Pediatrician training. Pediatrician Career Guide: Comprehensive Overview of Roles, Education, and Specialties
What does a pediatrician do. How long does it take to become a pediatrician. Which subspecialties can pediatricians pursue. Where do pediatricians typically work. How much do pediatricians earn on average.
The Vital Role of Pediatricians in Child Healthcare
Pediatricians play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the health of children from birth through adolescence. These specialized medical professionals are dedicated to providing comprehensive care that addresses the unique needs of young patients as they grow and develop.
The scope of pediatric practice encompasses:
- Preventive care and health maintenance
- Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses
- Developmental screenings and assessments
- Immunizations and disease prevention
- Nutritional guidance and growth monitoring
- Behavioral and mental health support
- Education for patients and families on healthy lifestyle choices
Pediatricians serve as advocates for children’s health, considering not only physical well-being but also emotional and social factors that contribute to overall wellness. Their specialized knowledge of pediatric medicine allows them to address the specific health concerns that arise during childhood and adolescence.
Educational Journey: Becoming a Pediatrician
The path to becoming a pediatrician is rigorous and demands a significant investment of time and effort. Aspiring pediatricians must complete several stages of education and training before they can practice independently.
Undergraduate Education
The journey begins with a four-year bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field. While a specific major is not always required, most successful applicants complete pre-medical coursework, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Medical School
After earning their undergraduate degree, future pediatricians must attend four years of medical school. The curriculum includes:
- Advanced sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
- Clinical skills training
- Medical ethics and professionalism
- Hands-on clinical rotations in various medical specialties
Residency Training
Upon graduating from medical school, newly minted doctors must complete a three-year pediatric residency program. During this intensive training period, residents gain in-depth experience in:
- General pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Pediatric emergency medicine
- Adolescent medicine
- Subspecialty rotations
Residency provides the opportunity to develop clinical skills, learn from experienced pediatricians, and begin to specialize in areas of particular interest.
Board Certification
After completing residency, pediatricians in the United States are eligible to take the certification examination administered by the American Board of Pediatrics. This rigorous exam tests their knowledge and skills in pediatric medicine. Successful completion results in board certification, a credential that demonstrates expertise and commitment to the field.
To maintain their certification, pediatricians must participate in ongoing education and recertify every seven years, ensuring they stay current with the latest developments in pediatric care.
Pediatric Subspecialties: Focused Expertise in Child Health
While many pediatricians practice general pediatrics, others choose to pursue additional training in subspecialties. These focused areas of practice allow pediatricians to develop deep expertise in specific aspects of child health.
Some common pediatric subspecialties include:
- Pediatric Cardiology: Focusing on heart conditions in children
- Pediatric Endocrinology: Specializing in hormonal disorders
- Pediatric Gastroenterology: Addressing digestive system issues
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology: Treating blood disorders and cancers
- Neonatology: Caring for premature and critically ill newborns
- Pediatric Neurology: Specializing in nervous system disorders
- Pediatric Pulmonology: Focusing on respiratory conditions
- Adolescent Medicine: Addressing the unique health needs of teenagers
Subspecialty training typically involves an additional 2-3 years of fellowship after residency, allowing pediatricians to gain advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen area of focus.
Work Environments and Practice Settings for Pediatricians
Pediatricians have the flexibility to work in various settings, each offering unique opportunities and challenges. Common practice environments include:
- Private practices
- Group practices
- Children’s hospitals
- Community health centers
- Academic medical centers
- Urgent care clinics
- School-based health centers
The choice of work environment often depends on personal preferences, career goals, and lifestyle considerations. Some pediatricians prefer the autonomy of private practice, while others thrive in the collaborative atmosphere of a large hospital or academic setting.
Regardless of the setting, pediatricians typically work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with nurses, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for their young patients.
The Challenges and Rewards of a Pediatric Career
A career in pediatrics can be both demanding and immensely satisfying. Pediatricians often face unique challenges, including:
- Long and sometimes unpredictable work hours
- Emotional stress when dealing with seriously ill children
- The need to communicate effectively with both children and their parents
- Keeping up with rapidly evolving medical knowledge and technologies
- Navigating complex healthcare systems and insurance issues
Despite these challenges, many pediatricians find their work deeply rewarding. The opportunity to positively impact children’s lives, watch them grow and develop, and form lasting relationships with families can provide a profound sense of fulfillment.
Career Outlook and Compensation for Pediatricians
The demand for pediatricians remains strong, driven by factors such as population growth, increased awareness of children’s health issues, and advances in pediatric medicine. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a steady growth rate for physicians, including pediatricians, in the coming years.
Compensation for pediatricians can vary widely depending on factors such as:
- Geographic location
- Years of experience
- Practice setting
- Subspecialty expertise
- Hours worked
While pediatricians generally earn less than some other medical specialists, their salaries are still substantial. According to recent data, the median annual salary for pediatricians in the United States ranges from $170,000 to $220,000, with top earners exceeding $300,000 per year.
Continuing Education and Professional Development in Pediatrics
The field of pediatrics is constantly evolving, with new research, treatments, and technologies emerging regularly. To provide the best possible care for their patients, pediatricians must commit to lifelong learning and professional development.
Opportunities for ongoing education and growth include:
- Attending medical conferences and seminars
- Participating in continuing medical education (CME) courses
- Engaging in research and publishing in medical journals
- Joining professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Pursuing additional certifications or subspecialty training
- Mentoring medical students and residents
Many pediatricians also find fulfillment in community outreach, advocacy work, and global health initiatives, allowing them to broaden their impact beyond individual patient care.
As the healthcare landscape continues to change, pediatricians must adapt to new models of care delivery, embrace technological advancements, and stay informed about emerging public health challenges affecting children and adolescents.
The journey to becoming a pediatrician is long and demanding, but for those passionate about children’s health, it offers a deeply rewarding career path. By combining scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and a compassionate approach, pediatricians play a vital role in shaping the health and well-being of future generations.
Pediatrician: Role, Education, Training, Subspecialties
A pediatrician is a health professional who specializes in the field of pediatrics. Pediatrics is the specialty which involves the medical care of all individuals aged younger than 21 years. This therefore includes the medical care of all infants, children and adolescents.
Role
Pediatricians have diverse roles that may include prevention, screening, diagnosis and management of health conditions in young people. They may be involved with acute, chronic and preventative medical care, with an emphasis on the overall physical, emotional and mental health of all children.
It is important for pediatricians to consider all aspects of the child’s health, including their overall wellbeing as they grow and develop. They can help to improve a number of health outcomes for young people, such as reducing mortality and infection, while also encouraging healthy lifestyle choices to maintain good health.
Pediatricians have specific knowledge about the health and medical care of young people. As the bodies of children grow and develop into adulthood, they have certain needs, which are distinct from the needs of adults. For this reason, a pediatrician has a valuable role on the medical care team to advocate for the best health decisions for all children.
A day in the life of a general pediatrics resident at Nationwide Children’s HospitalPlay
Education and Training
A pediatrician must first graduate from medical school before going on to specialize in the field of pediatrics. They need to complete four years of college, four years of medical school, and then three years in an accredited residency program for pediatricians. This residency is intended to expand their knowledge of the optimal medical care of infants, children and adolescents.
In the United States, the American Board of Pediatrics is responsible for the board certification of pediatricians, which can be obtained after the residency has been completed. The certification requires individuals to pass a written examination about pediatrics. In order to remain certified, pediatricians need to undergo recertification every seven years. This process may differ slightly according to the country of practice, but is similar throughout the world.
Subspecialties
A pediatrician may also choose to specialize further in a specific field of pediatric health, such as:
- Cardiology
- Critical care
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Nephrology
- Neonatal medicine
- Oncology
This is not a complete list of the subspecialties, and a pediatrician may choose to study further in any particular field that can be applied to pediatric health if they have a particular interest in the area.
Work Environment
Most general pediatricians work in a family health practice, although there are a number of other settings where a pediatrician may practice. These include children’s hospitals and private pediatric clinics.
