Synonyms: Child Doctor, Pediatric Specialist

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become a Pediatrician
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Rosina

Quick Facts

What pediatricians do:

Pediatricians specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. They manage both physical and emotional health to ensure proper development.

Median income:

$239,200 annually or $115 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Pediatricians often work in hospitals, private practices, or clinics, with schedules that may include evenings, weekends, or on-call shifts, depending on their work setting.

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, followed by medical school and then completing a pediatric residency and licensure.

Job Outlook

The future for pediatricians is bright, with the occupation expected to grow by 4%, which is as fast as the average for all other occupations.

This is perfect for you if:

• You love working with children
• You have a passion for medicine
• You want to make a direct and positive impact on young lives

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Rosina Avila Connelly to learn more about being a pediatrician here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Pediatricians work varying hours, with shifts that may extend beyond the typical 9-to-5, depending on emergencies or on-call duties.

Setting:

Typically works in hospitals, private practices, or clinics, with access to medical teams and diagnostic equipment.

Tasks:

Diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, perform routine check-ups, monitor growth and development, give vaccinations, and educate parents about child health.

Topics:

Childhood diseases, immunization schedules, developmental milestones, pediatric pharmacology, pediatric nutrition, pediatric emergency care, adolescent medicine, child psychology and behavior, family health and dynamics, emerging trends in pediatrics.

Skills:

Excellent communication with both children and parents, strong diagnostic abilities, patience, and a deep understanding of childhood development.

Tools:

Medical diagnostic tools (stethoscopes, thermometers, etc.), electronic health record systems, and vaccination schedules.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Strong communication with children and parents, high emotional intelligence, patience, empathy, adaptability in handling a wide range of cases, and strong problem-solving skills.

Interests:

Enjoys working with children and families, is passionate about preventative care, and learning about new developments in pediatric medicine.

Personality:

Typically have social, investigative, and realistic personality types, with a deep care for others, a strong sense of responsibility, and a methodical approach to medical practice.

Values:

Compassion, family-centered care, patient well-being, lifelong learning, prevention, and helping children reach their full potential.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Pediatrician

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences, is typically required. This is followed by four years of medical school to earn either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree. After medical school, aspiring pediatricians must complete a 3-year pediatric residency program where they receive hands-on training in diagnosing and treating children’s medical conditions under the supervision of experienced doctors. Finally, they must pass the pediatric board certification exam to practice as a licensed pediatrician.

Preferred Majors

Any pre-medicine major can be helpful such as biology, health sciences, biochemistry, psychology, nursing, and public health.

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Rosina

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

When applying for a pediatrician position, focus on highlighting your experience from residency, volunteering, or community service, especially anything that shows your passion for working with children, like school visits or reading programs. If you speak another language, like Spanish, it can give an extra advantage. But most importantly, demonstrate that you are a team player who supports colleagues and mentors junior residents, as teamwork is highly valued in the medical field.

Recommended resources:

Books:

• Harriet Lane Handbook by Johns Hopkins Hospital – This is a go-to clinical reference for pediatric residents and practitioners, offering quick access to essential pediatric information.
• The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist’s Notebook by Dr. Bruce D. Perry – While not strictly about pediatrics, this book explores child psychology and trauma, which can be invaluable for pediatricians understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of child care.

What Rosina would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:

“You’re going to love pediatrics, so make sure you do your best in your preclinical rotations and basic clerkships. Honestly, I wouldn’t say anything different to my younger self. If I had to do it again, I would do it the same way. This question reassures me that you need passion from the beginning. You have to get your feet wet, explore all the specialties, and then figure out which one resonates with you the most. You’re not out there alone—you’ll have role models and mentors, even as a medical student.”

Watch the full interview with Rosina:

---

Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 9 September 2024.

Favorite