One thing is certain: The interviewers will ask you about your career choice whether you’re applying for a position at a medical school, a residency program, or even a job as a pediatrician at a clinic or hospital for children. Other questions they may ask you may differ from one interview to the next, but you almost never get to avoid this one. What should you emphasize when discussing your career choice? What do they want to hear from you? These are the questions we’ll attempt to answer in the lines that follow.
Let’s start with 7 sample answers to the question. I made an effort to include in my list solutions for both job seekers (applying for a pediatrician position with some healthcare institution) and students (applying to medical school) who are trying to get internships or residencies. Don’t forget to read my notes after the answers to grasp some crucial details of a compelling justification for your career choice.
- You can solve a wide array of challenges. …
- Your work can have a major impact on families. …
- You get to set kids up for success. …
- You’re usually surrounded by a supportive team. …
- You get to have fun at work. …
- Your patients—very often—get better.
What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a medical professional who focuses on treating children from birth to age 18 or 21. They offer medical services to support infants, kids, teens, and young adults in achieving total health. This includes physical, emotional, mental and social health.
Responsibilities for pediatricians may include:
Although pediatrics is a subspecialty of medical care, pediatricians can further their specialization by choosing one of the following:
13 reasons to become a pediatrician
Here are some reasons to consider becoming a pediatrician:
1. Variety of challenges
Even though pediatricians might perform comparable tasks every day, every patient has different needs and experiences. This enables them to find solutions for their patients’ various issues. This variety may help pediatricians feel challenged and enthusiastic about their work on a regular basis.
2. Career outlook
3. Opportunity to affect families
Pediatricians treat children exclusively, so they frequently collaborate closely with families. This enables them to establish relationships with families and watch kids develop over time. By sharing their knowledge, experts can assist families in addressing issues involving their children or ensuring that the kids are healthy.
4. Ability to help kids
Pediatricians help children develop healthy habits. Additionally, they instruct parents on how to raise their kids to be healthy, successful adults. This might entail urging parents to bring their kids in for routine checkups, teaching kids self-care techniques, and assessing patients for any signs of concern.
5. Working with others
Pediatricians frequently work with other healthcare professionals, like the majority of other medical specialists. They might collaborate with other pediatricians, nurses, and office staff if they work at a pediatric private practice, for instance. Similarly, if they work in a hospital, they might collaborate with various specialists. This might foster a pleasant, encouraging work environment for pediatricians.
6. Opportunities for fun
Pediatricians may find enjoyment at work because they get to work with children, despite the fact that practicing medicine is serious work. For instance, they might be silly to make their patients more at ease or to divert their attention before giving them shots. Kids may also tell their doctors amusing stories. However, pediatricians must always conduct themselves professionally in their work.
7. Patient outcomes
Because of the unpredictability of patient outcomes, pursuing a career in medicine may be difficult. However, pediatricians primarily deal with infections, minor wounds, and illnesses in children. Most kids bounce back from these situations successfully, giving the pediatrician peace of mind and a satisfying job.
8. Working with children
For those who enjoy working with children, becoming a pediatrician might be a good career choice. It may also be helpful to speak with kids frequently so that you can keep in mind their worldview. Children may, for instance, have a more upbeat or straightforward outlook on life, which can be a welcome change from other patients’ attitudes.
9. Salary
10. Patient and family relationships
Many families continue to take their kids to the same pediatricians until they no longer need their services. Especially if they start treating patients when they’re newborns, this enables pediatricians to develop relationships with their patients and their families. Being able to forge these connections and observe kids mature and enter new stages of life may be fulfilling.
11. Lifelong learning
Professionals in medicine should be dedicated to lifelong learning. For instance, pediatricians might look into opportunities for continuing education to learn about new medical technology or to stay informed about the most recent advancements in child development and health. Also, pediatricians may also learn life lessons from their patients.
12. Advancement opportunities
Pediatricians may have access to career advancement opportunities as they advance in their careers. As an illustration, some people might decide to start their own private practices, which would enable them to be their own bosses and possibly preserve a healthy work-life balance. Taking on the role of chief medical officer (CMO) or another type of medical adviser could serve as another illustration. To ensure patients receive the best care possible, these administrative positions manage hospitals and other types of medical facilities.
13. Ability to mentor
Mentorship is frequently a crucial component of medical school preparation. Pediatricians may be able to guide medical students or residents, depending on the organization they work for and where they are in their career. This could be a fulfilling experience that gives them a new appreciation for their work or serves to train a new generation of professionals to fill this position.
So You Want to Be a PEDIATRICIAN [Ep. 24]
FAQ
What are 3 positive things about being a pediatrician?
- Opportunity to make a difference. …
- Diverse specialties. …
- High earning potential.
- Flexible working hours. …
- Watch ill children suffer. …
- Communicate with parents. …
- Require an extensive education. …
- Stressful work environments.
What are the benefits for a pediatrician?
Benefits differ depending on the employer, but pediatricians typically have access to health insurance, paid time off, dental and vision coverage, and retirement benefits. Life insurance, disability insurance, paid professional memberships, tuition reimbursement, and employee wellness programs are additional potential perks.