Pediatricians often work in a multidisciplinary healthcare team with other professionals who have specialized knowledge in certain medical areas. This is helpful because they can collaborate to make the best decisions to promote the best outcome for each young patient.
A Day In The Life of BC Children’s HospitalPlay
The workload is typically high, with most pediatricians in the United States reporting that they work approximately 60 hours each week. The work hours or shift schedule depends greatly on the workplace of the pediatrician. Those working in family health practices or pediatric clinics often have regular working hours, whereas those working in a hospital often work in shifts, which may include nights and holidays.
References
Further Reading
Role, Education, Average Salary & Where to Find
Pediatrician caring for patient at Cleveland Clinic
What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a doctor who focuses on the health of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Pediatric care starts at birth and lasts through a child’s 21st birthday or longer. Pediatricians prevent, detect and manage physical, behavioral and developmental issues that affect children. Some pediatricians work in general practice. Others specialize in treating children with specific health conditions.
What education does a pediatrician need?
Pediatricians undergo extensive education and training. First, they must get a four-year undergraduate degree. During undergrad, they take pre-medical courses such as biology and chemistry.
Next, pediatricians must attend four years of medical school. In medical school, they take coursework such as anatomy and physiology. In addition, they take part in clinical rotations where they learn about the different areas of medicine. These areas include pediatrics, emergency medicine, neurology, psychiatry and radiology. It’s during these clinical rotations that many doctors decide what they want to specialize in.
Some schools, such as NEOMED, combine and condense undergraduate school and medical school for a total of six years of initial education instead of eight.
If a doctor decides to specialize in pediatrics, they move on to a three-year pediatric residency program. Residency includes extra training in various pediatric specialties such as newborns, newborn intensive care, general pediatrics and developmental-behavioral pediatrics. During residency, pediatricians must gain the knowledge, skills and experience they’ll need to treat a broad range of conditions in children.
After residency, some pediatricians go into general pediatric practice. Others pediatricians enter fellowship programs where they receive additional training in pediatric subspecialties. These subspecialties include neonatology, pediatric cardiology, adolescent medicine, child abuse and pediatric surgery. These programs take two to six more years of training.
How long does it take to become a pediatrician?
Pediatricians must attend at least nine years of schooling. That includes four years of undergraduate school and four years of medical school (or six years at a combined university), plus three years of a pediatric residency. Some pediatricians spend another two to six years training in a subspecialty. All pediatricians must have at least 12,000 to 14,000 hours of patient care hours during training.
What is the average salary of a pediatrician?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a pediatrician was $177,130 in 2020.
What role does a pediatrician have and what can they diagnose?
Pediatricians have a wide range of responsibilities. They do everything from perform well-baby checkups to manage chronic medical conditions. Pediatricians provide preventive care and also diagnose and treat infections, injuries and diseases. Pediatricians:
- Perform regular health and wellness checkups (also called well-baby or well-child visits).
- Conduct physical exams.
- Track your child’s physical, emotional and social development.
- Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries and other health conditions.
- Give vaccines.
- Prescribe medication.
- Listen to parents’ concerns and answer their questions.
- Offer health advice to parents.
- Refer families to specialists as needed.
When should my child visit a pediatrician?
Your baby’s first pediatrician visit should be within 48 to 72 hours of leaving the hospital. Their second visit should be at two to four weeks old. During their first year, your child should see their pediatrician at two, four, six, nine and 12 months of age. After your baby’s first birthday, they should be seen at 15, 18 and 24 months. After that, annual visits with your child’s pediatrician are recommended. Also, appointments can be made any time you have a health concern or your child is ill.
Why should my child visit a pediatrician?
Well-child visits are important for the health and wellbeing of your child. At these appointments, your child’s pediatrician evaluates your child’s overall physical and emotional health. They make sure your baby’s development is on track. Your child’s pediatrician also gives your baby recommended vaccines to help protect them from infections. At your child’s well-child visits, you’ll have the opportunity to talk to your child’s pediatrician about any concerns you may have about your child’s health.
Where can I find the best pediatrician near me?
If you’re starting to look for a pediatrician, you should ask family members, friends and other parents you trust for references. They know you and what you’re looking for in a pediatrician. You can also ask your Ob/Gyn for recommendations. If you’re new to the community, you may consider asking for recommendations on social media, but always do your own research. You know best what you’re looking for in a pediatrician.
After you’ve compiled a list of options, contact the offices to inquire more about each pediatrician. The office staff should be able to answer some of your questions, including:
- Is the pediatrician accepting new patients?
- Do you take my insurance?
- How are billing and insurance handled?
- Is payment due at the time of the office visit?
- What are the office hours? Do you have weekend or evening appointments?
- When’s the best time to call with routine questions?
If you’re impressed with what you hear, you may want to arrange for a personal interview with the pediatrician. Some key questions you may want to ask include:
- What’s your policy on taking and returning phone calls? Is there a nurse in your office who can answer routine questions?
- Are you in a group practice with other physicians? Does another physician cover for you at times?
- How are visits for sudden (acute) illnesses handled? Can you make an appointment on short notice?
- If my child requires further care for a health condition or disorder, will you coordinate care among specialists?
Ask yourself the following questions after the interviews to help you decide on the best pediatrician for your child:
- Did the pediatrician communicate clearly?
- Did they make an effort to ensure that all your questions were answered?
- Do you get a sense they have a genuine interest in your child?
How to Become a Pediatrician
Overview
A pediatrician is a physician trained to address the health and medical needs of patients under the age of 21, and is responsible for so much more than just handing out lollipops to uneasy toddlers and answering the frantic, middle-of-the-night phone calls about a feverish child. Equipped with the knowledge and skill to diagnose, treat and prevent the common (and not-so-common) diseases and conditions that affect younger patients, a pediatrician goes through an average of 13 years of training and education to become a health care provider of kids.
What is a Pediatrician?
A pediatrician specializes in providing medical care to younger patients (from birth until they reach adulthood), which can be all the way until their 21st birthday, but at the very least, up to their late teens. It is the duty of a pediatrician to not only diagnose and treat the ailments that generally affect infants, babies, children, adolescents and young adults, but to also assist their young patients in maintaining good health.
Pediatricians are primarily trained to:
- Diagnose and treat illnesses typically associated with children, as well as address the special medical needs of younger patients, such as genetic defects, malignancies, childhood infections, and injury.
- Assess the proper treatment approaches that cater to the specific age of a patient.
- Perform annual checkups, routine examinations, and immunizations.
- Determine whether a child is experiencing normal growth and development.
- Order appropriate tests, prescribe medications, and perform medical procedures.
- Provide medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill.
- Work towards reducing infant and child mortality.
While physical well-being plays a significant part in the role of a pediatrician, some of the preventive health maintenance and counseling they provide children may include issues related to diet, exercise, and hygiene. A pediatrician is also involved with the early detection and management of other issues that can affect the growth, development and safety of a child, such as behavioral difficulties, social stresses, developmental disorders, difficulties with basic functions, as well as anxiety disorders and depression.
In a nutshell, pediatrics is a specialty of medicine that is chiefly concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children. There are also many sub-specialties that a pediatrician may pursue to provide care to patients with more specific issues.
For example, pediatric allergists treat and oversee the care of children with immune system issues, asthma, and experiencing allergic reactions to food, medicine, and their environment.
Other examples include:
- Pediatric anesthesiologists assist in the management of infants and children undergoing surgery.
- A pediatric developmentalist treats infants and children with medical issues that affect their development, such as muscular dystrophy, physical deformities, and ADHD.
- Pediatric cardiologists are trained to perform echocardiograms on children with heart issues.
- There are dermatologists who specialize in primarily treating pediatric skin issues.
- Pediatric urologists receive extra training on how to perform genital and urinary tract surgery on infants and children.
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Educational Track
A doctorate degree is the entry-level educational requirement for pediatricians.
