthcare provider. A medical field omitting pediatricians would not function effectively.
EDUCATION
1. Undergraduate School
The four years of undergraduate schooling do not have to be solely in science, it can be in virtually any subject as long as the required classes are taken and a sturdy science GPA is maintained.
2. Medical School
The next four years of a future pediatrician are abounding in internships, rotations, and shadowing experience. To enroll in medical school, they must take the MCAT, have strong letters of recommendation, and leadership qualities.
The first two years of medical school consist of classroom learning with courses like anatomy, pharmacology, psychology, ethics, and more. The last two years of medical school consist of supervised rotations and gaining substantial experience in the ailment of disease.
Upon graduating medical school you will obtain an M.D (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).
You will also need to pass a licensure examination; this determines the scope of your practice and gives you “permission” to be in the healthcare field.
3. Internship and Residency
The general Pediatric Residency takes three years; beware as this encompasses sleepless nights, long hours of studying, and working with senior physicians and patients.
However, one can specialize in a plethora of subjects including:
Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine
Adolescent/Young Adult
Pediatric Critical Care
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Cardiology
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
Infectious Disease
Nephrology
Pulmonology
Rheumatology
Hematology/Oncology
After Residency, a pediatrician can become board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. This certification must be renewed every 7 years.
DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
Conduct examinations on all pediatric patients (contingent on specialization).
Check for abnormality and physical/mental development.
Ask the necessary questions and examine the patient to come to a diagnosis or conclusion.
Prescribe and explain the administration of medication.
Prescribe lab tests and explain the procedure and reasoning.
Provide recommendations on diet, exercise, sleep, and overall health to parents.
Keep and update patient records of illness, surgery, history, etc.
Overall Goals
Promote a healthy lifestyle
Reduce infant/child/adolescent mortality/morbidity
Control infectious disease
Treat and Diagnose
Infection/Disease
Injury
Abnormal cancerous/genetic growths
Behavioral and developmental disorders
Mental Disorders - anxiety/depression
Salary: $183,240
Growth: 2%
Skills: Empathy, Critical Thinking, Verbal/Written Communication, Tolerance
In conclusion, becoming a pediatrician will not be easy; it will be a ten-year road filled with hardships and obstacles. Nonetheless, you will get the opportunity to help kids and parents in need of medical attention and improve the quality of their lives.
Resources
Cassata, Cathy. “Pediatrician - Training, Education & Subspecialties: Everyday Health.”
EverydayHealth.com, www.everydayhealth.com/pediatrician/guide/.
Stanborough, Rebecca Joy. “What Is a Pediatrician & How to Choose the Best One for Your
Child.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 Mar. 2019,
www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/pediatricians/what-is-a-pediatrician.
“What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Pediatrician?” Learn.org -,
learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Duties_and_Responsibilities_of_a_Pediatrician.html.
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