Pediatricians: General – Helping Children Stay Healthy and Happy
Pediatricians provide healthcare to children, from infants to teenagers. They work to help children stay healthy, prevent illnesses, and treat any health issues that may arise. In this article, we will discuss what a pediatrician does, some examples of the job, and the education and training required to become one. We will also look at how pediatricians progress in their careers and ways to enter this field.
What Does a Pediatrician Do?
A pediatrician is responsible for the health and well-being of children. They provide check-ups, immunizations, and screenings to ensure that children are healthy and thriving. If a child is sick or injured, a pediatrician can diagnose and treat the problem. They can also provide guidance on everything from healthy eating to emotional and behavioral concerns.
Examples of Pediatrician Jobs
Some examples of jobs that a pediatrician may hold include:
- General pediatrician in a private practice or hospital setting
- Neonatologist working with premature or critically ill infants
- Adolescent medicine specialist focusing on the unique needs of teenagers
- Pediatric oncologist caring for children with cancer
- Pediatric surgeon performing operations on children
These are just a few examples of the many areas that a pediatrician can specialize in.
Education and Training
To become a pediatrician, one must complete the following steps:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry
- Attend medical school and obtain a medical degree (MD or DO)
- Complete a residency in pediatrics, which typically lasts three years
- Become licensed to practice medicine in the state where you wish to work
Once a pediatrician has completed these steps, they can begin practicing in a general or specialized setting.
Progression in the Field
Pediatricians can progress in their careers in a number of ways, such as:
- Becoming a partner in a private practice
- Advancing to a leadership role in a hospital or healthcare system
- Becoming a professor or researcher at a medical school or university
- Specializing further through fellowship training
As pediatricians gain experience and expertise, they can often choose to focus on a specific area of pediatrics or take on new roles and responsibilities.
Entering the Field
If you are interested in becoming a pediatrician, there are several ways to get started:
- Volunteer or work in a healthcare setting with children
- Shadow a pediatrician to learn more about the job
- Attend a pre-medical program in college
- Apply to medical school after completing a bachelor’s degree
It is important to have a passion for working with children and a desire to help them stay healthy and happy.
Pediatricians are medical professionals who specialize in treating children from newborns to teenagers. They play an essential role in ensuring the well-being of children by providing immunizations, conducting physical examinations, diagnosing and treating illness, and counseling on child health and development. In the United States, the national average salary for Pediatricians, general is $211,744.00 for Nonunion, all levels, $206,980.80 for full-time, all levels, and $203,424.00 for time-based pay, all levels.
The salary range for Pediatricians, general may vary based on various factors such as experience, location, and employer. According to salary data, the New York-Newark-Jersey City area pays the highest average salary for pediatricians, general at $209,040.00 for nonunion, all levels, and $199,638.40 for time-based pay, all levels. On the other hand, the least-paid area for this occupation is the Southwest Virginia non-metropolitan area, with an average salary of $146,920.00.
The effects of union on this job are not significant since the vast majority of pediatricians in the US are non-unionized. In most cases, they work in private practices, hospitals, and government agencies.
In conclusion, being a pediatrician is a fulfilling and rewarding profession, and the compensation is dependent on various factors such as location and experience. While there is limited union presence in this occupation, the salary data shows that pediatricians generally earn a high salary, with the highest-paying area being the New York-Newark-Jersey City area.
| Geography | Job Level | Union Status | Average Salary | Median Salary |
|———————-|———–|————–|—————-|—————-|
| US National Average | All levels | Nonunion | $211,744.00 | $188,364.80 |
| US National Average | All levels | Full-time | $206,980.80 | $182,665.60 |
| US National Average | All levels | Time-based | $203,424.00 | $184,662.40 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | All levels | Nonunion | $209,040.00 | – |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | All levels | Time-based | $199,638.40 | – |
| Southwest Virginia non-metropolitan area | All levels | Nonunion | $146,920.00 | – |