Step by Step Educational Path of a Pediatrician
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree. The minimum requirement to gain acceptance into medical school is at least three years of study at a college or university. However, most medical students earn an undergraduate or advanced degree by the time they apply to a medical school. While some students enter a pre-med program to become a pediatrician, others satisfy prerequisites by taking math and science courses, such as physics, biology, and chemistry (inorganic and organic). Students who have a clear goal to become a pediatrician upon starting undergraduate school may choose to major in child psychology or another discipline closely associated with pediatrics.
2. Apply to medical school. Earning a doctor of medicine (M. D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) degree is a requirement to become a pediatrician. When applying to a medical school, an applicant is generally asked to send MCAT scores along with their application. The Medical College Admissions Test is a standardized examination that measures an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences. A student generally takes the exam during his or her third year of undergraduate studies.
3. Complete a medical school program. Medical school generally takes four years to complete. Coursework during the first two years of medical school include training related to anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics. The remaining two years of training are spent learning how to care for patients within a medical setting (such as a hospital or clinic), which takes place under the supervision of experienced physicians. During this time, students are exposed to multiple specialties, including internal medicine, family practice, cardiology, gynecology, psychiatry, and surgery.
4. Complete a residency in pediatrics. Upon completion of medical school, a graduate is a doctor, but they are not fully trained just yet. The next step is to complete a three-year residency in an approved program to further learn about treating children, which takes place under the supervision of experienced pediatricians.
5. Pursue a fellowship in a specialty (optional). A physician who wishes to specialize in a sub-field of pediatrics (such as critical care, neonatology, or medical genetics) will pursue a fellowship program. Depending on the sub-specialty, training lasts two to three years.
6. Obtain a license. All physicians in the United States must obtain a license in order to practice in the state of their choice. Licensure requirements vary on a state-to-state basis, but all include taking and passing a two-part examination.
7. Get board certified (optional). Pediatricians can also become certified by passing another exam. Becoming board-certified in a sub-specialty means fulfilling a separate certification process associated with that specific area of pediatrics.
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Career Path
Doctors trained to specifically care for and treat children, as well as possess a deep understanding about the health of a child, are hired to work in a wide range of facilities, institutions, environments, and industries that include health care facilities, community health centers, schools, medical groups, HMOs, public clinics, and of course, hospitals. Pediatricians also join single- and multi-specialty private practice groups.
In the hospital setting, pediatricians often possess a supervisory role. Oftentimes, they admit young patients to the hospital and become responsible for ordering the proper tests and medications. They also decide which procedures or treatments are necessary, and consult with hospital staff to ensure the health and recovery of a patient.
Pediatricians who specialize in neonatology are also hired by hospitals to treat premature infants and sick newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Pediatricians working in hospitals can also become medical directors, or head the pediatric ward at a large hospital.
Children’s hospitals are constantly on the lookout for qualified, well-trained pediatricians with additional training in a sub-specialty, as seen in the pediatric hematologists/oncologists who are hired to diagnose and treat infants and children with blood disorders and cancerous tumors.
Academic circles hire pediatricians to teach at medical school programs, as well as conduct research through colleges, universities, pharmaceutical companies, and other industries.
Employers hiring pediatricians typically seek the following qualities in a job candidate:
- Listening skills, which are needed to obtain medical histories from parents, as well as decipher a child’s explanation of their symptoms and ailments.
- Excellent communication skills, to explain a diagnosis and procedures to parents (and in many cases, children and adolescents).
- Patience and a good attitude, to deal well with children who are often apprehensive when visiting a doctor.
- Is highly observant, and able to recognize subtle changes in a patient’s condition to know when it’s time to act accordingly. This quality also helps a doctor solve complex diagnostic problems.
- A compassionate nature, as both parents and children are in need of reassurance and empathy during examinations and treatments.
- Demonstrates easy accessibility, as emergencies often occur with younger patients. Pediatricians are often on-call, answer questions from panicked parents, and admit children into the hospital, when necessary.
While fulfilling all of the educational and training requirements is the most important part of getting hired as a pediatrician, job candidates can increase their chances of impressing an employer with some of the following suggestions:
- Join a Pediatrics-Related Group: To gain access to job leads and become more active within the pediatrics community, becoming a member of an association or society is one of the best ways to get a foot into the door. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is one of the most well-known associations for pediatricians, and connects members to professional resources, educational tools, online discussion boards, webinars, and networking opportunities, such as annual conferences and workshops. Consider becoming a part of both national and regional groups.
- Train in a Subspecialty: Employers are constantly looking to hire pediatricians trained in a subspecialty, such as neonatology, where physicians receive additional experience caring for premature babies, and can help treat and care for the 1 of every 9 babies born premature in the United States, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Getting Published: Becoming an authority on a specific topic or area of pediatrics increases the chances of being hired by an employer who would like someone well-versed in a particular aspect of pediatrics on their staff. This includes publishing reference books, personal accounts, articles in respected journals, and original research.
- Possessing Unique Experiences: Pediatricians with unique experiences in treating children of all ages and with a variety of physical conditions make a more appealing candidate. Speaking another language is another way to qualify for more positions, and meet the specific needs of certain employers.
According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2014), those who work in pediatrics earned an average salary of $181,000 in 2013, which is the third-lowest earning specialty amongst all other types of physicians. On the positive side, pediatricians interviewed by Medscape reported an increase of 4.9% in earnings over last year’s report.
The median yearly salary earned by pediatricians also varies according to a few factors, such as years of experience, geography, and their place (or method) of employment. For example, pediatricians residing in the South Central and Southeast regions earned the most in 2013 – between $186,000 and $199,000. Those who earned salaries on the lower end lived in the Northeast and Northwest, and took home an average income of $175,000.
A pediatrician’s place of employment also plays a part in how much money they make in a year. Those who work in office-based group practices earned the highest salaries with yearly incomes between $190,000 and $193,000 for multispecialty and single-specialty practices, respectively.
Additional work environments and average yearly salary figures for pediatricians to note:
- Healthcare organizations – $189,000
- Hospitals – $177,000
- Office-based solo practices – $173,000
- Academic (non hospital), research, military and government – $164,000
- Outpatient clinics – $154,000
“The income of a physician, and that of a pediatrician in particular, is not all the “glory” it used to be, but pediatricians have every reason to be financially successful in their careers,” says Steven J. Halm, DO, FAAP, FACP, in an overview of a pediatrician’s lifestyle on his website, YourPediatrician.com, Inc. “As a pediatrician, in particular, you need to be accepting that you will make less money than physicians in most other specialty areas.”
Employment prospects for pediatricians are excellent with a great deal of opportunities for physicians to advance, specialize, and /or branch off within the field. For example, some pediatricians move into management and administration positions, as well as become medical directors at hospitals.
The demand for pediatricians will continue to increase with plenty of options to serve rural and under-served communities across the United States. Larger cities, such as New York City; San Antonio, Texas; Greensboro, North Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; and Los Angeles, California, are all cited as experiencing a shortage in primary care doctors, which includes pediatricians.
Starting a Private Practice…
A pediatrician with an interest in starting a private practice may focus on delivering general care to patients, or concentrate on providing services related to a sub-specialty, such as pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric orthopedics, or pediatric pulmonology.
From having greater freedom to make patient care decisions to increased management responsibilities, pediatricians juggle a variety of pros and cons when running their own practices.
In addition to having more control over treating patients, pediatricians also enjoy a more flexible work schedule. Those in private practice can choose to see patients only on certain days of the week, within a certain time frame, or on a part-time basis if they choose to split their time elsewhere. Additionally, self-employed pediatricians typically earn a higher average income over those who are employed in a salaried position; Medscape places the difference at $203,000 versus $172,000 in 2013.
However, a pediatrician must exercise a great deal of orderliness, efficiency, organizational skills, and pay attention to detail when balancing the responsibilities related to caring for patients and addressing the demands of running a medical business.
Self-employed pediatricians should expect to:
- Make financial decisions, such as assessing start-up costs, applying for business loans, and renting proper office space.
- Outfit a private practice with the appropriate tools, equipment, software, and other furnishings.
