I did some research and discovered that, on average, becoming a pediatrician requires eleven years of college. I am aware that is a long time, but I don’t believe that will matter when deciding what to major in. I discovered while doing research how in-demand pediatricians are. I should have no trouble finding a job in this field of medicine by the time I’m ready to start my career, as some graphs actually show the demand for pediatricians is increasing every year.
I interviewed my pediatrician and asked him some questions. He advised me that good pediatricians should have a strong sense of family and children’s interests, be kind, considerate, and patient, be lifelong learners, and be effective communicators and listeners. I also inquired about the education required to become a pediatrician. He informed me that college and training must last eleven years. A bachelor’s degree is the first step, followed by four years of medical school and three years of residency. In hospitals and clinics, I would provide patient care (including general pediatrics and subspecialties like cardiology and oncology), learn how to conduct physical examinations and medical histories, decide which tests to order and how to interpret the results, and practice techniques like starting IVs, suturing lacerations, performing lumbar punctures, etc. I got more information from my pediatrician than I did from my own research.
How to become a pediatrician
The fundamental actions you must take to pursue a career as a pediatrician are listed below:
1. Pursue a bachelors degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step you need to take in order to become a pediatrician. Pre-med programs are available at some colleges and universities, which can help you get ready for the kind of coursework you’ll encounter in medical school. A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, specialized health sciences, or social sciences might be something you want to think about.
Regardless of your degree, you should take courses in biology, physics, organic and inorganic chemistry to be ready for medical school. During this time, you will also start getting ready for the MCAT, which is a requirement for admission to medical school.
2. Complete medical school
To become a pediatrician, one must next complete four years of medical school. You could study to become a doctor of medicine (M D. ) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (D. O. ). Although osteopathic programs tend to place more emphasis on preventative medicine and the musculoskeletal system, both of these degrees provide the training you need to succeed in a career as a pediatrician.
You will study anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, and physiology in medical school. You will participate in clinical rotations during the last two years of your program to gain practical experience diagnosing and treating patients with knowledgeable doctors. Your rotations will concentrate on medical specialties like family practice, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatry.
3. Obtain a medical license
The next step after graduating from medical school is getting a license to practice medicine. You must pass a licensing exam and satisfy any additional conditions set forth by your state, such as passing a background investigation, in order to obtain a license.
4. Complete a residency program and internship
After graduating from medical school and receiving your license, you must then complete your pediatric residency training. The clinical experience required for future pediatricians to feel confident and be successful in their careers is provided by pediatric residency programs.
Residents further hone their clinical abilities while enhancing their communication and presentation skills during a pediatrics residency. Additionally, through this training, aspirant pediatricians are equipped to work in a variety of healthcare environments.
5. Consider a fellowship
A fellowship isnt required to become a pediatrician. But many residents opt to do so in order to specialize in pediatrics. Immunology, cardiology, nephrology, oncology, neonatology, rheumatology, and pulmonology are a few of the potential specialties. Depending on the specialty the pediatrician chooses to pursue, a fellowship program typically lasts between two and three years.
6. Consider a board certification
You might want to think about obtaining board certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), though it is not necessary. Board certifications can demonstrate to clients and potential employers that you are committed to excelling in your field and that you have the abilities and knowledge necessary to carry out the responsibilities of your role. Board-certified pediatricians must complete continuing education to maintain their credentials.
How long does it take to become a pediatrician?
Typically, becoming a pediatrician takes 11 to 15 years. An undergraduate degree is typically earned in four years, medical school in four years, and residency and possibly fellowship programs in another three to seven years.
How much does a pediatrician make?
There are a number of reasons you might want to think about becoming a pediatrician, including:
Helping children
Pediatricians typically decide to work with kids because they find it rewarding to help kids who have been in accidents, are ill, or have other diagnoses.
Positively impacting youth
Many pediatricians have the chance to encourage kids to develop healthy habits at a young age, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and getting immunized. Pediatricians can help their patients make better health decisions early on because they begin working with them when they are young. This can have a significant impact on their lifetime.
High earning potential
Considering a career as a pediatrician may be a good idea in addition to for personal fulfillment due to the high earning potential. The highest paying positions for pediatricians are those in outpatient care facilities and physician offices.
Long-term relationships with patients
Many pediatricians appreciate being able to care for patients for a long time and seeing them develop. Pediatricians have the chance to develop enduring, satisfying relationships with their patients. The pediatrician and the child benefit from these connections.
Young patients usually get better
Pediatricians find professional fulfillment in working with young children because they have amazing healing abilities and recover faster than adults.
So You Want to Be a PEDIATRICIAN [Ep. 24]
FAQ
Is it hard becoming a pediatrician?
A lot of hard work and intelligence are required to become a pediatrician over many years. It can be a fulfilling and lucrative career for those with the abilities and perseverance to see it through.
What is the easiest doctor to become?
The simplest type of doctor to become is probably a general practitioner. The minimum amount of education needed to become a medical doctor is four years of medical school followed by one or two years of residency.
What is the fastest way to become a pediatrician?
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree. You must first complete your undergraduate studies in order to apply to medical school.
- Take the MCAT. …
- Apply to medical school. …
- Graduate from medical school. …
- Begin the licensure process. …
- Apply for and complete a residency in pediatrics. …
- Become board certified.
