What Do Paediatricians Do? Pay, Skills, and Needs
Infants, children, and adolescents under 18 receive treatment from paediatricians. This field involves evaluating patients' symptoms, diagnosing conditions, and providing care. Understanding the roles of paediatricians can help individuals determine if this profession aligns with their interests and skills.
Paediatricians focus on treating children from birth to 18 years of age. They are specialists in assessing, preventing, and managing various health conditions that affect young individuals. The physical, emotional, and social well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults are the primary concerns for paediatricians.
The responsibilities of paediatricians include treating common illnesses and infections, identifying developmental issues through routine screenings and well-child check-ups, and addressing behavioral concerns with parents. Some paediatricians specialize in specific areas of child health, while others provide general medical care. Additional duties of paediatricians include monitoring and addressing parents' questions about their children's growth, behavior, and developmental milestones, administering vaccinations, managing chronic illnesses, providing preventative care, educating parents on their child's health, nutrition, safety, and fitness, maintaining comprehensive medical records, referring patients to specialists when needed, and prescribing medications.
In order to become qualified paediatricians, individuals must meet several requirements. This includes obtaining a bachelor's degree and completing advanced medical training. A pre-medical undergraduate degree, along with a major in subjects like chemistry, biology, or mathematics, can help prepare students for medical school. After completing their undergraduate studies and passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), students can enroll in a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) program, which typically involves four years of medical education and training.
During medical school, students study a wide range of subjects, including biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and pathology. In the final years of their training, students participate in clinical rotations to gain practical experience in different healthcare settings.
Following medical school, aspiring paediatricians must complete a residency program and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to obtain a medical license to practice in their state. Residencies provide hands-on training under the supervision of experienced paediatricians. For those interested in specializing in paediatric surgery, additional fellowship training is required after completing a residency. These training programs, including residencies and fellowships, can last anywhere from 7 to 10 years following medical school.
In addition to obtaining a medical license, paediatricians may choose to pursue board certification in general pediatrics through the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). While board certification is not mandatory, it demonstrates a physician's commitment to continuing education in the field of pediatrics. To maintain board certification, paediatricians must participate in a structured Maintenance of Certification program and pass an examination administered by the ABP.
Furthermore, paediatricians have the option to pursue subspecialty certification in areas such as adolescent medicine, child abuse pediatrics, neonatal-perinatal medicine, pediatric cardiology, pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric hematology-oncology, and more. These subspecialty certifications require additional training and examination to demonstrate expertise in a specific area of pediatric care.
In addition to formal education and training, paediatricians must possess a variety of skills to effectively care for children and adolescents. These skills include strong communication abilities, both verbal and written, to interact with patients, parents, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. Paediatricians must also demonstrate excellent organizational skills for managing patient care, paperwork, research, and other responsibilities. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for diagnosing and treating healthcare issues in children. Additionally, interpersonal skills, including empathy, compassion, and the ability to work collaboratively, are crucial for building rapport with young patients and their families.
Paediatricians work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Their work environment may involve standing for extended periods, interacting with patients of different ages, communicating with diverse individuals, working long hours, and being on call for emergencies. Paediatricians also use office equipment such as computers, printers, and fax machines to manage patient information and communicate with other healthcare providers.
Overall, paediatricians play a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of children and adolescents. By meeting rigorous educational and training requirements and developing essential skills, paediatricians can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young patients and their families.