- Develop practice policies, which include obtaining the proper insurance and gaining the appropriate legal guidance.
- Hire, supervise, and pay staff members.
- Keep organized files, submit paperwork, process reimbursement claims, and overcome any insurance company obstacles that arise.
- Be ready to generate new business by networking with locals, creating a budget for advertising, and marketing the practice both online and offline.
There will always be a great demand for pediatricians, as the Baby Center states just over 4 million babies are born in the United States each year. Physicians specializing in the care of infants, adolescents and young adults will find plenty of opportunities to work and expand their interests. Although the educational road towards learning how to become a pediatrician is lengthy and costly, the benefits and rewards that await a new physician are well worth the journey.
Additional Resources
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What is a Pediatrician? – Pediatrician in Raleigh, NC
What is a Pediatrician?
When preparing for your baby’s arrival, there are many decisions that need to be made. Of those decisions, the selection of a pediatrician is one of the most important choices you will make.
Pediatricians are medical doctors who provide care exclusively for children, usually from birth up to age 21. Pediatricians have completed a minimum of four years of medical school and an additional three years of specialty training in pediatrics from an accredited program. They also must receive continuing education each year to stay abreast of the latest advances in pediatric care. As part of their extensive training, pediatricians are experienced in the physical, emotional, and social development of children.
What Does a Pediatrician Do?
Pediatricians will see your child for well-child care visits from birth to age four. After age four, your pediatrician may continue to see your child annually for checkups. A pediatrician will also evaluate, diagnose and provide medical care whenever your child is sick.
From well-child care visits to chronic illnesses and nutritional guidance, pediatricians are specially trained to care for all of your child’s health care needs. These include:
- Providing physical exams
- Monitoring developmental milestones (i.e. growth, behavior and skills)
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries and other health problems
- Working with parents to determine healthy lifestyle choices for children, such as nutrition and exercise
- Treating life-threatening childhood conditions
- Offering ongoing advice and information about child’s health, safety, nutrition and fitness needs
- Referring and collaborating with other medical specialists when additional care is required beyond a pediatrician’s expertise
Benefits of Choosing a Pediatrician
While family physicians can treat children, pediatricians are specifically trained in the unique physical, emotional and behavioral needs of infants, children, adolescence and young adults. The symptoms presented by adults are not the same as those seen in children. Therefore, by choosing a pediatrician, you are selecting a doctor who offers specialized expertise in recognizing and treating the unique health needs for a child.
Additionally, pediatricians often offer after-hour calling services for emergency questions and concerns, as well as flexible, same-day appointment times for sick visits. This is especially beneficial when your child is ill and you need to see your doctor right away.
Ultimately, pediatricians are much more than doctors; they are partners in your child’s health. From immunizations and ear infections to bedwetting, allergies and school physicals, pediatricians offer the specialized skills to provide tailored, comprehensive treatment for child’s ever-changing physical and emotional needs.
For more information on Pediatric Care, call White Oak Pediatric Associates in Raleigh, NC at (919)787-0266!
How To Become a Pediatrician (Education, Training and Certification)
If you love working with kids and have a desire to help others, becoming a pediatrician could be the right career path for you. To be able to give medical treatment to kids, you need to spend time gathering the essential education, experience and other qualifications. Understanding the preparation involved with becoming a pediatrician can help you plan out your career and find your dream job.
In this article, we explain what a pediatrician is and provide step-by-step directions for how to become one.
What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a type of doctor who specializes in working with patients under the age of 18. Some pediatricians may further specialize in a particular age group, such as infants or toddlers, or a type of pediatric medicine, such as pediatric cardiology. Pediatricians are involved with all aspects of their patient’s health, from tracking a child’s developmental benchmarks to diagnosing and treating disease.
Related: Learn About Being a Pediatrician
Pediatrician duties
To provide the best standard of care for patients, pediatricians have a wide range of responsibilities. Their specific duties can vary based on their specialty, but some common responsibilities include:
- Learning about each child’s home environment to provide holistic care for their development
- Communicating with parents and guardians about their patient’s health and medical history
- Conducting regular checkups and examinations
- Giving immunizations on schedule
- Tracking a child’s growth and recommending methods to help them meet developmental benchmarks
- Ordering diagnostic tests
- Prescribing medications and determining the appropriate dosage
How to become a pediatrician
Follow these steps to meet the requirements to practice as a pediatrician and get your first job in pediatrics:
1. Spend time working with kids
Begin preparing to become a pediatrician by getting a job or volunteer position where you can work with kids. Because pediatricians spend their days interacting with children, it’s important for you to be sure that you want to have a career working with kids. Getting experience in childcare is a great way to learn strategies for getting along with children. It can also strengthen your application for a pediatrics program later on.
Related: 30 Jobs That Involve Working With Kids
2. Earn a bachelor’s degree related to medicine
Begin an undergraduate degree with a focus on science and medicine to start getting ready for medical school. Not all pediatricians major in pre-medicine, but it’s important to take classes related to science, anatomy and biology so you can satisfy all of the medical school requirements.
If possible, it’s also a good idea to take classes related to childhood development. Many sociology and education departments offer courses that will teach you about children and adolescents. This can give you an advantage when you begin your pediatric studies during medical school. Getting involved with clubs, internships and extracurriculars can also help you earn admission to a good medical program.
3. Take the MCAT and apply for medical school
During your junior and senior year of undergraduate school, start studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and researching medical schools. Look for universities that have a strong pediatrics track to ensure that you can get the best education possible. You can consider a traditional Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program.
Medical school applications typically consist of your MCAT scores, a background check, school transcripts, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Edit and proofread your application thoroughly, and be sure to submit it before and deadlines.
Related: Applying To Medical School: Tips and Requirements
4. Complete a pediatric residency
Once you complete medical school, you can begin your specialized education in pediatrics through a pediatric residency. Although you’ll learn some information about pediatric medicine during medical school, your residency is when you’ll gain the most hands-on experience interacting with real patients and observing experienced pediatricians. Pediatric residencies typically last three years, where you’ll slowly earn more responsibility until you can treat patients independently.
During their training, pediatric residents learn how to work in a range of clinical environments, such as the pediatric ICU and community health centers. You’ll learn about common health problems that impact children, communication methods and age-appropriate ways to discuss medical issues.
5. Apply for your medical license
Next, you can apply for your medical license by taking the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). It is a three-part exam, and each part typically takes one or two days of testing. All doctors need to take the USMLE, which reviews the foundational information you need to know to practice medicine and apply it to real situations. Topics on the USMLE include:
Once you pass the USMLE, you can apply for a license in your state. Each state medical board has its own specific qualifications, so you should prepare by researching the requirements in whichever state you want to practice medicine.
5. Pursue a pediatric fellowship
Pediatric fellowships are programs where you learn more about a specific type of pediatric medicine. You don’t have to complete a fellowship to become a pediatrician, but it can strengthen your job applications and help you qualify for specialized positions. Pediatric fellowships usually last two or three years and can focus on areas like neonatal medicine, pediatric surgery or child psychiatry. During the program, you’ll learn from highly experienced pediatricians learning advanced procedures and innovative treatment methods.
6. Become board certified
Getting certification from the American Board of Pediatrics is another voluntary qualification that demonstrates excellence in your field. Being board certified as a pediatrician can make your patients and their families feel more confident in your abilities. It can also attract positive attention from prestigious employers. To get certified, you’ll need to complete a certification test and an interview confirming your abilities.
7. Apply to hospitals, clinics or private medical practices
After completing your education, training and certification, you’ll be ready to work independently as a pediatrician. Many pediatricians eventually open their own pediatric practice, but it’s a good idea to start as an employee at a clinic or hospital where you can learn the basics of being a pediatrician. Apply for jobs at institutions where you can work in your desired specialty and continuously advance your skills.
Related: How Long Does It Take To Become a Pediatrician (Plus Other FAQs)
Work environment for a pediatrician
Depending on their specialty, pediatricians can work in a range of clinical, research or office environments. They typically work in doctor’s offices and hospitals treating patients, but may also spend time teaching classes, consulting with health organizations or conducting clinical trials and other research projects. Pediatricians tend to work long hours, especially if they work in a critical care unit or emergency room.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Pediatrician (Plus Other FAQs)
If you are exploring the idea of being a physician and enjoy working with children, then a career as a pediatrician may be a good fit for you. Pediatricians have fulfilling roles in treating children and impacting their overall health and well-being. If you’re thinking about pursuing a career as a pediatrician, then the amount of time that it takes to become one is likely one of your primary considerations.
In this article, we discuss how long it takes to become a pediatrician, the steps you need to take to become one and other frequently asked questions about this career path.
Related: Types of Doctors: 25 Medical Doctor Specialties in High Demand
How long does it take to become a pediatrician?
It typically takes between 11 and 15 years to become a pediatrician. It takes an average of four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, another four years to complete medical school and another three to seven years to complete a residency program and possibly fellowship.
Related: How To Choose a Specialty in Medicine
How to become a pediatrician
Here are the basic steps you need to take to pursue a career as a pediatrician:
1. Pursue a bachelor’s degree
The first step you need to take to become a pediatrician is to earn a bachelor’s degree. Some colleges and universities have pre-med tracks that help prepare you for the types of coursework you will have in medical school. You may want to consider a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Specialized Health Sciences or Social Sciences.
To be prepared for medical school, regardless of your degree, you should complete coursework in organic and inorganic chemistry, physics and biology. You will also, during this time, begin preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is required for admission into medical school.
2. Complete medical school
The next step to pursue a career as a pediatrician is to complete four years of medical school. You could either pursue a degree as a medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.). Both of these degrees provide the training you need to succeed in a career as a pediatrician, although osteopathic programs tend to place more emphasis on preventative medicine and the musculoskeletal system.
During medical school, you will take courses on anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology and physiology. During the final two years of your program, you will conduct clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience diagnosing and treating patients alongside experienced physicians. Your rotations will focus on specialties in the medical field, such as psychiatry, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics.
3. Obtain a medical license
After completing medical school, you will next need to obtain a license to practice medicine. To obtain a license, you need to pass a licensing exam and complete any other requirements specific to your state, such as completing a background check.
4. Complete a residency program and internship
After finishing school and obtaining your medical license, you must next complete your residency training in pediatrics. A pediatric residency program gives aspiring pediatricians the clinical experience that they need to feel confident and succeed in their careers.
During a pediatrics residency, residents improve their communication and presentation skills and further hone their clinical skills. This training also prepares aspiring pediatricians for work in a variety of different healthcare settings.
5. Consider a fellowship
A fellowship isn’t required to become a pediatrician. However, many residents choose to do so to specialize in the field of pediatrics. Some of the possible specialties include immunology, cardiology, nephrology, oncology, neonatology, rheumatology and pulmonology. A fellowship program generally lasts between two and three years, depending on the specialty that the pediatrician decides to pursue.
6. Consider a board certification
While it isn’t required, you may want to consider earning a board certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Board certifications can show patients and potential employers alike that you have the skills and knowledge to perform the duties required for your role and that you are committed to excelling within your field. Board-certified pediatricians must complete continuing education to maintain their credentials.
Read more: Learn About Being a Pediatrician
How much does a pediatrician make?
The national average salary for pediatricians is $187,522 per year. Some of the primary factors that impact the average salary for pediatricians include specializations they may have, experience level and geographic location. The highest-paying cities in the U.S. for pediatricians are Charlotte, Madera, CA, Miami, Los Angeles and New York City.
Related: Top 19 Highest-Paying Doctor Jobs
Why should you become a pediatrician?
There are several reasons why you may want to consider pursuing a career as a pediatrician, including:
Helping children
Pediatricians generally choose to work with children because they find that treating children impacted by accident, illness or other diagnoses is fulfilling.
Positively impacting youth
Many pediatricians have the opportunity to help foster healthy habits in children at a young age, encouraging them to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and receive immunizations. Because pediatricians start working with their patients at a young age, they can help them make better choices about their health at a young age, which can make a big difference over the course of their lifetime.
High earning potential
In addition to personal fulfillment, another reason you may want to consider pursuing a career as a pediatrician is because of the high earning potential. Pediatricians who work in outpatient care centers and doctor’s offices enjoy the highest salaries.
Long-term relationships with patients
Many pediatricians enjoy the fact that they get to treat patients for years and watch them grow up. Pediatricians get the opportunity to foster a long-term, fulfilling relationship with their patients. Those connections are rewarding for both the pediatrician and the patient.
Young patients usually get better
Young children have amazing healing abilities and improve more rapidly than adults, which is professionally rewarding for pediatricians.
Choosing a Pediatrician for Your New Baby (for Parents)
From the day you learn you’re pregnant, you make decisions that last your child’s lifetime — like the name you choose for your baby. To give your newborn the healthiest possible start, you’ll want to find a pediatrician to care for your child from their first wellness visit through the teen years. Here are tips on how to find that doctor.
When Should I Start Looking for a Pediatrician?
It’s a good idea to start looking for a doctor about 3 months before your baby is due. Ask for recommendations from relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and doctors you know. Then, check your insurance company’s website to see if the doctors are in your plan.
If you’re new to an area, start by searching for pediatricians on your insurance company’s website or try the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Find a Pediatrician tool.
Look at online reviews and ratings, but proceed with caution. Like all online sites, the reviewers’ opinions and expectations may differ from yours. Make sure the review site only allows feedback from actual patients.
Of course, doctors aren’t the only people in a pediatrics office who care for children. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) also see young patients. They are trained to give shots, check kids for health problems, prescribe medicines — and do many of the things doctors can do.
Pediatrician or Family Physician: What’s the Difference?
Most pediatricians and the nurses and physician assistants in their practices see children and teens up to age 21. Pediatric training focuses on treating children from birth until adulthood. Family physicians take care of patients of all ages, from kids to seniors.
Both have the same years of training, but pediatricians specialize in children. This give them in-depth understanding of children’s health needs, like behavioral issues and how to care for a child’s growing, developing body.
MD or DO: What’s the Difference?
Pediatricians can graduate from medical school with either an MD (doctor of medicine) or a DO (doctor of osteopathy) degree. Both degrees train doctors to diagnose and treat diseases — and to try to prevent them when possible.
Programs for DOs usually focus on a holistic (“whole body”) approach to medicine. MDs study medicine in the traditional way. All MDs and DOs must complete a residency — supervised hands-on training — before they are licensed to practice medicine.
Choosing a DO or MD is up to you. Both are equally qualified. But you do want to make sure that your child’s pediatrician is board certified.
What Does “Board Certified” Mean?
At the end of their residency, doctors can take exams to be “board certified” in their field — in general pediatrics, for example, or in a pediatric specialty like orthopedics. These exams are set by the governing body in a field of medicine, like the AAP, and they’re not easy to pass.
Interviewing Pediatricians: What Should I Ask?
Most pediatricians’ offices set aside times for expectant parents to visit. Call the office to set up an appointment. During your “meet and greet,” you can tour the office and talk with a doctor or nurse.
Some doctors offer group classes for expectant parents to learn about the practice and discuss newborn care. Others offer one-on-one interviews. Many insurance companies encourage these prenatal appointments or classes and will cover their cost. But check first with the doctor’s office and your health plan.
Here are some things to consider as you decide if the practice is right for your family. Make a list of your questions to help you organize your thoughts.
- What are the office hours? Make sure the schedule works for you. For example, you may prefer a doctor who offers weekend and evening hours.
- Does the doctor work alone, or as part of a group? If it’s a solo practice, how will your child get care when your doctor is not available? If it’s a group practice, who will see your child if your doctor is not available?
- Is the doctor affiliated with a pediatric hospital if there’s one in your area?
- How does the office handle phone calls?
- During office hours — Can you call in with questions for your doctor at fixed times? Many pediatric practices have a nurse on hand to answer questions.
- After hours — If you leave a message with the answering service, how quickly will you get a call back, either from a doctor or a nurse? Does the practice offer telemedicine where you can video visit with a pediatrician or nurse?
- Can you email your doctor? Does the practice use electronic medical records to make it easier to share your child’s health information? Does the practice let you view your child’s test results and get health information online?
- If your child has an emergency, will the doctor handle it, or will your child be referred to an emergency room or urgent care center?
- How much do services cost? Must you pay in full at the time of the visit, or can you pay over time?
- If other care is needed, how does the practice decide whether to refer your child to a specialist?
- What are the office’s vaccination policies? Are all patients required to be vaccinated on the immunization schedule of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?
- If you haven’t yet had your baby, will your doctor come to the hospital when you deliver to examine your newborn?
Besides allowing you to ask questions like these, your visit is a great time to see how the office runs. Is the waiting area clean and child-friendly? Is the staff polite and helpful to patients in the waiting room and to people on the phone?
While you’re waiting, talk to the other parents. Ask them what they like best about the practice and why they feel good about the care the doctor provides.
Is This Doctor a Good Fit for Me?
After you’ve had a chance to talk with the doctor and other members of the care team, do you feel you will work well together? Is the doctor willing to explain things carefully? Does the doctor seem to be a good listener? Will you be comfortable asking questions? Do you think the doctor would mind if you wanted to get a second opinion?
Do you and your doctor share beliefs about issues that are important to you? For example, how does the doctor feel about circumcision? Breastfeeding? Alternative or integrative medicines or techniques? Use of antibiotics and other medicines? Remember that the doctor may be seeing your child for years to come.
Keep your notes about the doctors you didn’t select. If your insurance changes, you may find yourself looking for a new doctor. Or it may take a while to find a doctor you’re happy with.
Choosing a health care provider before your baby is born will help you feel confident about your baby’s care. Knowing you have chosen the right doctor will help you feel calmer and more in control.
90,000 Profession pediatrician (pediatrician): where to study, salary, pros and cons, demand
Pediatrician is a general practitioner who works with children. The profession will appeal to applicants who love chemistry, biology and mathematics. By the way, in 2021, the ProfGid vocational guidance center developed an accurate vocational guidance test. He himself will tell you which professions suit you, give an opinion about your personality type and intelligence.
Read also:
Who is a pediatrician?
As a matter of fact, a pediatrician is a pediatric therapist, in the sphere of his interests are children from 0+ to 18 years old. He carries out complex diagnostics, works in tandem with a visiting nurse who observes newborns in the first year of life. The pediatrician prescribes treatment for certain viral and infectious diseases; when faced with a difficult condition, he sends the child to narrow specialists, for example, to a geneticist, immunologist, cardiologist and others.
Short description
Pediatrics is a separate field of medicine that includes the study of different directions:
- social. The area deals with the issues of proper child care, diet, the benefits of vaccination and the harm of self-medication;
- Neonatology. The section studies diseases, stages of development and pathology, characteristic of newborns;
- clinical. Includes comprehensive examination, prevention, drug treatment, rehabilitation;
- prophylactic. It implies the use of various types of studies, screenings and analyzes necessary to search for developmental pathologies, hereditary diseases and emergency conditions in newborns, primary schoolchildren, adolescents.
The responsibilities of the pediatrician include working with children and counseling activities aimed at educating parents. He is engaged in the observation and treatment of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, intestinal and infectious diseases, ARVI, tonsillitis and flu, allergic reactions, rickets and others.
Features of the profession
A pediatrician should be an excellent diagnostician who, during the initial examination, can immediately assess the condition of a young patient. These doctors observe children from the first days of life: they weigh, examine, measure their height, assess the condition of the mucous membranes, skin and hair. Active supervision is carried out until the child is 1 year old. Also, pediatricians perform the following work:
- collect anamnesis, conduct an appointment, are responsible for a specific area;
- maintain a vaccination card, record data on young patients during admission;
- provide medical care within their competence;
- conduct daily examination of patients staying in hospitals;
- carry out an examination of the patient at home in case of emergency conditions;
- carry out preventive work with the population: parents and relatives, children and adolescents, representatives of educational institutions of different levels;
- prescribe treatment and medicines, rehabilitation and other procedures.Control the correctness of their execution;
- send their patients to sanatorium-resort treatment, write out sick leave to care for a child, create certificates for a school or kindergarten.
The pediatrician monitors the state of the child’s body, as well as the correct physical and psychological development. If deviations are found, he immediately informs the parents about them, and also gives a referral to a specialized specialist. If the parents do not fully fulfill their duties or in any way offend the child (nutritional deficiency, beatings, non-observance of sanitary and hygienic standards), then the pediatrician has the right to contact the social welfare authorities or the police.
Read also:
Pros and cons of the profession of pediatrician
Pros
- The profession will appeal to people who want to work with children.
- Pediatricians are trained in universities, the best applicants can take budget places.
- The profession is in demand, socially significant and respected.
- Children’s doctors in public health clinics claim low salaries, but the commercial sector is more generous. A pediatrician can take a vacancy in a private clinic, there are ample opportunities to expand the circle of knowledge.
- Dynamic growth of salaries in the first 5-10 years of work, which is achieved through professional development.
- Good pediatricians quickly become overgrown with regular patients.
- Intellectual and professional growth. Opportunity to conduct private practice, which will bring stable additional income.
- There are many vacancies in hospitals, medical centers, children’s institutions of various levels.
Cons
- Salaries of pediatricians are still not very high.To increase profits, you need to constantly develop and work hard.
- Responsibility for the life and health of patients.
- Work is nervous, and the schedule can be irregular.
- Parents of children often refuse to follow the doctor’s orders, self-medicate, and are anxious, which complicates the work of a pediatrician.
Important personal qualities
Knowing who a pediatrician is, it is easy to draw up an ideal psychological portrait: the ability to negotiate, the ability to win over any interlocutor, the gift of persuasion.Pediatricians have a high level of patience, restraint, professional care and perseverance. The main quality is love for children, the desire to provide all possible help and support to every little patient. The absence of disgust and indifference is important.
Pediatrician training
Higher education is required to work in the field of medicine. Speaking about where to get the profession of a pediatrician, it is necessary to consider the stages of training:
- 6 years at the specialized faculty.It is worth choosing the direction “Pediatrics” (code: 31. 05.02) or “General Medicine” (code: 31.05.01) . The profile exam is chemistry, you will also have to pass biology, mathematics, a foreign language (several to choose from). Russian – compulsory, in some universities you need a professional exam;
- 2 years of residency in the profile “Pediatrics” (code: 08/31/19) .
Pediatricians are trained in universities for eight years. After the end of the residency, the doctor must undergo certification once every 5 years, which is necessary to confirm the certificate, improve qualifications.Otherwise, he will not be able to conduct medical practice. At the stage of training, it is recommended to find a position for a nurse / nurse in a medical institution, which will allow you to get a minimum of experience and practical skills.
Place of work
Employers are actively posting vacancies for pediatricians, because these specialists are in high demand. They are needed in public clinics and hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private clinics, and ambulance stations. Pediatricians are often recruited to work by institutions in which children are temporarily or permanently kept: specialized children’s homes, boarding schools and forest schools, summer camps and others. These doctors can remotely provide consultations, conduct a private appointment, open their own clinic, having received the necessary license.
How much does a pediatrician earn?
In public hospitals, pediatricians are not offered very high wages, which is especially true for young socialists without qualifications. Commercial centers give a higher rating to the activities of pediatricians, but for employment, you must have at least 1-2 years of experience. Most often, the salary consists of a fixed rate, additional payments for additional shifts, length of service. The coefficients depend on the position held, length of service, place of work and region.
Career growth
A pediatrician can raise the category, which will have a positive effect on the level of remuneration: II category – at least 3 years of experience, I – at least 7 years of experience, the highest – 10 years of experience or more.
Professional knowledge
- Congenital malformations.
- Diagnostics, methods of laboratory research.
- Neuropsychic and physical development of the child.
- Types of infectious, chronic and other diseases typical for children.
- Newborn care.
- Vaccination calendar.
- Rehabilitation activities for children.
Famous pediatricians
- Alexander Alexandrovich Baranov.
- Leonid Mikhailovich Roshal.
Training under the program “Pediatrics” – distance training courses for pediatricians in MASPK
Calculate the cost of training
Issued document:
Pediatrician specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood diseases.In a broader sense, pediatrics studies the features of the symptoms and development of diseases of the child’s body, its main task is to preserve and restore the health of the child. In medical universities, this specialization is among the most demanded; in the future, the doctor is obliged to regularly improve his professional skills within the framework of certification cycles in pediatrics.
The Interregional Academy of Industrial and Construction Complex (MASPK) provides a range of services in the field of additional education, acting on the basis of license No. 040564 dated 16.01.2020 year. The Academy invites practicing doctors to undergo advanced training in a convenient distance learning format. The curriculum contains up-to-date information on pediatrics and is aimed at the professional development of doctors working in the specialty.
Training of doctors within the framework of distance education courses
The immediate duties of the pediatrician include the organization of medical care for children and adolescents. The quality of the provision of medical services to the population directly depends on the competence of the doctor, therefore, regular training of medical workers is a legislative requirement.The pediatric curriculum includes the following sections:
general provisions for the provision of medical care to children and adolescents;
making a preliminary diagnosis;
anamnesis of childhood diseases;
instrumental and instrumental research;
clinical laboratory diagnostics;
development of individual drug treatment regimens;
legal aspects of the profession of a pediatrician.
The plan of the course for doctors, aimed at deepening professional knowledge in pediatrics, can be supplemented by narrow-profile areas devoted to specific types of medical care or management in the health care system. Training on an individual program is possible. At the end of the course, students will have to undergo final testing, on the basis of which the Academy issues documents: certificate (of the established form) on advanced training .
Advantages of advanced training programs for pediatricians at MASPK
Only information on the chosen specialization is included in the training course for doctors. Due to the clear structure of the presentation of the material, the program can be mastered in the shortest possible time. The Academy trains doctors remotely, based on the principles and standards of distance education. The course program can be divided into two blocks: theoretical and practical. Workshops in the chosen direction are held in existing health care institutions.The foreseen duration of refresher courses for pediatricians is 72 or 150 teaching hours. Only doctors with higher medical education can study at the Academy courses.
Choosing MASPK training programs, you get:
the opportunity to improve their professional qualifications, studying remotely, at a convenient time and without unwanted interruptions in work;
the opportunity to study according to an individual plan;
current knowledge in the field of pediatrics;
modern teaching and methodological aids;
modern teaching methods;
highly qualified teachers;
personal manager;
democratic cost (depends on the number of academic hours and the curriculum).
The name of the program | Number of hours | Document type | Professional education level for passing |
---|---|---|---|
Pediatrics | 144 | Certificate of advanced training | V / O : “General Medicine”, “Pediatrics” |
Residency / internship : “Pediatrics” |
For more information about the programs, ask the operators
You can calculate the cost of training and to enroll in the course “Pediatrics” right now.Leave your application online through a special form or call the phones listed on the website. We will be happy to help you!
See also: Professional retraining program: “Doctor – Pediatrician”
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“Pediatrics” – distance retraining and advanced training courses for pediatricians in Moscow
You can also familiarize yourself with advanced training programs in areas “Actual issues of pediatrics” and “Pediatric nephrology” within the framework of the CME system, including test options.
Pediatrics is one of the most important areas of medicine that deals with childhood illnesses, their treatment and prevention. Pediatrics was not always a separate discipline, although even ancient doctors noted that the course of diseases in children and adults has its own characteristics. Nevertheless, for a long time pediatrics was considered an integral part of obstetrics, and only at the beginning of the 19th century did it become an independent science.
The main reason for the separation of pediatrics is the fact that children are not “little adults.”Treatment of a sick child requires a different approach than an adult. Numerous pharmacological drugs that help a sick adult recover are far from always suitable for young patients, as they threaten with various complications.
In addition, if the body of an adult is generally stable, then the child’s body is constantly growing, developing, and the pediatrician must know all the features of the development of children, so that, during preventive observation, he does not miss the signs of a particular disease, especially since many diseases arise it is in childhood and, not being cured at an early age, they threaten to become chronic.Also, children, unlike adults, do not always know how to clearly explain (including when they already know how to speak) what exactly bothers them, where it hurts, children’s complaints are often contradictory and inaccurate. The ability to communicate with a child, understand and calm him down is one of the most important qualities of a pediatrician.
Since Pediatrics is a fairly extensive area of medicine, it has narrower specializations. Preventive Pediatrics helps prevent disease and disability.The number of activities carried out within the framework of preventive pediatrics include vaccinations, routine examinations and medical examinations, screening programs aimed at identifying hereditary diseases, educational work, etc. Clinical pediatrics deals with already sick children, its tasks include diagnosing and treating the disease, as well as restoring the child’s health, and in cases where full rehabilitation is impossible – preventing further development of the disease. Pediatric surgery also has its own specifics, since children require different conditions for operations and surgical interventions.Thanks to the advances in pediatric surgery, many diseases that used to lead to death or profound disability are now successfully treated at an early age. Also, there are such areas as pediatric dentistry, child psychiatry, social pediatrics, environmental pediatrics, scientific pediatrics .
A pediatrician is a general practitioner. His competence includes the treatment of viral and bacterial infections, not the most serious problems with digestion and immunity.If complications are suspected, the pediatrician gives a referral to a narrow specialty doctor. Thus, a pediatrician must be a good diagnostician and have an extensive knowledge base in all areas of medicine, despite the fact that the pediatrician himself is not directly involved in the treatment of many diseases.
Pediatrician carries out patronage of newborns, visiting them at home in the first month of life, and then observes children in the clinic during routine examinations, monitors compliance with the vaccination schedule.The profession of a pediatrician is one of the most demanded specialties. Reputable pediatricians are practically guaranteed a large flow of clients and the opportunity to earn decent money.
The Medical University of Innovation and Development (MUID) implements programs of professional retraining and advanced training courses in the specialty “Pediatrics” . Anyone who has a higher education in the field of medicine can become students of the courses.
- Opportunity to complete the theoretical part of the course remotely using distance learning technologies.
- Full-time or correspondence submission of documents.
- Ability to study at any convenient time from anywhere in the Russian Federation.
- The cost of training depends on the chosen disciplines and the number of teaching hours.
- In case of unsatisfactory delivery of the final certification, retraining can be completed free of charge.
Advantages of the part-time study program at MUIR
90,000 distance course for professional retraining of pediatricians
IMPORTANT! Professional retraining courses under the Pediatrics program are available only for specialists with higher medical education.Specialists with a different education do not have the right to undergo professional retraining in this area. Read more about the conditions for enrolling in additional education courses below.
The profession “Children’s doctor” is a real vocation for workers in this field. Pediatric education is a comprehensive body of knowledge from a wide variety of areas of medicine. The medical practice of these specialists includes a wide range of duties, methods of examination, observation, treatment.The profession “Pediatrician” must know and understand the treatment of many diseases associated with genetics, allergology, neurology, developmental features.
Training to become a pediatrician requires knowledge of many branches of the medical profession. He must observe the child from birth to adulthood. The entire process of growing up and becoming a personality, both physically and psychologically, must be monitored by a pediatrician and recorded.In the event of any failures, growth and development disorders, he must draw up the correct treatment, give a referral to narrow specialists and observe the dynamics throughout the process.
Retraining “Pediatrics”. Who has access to the direction, what is taught on it?
Not all healthcare professionals can receive pediatric programs. As a basic step, it is necessary to have a higher professional education in the field of medicine in the direction of “General medical practice (family medicine)”.The work program “Pediatrics” is designed for specialists who are already aware of all the necessary basics. Initial retraining in pediatrics allows specialists to participate in treatment, diagnosis, and treatment prescription with the help of more experienced representatives of the profession. Professional retraining “Pediatrics” includes the following set of disciplines that are mandatory for specialists of this profile:
- prevention and medical assistance in the treatment of children;
- anatomy and features of the physiological structure in children;
- levels of normative indicators in children for the formation of immunity, metabolism and other physiological data;
- childhood illnesses, developmental and adult risks and consequences;
- common diseases, methods of their diagnosis and treatment.
Retraining of a pediatrician takes an average of 520 hours. During this time he has to master the whole range of taught knowledge. After passing the theoretical material, testing is carried out for its assimilation and the ability to apply in professional activities. Occupation “Baby Doctor” – is extremely important and responsible, so the requirements for the qualification of experts are quite high. Diploma of “Pediatrics” must be supported by the professionalism and expertise.
Distance learning “Pediatrics”. Where to study, features of the program and the benefit of the applicant?
In order to obtain a pediatrician diploma, it is not necessary to attend an educational institution located on the other side of the city every day. Teaching a doctor to children can also take place remotely. Distance certificate in pediatrics is no different from full-time or part-time.Therefore, when deciding where to study as a pediatrician, you can choose a more convenient and economical option with peace of mind. The profession “pediatrician-pediatrician” is available for study at the Interregional Academy of Continuing Professional Education. Training of a pediatrician is carried out using innovative technologies of a distance format
- independent study of the theoretical basis of the profession “Pediatrician for children” on the portal of the academy;
- Receive 24/7 remote support via offline and online messages.
90,019 attendance at webinars, online broadcasts and discussions with other students and teaching staff;
With the help of the qualified teaching staff of the Interregional Academy of Continuing Professional Education, it is much easier to study to be a pediatrician. In the case of distance learning, the course costs much lower due to the reduction in the costs of the educational institution. Plus, the student does not need to spend their own funds on transport to and from the place of study. And the most pleasant addition is that you can study at any convenient time: on the way to work, in the evening before going to bed, in between other things.
Institute of Pediatrics
About the Institute
All clinical departments are located in multidisciplinary medical institutions (Samara Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital named after N.I. Ivanova, Regional Clinical Hospital named after V.D. Seredavin, Regional Clinical Cardiology Dispensary, Regional Children’s Infectious Diseases Hospital and many others), equipped with modern technology.
The director of the Institute of Pediatrics is Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor Vladimir Kalinin , Professor of the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Deputy Director of the Institute of Pediatrics appointed Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor Vitaly Zhirnov , Professor of the Department of Hospital Pediatrics.
The Institute of Pediatrics has its own traditions, formed during 50 years of functioning of the pediatric faculty (formed in 1969), a special style of work and scientific directions. The Institute of Pediatrics is 4 scientific and pedagogical schools:
- Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor M. V. Sergievsky – Department of Physiology;
- Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Professor G.A. Makovetskoy – Department of Hospital Pediatrics;
- Honored Scientist of the RSFSR, Professor FN Gilmiyarova – Department of Fundamental and Clinical Biochemistry;
- Laureate of the State Prize of the RSFSR, Professor I. Ye. Poverennova – Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Thus, the staff of the Department of Normal Physiology (Head of the Department – Professor Vasily Pyatin ) are engaged in problems of the neurointerface (brain-computer interface), study biorhythmogenesis, improve methods for studying the bioelectrical activity of the brain.
Research by the staff of the Department of Fundamental and Clinical Biochemistry (head of the department – MD Oksana Gusyakova ) allows you to obtain important information about the state of human health from any biological fluid (blood, saliva), help to quickly make the correct diagnosis.
The Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery is known in Russia and abroad for research in the field of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, hereditary diseases of the nervous system, functional neurosurgery.Under the guidance of the laureate of the State Prize of the RSFSR, Professor I. Ye. Poverennova , more than 50 dissertations have been defended, including 2 doctoral dissertations.
Videos
Online open day at the Institute of Pediatrics SamSMU
Study at the Institute of Pediatrics
Specialized departments of the Institute of Pediatrics: Faculty Pediatrics , Children’s Diseases , Children’s Infections , Pediatric Surgery , Hospital Pediatrics .At , the Department of Pediatrics, IPO , postgraduate training is carried out with the issuance of a specialist certificate. Each department of the Institute of Pediatrics supplements and develops the previously acquired knowledge.
The graduating department at the Institute of Pediatrics is the Department of Hospital Pediatrics, where students learn the basics of nephrology, pulmonology, clinical immunology, gastroenterology, hematology, neonatology. Professional training for further work in practical health care is being continuously carried out.Special attention is paid to the issues of social pediatrics, adaptation of children with disabilities and the problem of early intervention.
At the Department of Faculty Pediatrics, students master the basic skills of communication and treatment of young patients in the propaedeutics of childhood diseases, study the basics of the formation of children’s health.
Much attention is paid to the prevention and treatment of numerous infections in children at the Department of Children’s Infections. The use of role-playing games and rating assessment of knowledge helps to master this complex section of pediatrics.
Students of the Institute of Pediatrics are actively engaged in scientific research and participate in all-Russian and international conferences and congresses, win prizes in the competition of student research papers.
After graduation
Upon completion of training, the graduate receives the qualification pediatrician .
After graduating from clinical residency, a specialist can work as a pediatrician, pediatric endocrinologist, cardiologist.Graduates of the Institute of Pediatrics can be specialists in both children and adults.
International
internships
Students have the opportunity to undergo international internships in more than 30 countries around the world. Such as Germany, North Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, etc.
SamSMU cooperates with the non-profit organization “National Union of Medical Students”, which is a member of the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA).
Department of academic mobility and recruiting
90,000 Continuing education in pediatrics – 144 hours
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“Interregional service center for additional professional medical and pharmaceutical education at FGBOU PIMU and PSMU”
Legal address: 299009, Russia, Crimea, Sevastopol, Perekomsky lane, 19
IE Mikheda AI TIN 920350703600
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: +7 (495) 066-73-89
Date of last update: 28.03.2018
Distance education of pediatricians – retraining and professional courses
About International Academy
Expertise and Evaluation
PI “OODPO” International Academy of Expertise and Assessment “provides retraining of pediatricians.
And also in 350 other directions in a distance format throughout Russia.
License for educational activities No. 1420 dated 04.21.2014.
The Academy was founded in 2013 and, thanks to affordable prices and high quality training, quickly became
organization of a federal scale. We have successfully trained more than 14 150 people out of all 85
constituent entities of the Russian Federation.According to Interprofstat, in 2018 and 2020 we entered the top 100 90,299 educational institutions in Russia. According to Rosstat, within the framework of the audit of socio-economic
project “Elite of the Nation”, they took 34th place among 700 Russian enterprises according to OKVED “Education
professional additional”.
The activities of the Academy are international in nature. Our alumni include representatives of
Germany, Bulgaria, France, Israel, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Belarus, Armenia, etc.
Our mission: to make high-quality additional vocational education available to a maximum of
.
MAEE is part of a group of companies, which also includes:
ANO “Professional standard” – professional-standard.rf:
242 professional retraining programs;
15 professional development programs;
23 professional training programs for workers and employees.
ANO POO “College of Digital Economy and Technologies” – ktset.rf:
5 programs of secondary vocational education;
The status of the scientific and educational center of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the innovation platform of the Russian Academy
education;
State diplomas.
Consulting company “Center for Enterprise Reforms” – crpocenka.ru. Assessment of all types
property, personnel certification according to professional standards.
Since 1998 on the market;
Laureate of the XXVIII prize “Elite of the National Economy 2013”. Medal “For the development of
entrepreneurship”;
Member of the International Chamber of Appraisers, Guild of Professional Experts and Appraisers,
OPORA Russia,
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Saratov Region;
Own developments in the field of economic and social development, which received
positive response in the Economic Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation,
Ministry of Economic Development of Russia and the Working Center for Economic Reforms under the Government
of the Russian Federation.