Steps to Becoming a Pediatrician

Mary Tindall
Mrs. King
1
st
Hour
5/23/14





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Thesis: Becoming a pediatrician is a very rewarding career since they have the opportunity
to play a major role in helping children live long, healthy lives.
Outline
I. Introduction
A. Quote
B. Definition of Pediatrician
II. History and Background
A. How it evolved
B. Statistics
III. The Job and Day to Day
A. Skills for the job
B. Checkups
C. Diagnosing
D. Work hours and environment
IV. Schooling Required
A. Preparation (classes)
B. College
C. After School (Debt)
V. Earnings
A. Low and High
B. Average (Yearly and Daily)
VI. Negatives
A. Hours
B. Schooling
VII. Benefits
A. Salary
B. Working with kids
VIII. Conclusion
A. Quote
B. Restate Thesis










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Many people may wonder how much does all the schooling cost to become a pediatrician.
Well, It depends on where you go to school. Most medical student get financial aid, loans and
grants to help pay for their education (Iannelli). If one is trying to pursue the career of the
medical field, then working as a pediatrician is highly recommended. Pediatricians are
physicians who provide health care to infants, children, and adolescents. Typically, they take
care of patients from birth to his or her teenage years (Ferguson 146). Pediatricians are also
problem solvers. They identify whats wrong with a child and come up with the appropriate
treatment solutions for them (Pros and Cons). Becoming a pediatrician is a very rewarding career
since they have the opportunity to play a major role in helping children live long, healthy lives.
This career has been around for quite some time now. Children became the focus of separate
medical care during the 18
th
century in Europe (Ferguson 146). Then, childrens health care
became a recognized medical specialty during the early 19
th
century, and by the middle of the
19
th
century, pediatrics was taught separately in medical schools (Ferguson 146). In schools,
studies focused on developing treatments for infectious diseases of childhood. By the middle of
the 20
th
century, the development of vaccines and antibiotics greatly decreased the threat of
infectious diseases (Encyclopedia 609). These developments have greatly helped children and
without the help of a pediatrician they wouldnt be able to live healthy like they should. Also, the
first pediatric clinic in the U.S. opened in New York City in 1862. About that same time, several
childrens hospitals opened in Europe (Encyclopedia 609). These hospitals opening up helped
people get jobs and now help children grow up healthy. The studies that pediatricians do help
significantly change the lives of children in the world.
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There are also statistics of this careers background that tell people what this career is like now.
The majority of nearly 27,000 pediatricians in the U.S. are involved in direct patient care
(Encyclopedia 611). Also, pediatricians have many opportunities to work in various
environments depending on what they do. Only about 10% of pediatricians work in
administration, teaching or research (Encyclopedia 611). Pediatricians have the ability to choose
a specialty as well. In 2010, the American of Pediatrics reported that approximately 36% of
pediatricians surveyed practiced a specialty (General). Studies also show that they are more
likely to be female. A 2010 survey by the American Academy of Pediatricians found 55.6% of
graduate pediatricians and 68.9% of pediatric residents were female (General). These show that
there are various paths one can take with this career, and these statistics can maybe lean toward a
person looking for a medical job.
The medical field is a very high skills place to work, especially with children. Pediatricians are
licensed medical doctors who work specifically with kids by diagnosing and treating illness and
disease (Pros and Cons). In the day to day job one must have good communication because its
important to patient care in any environment, but especially in the dynamic of the doctor-patient
and doctor-family relationship (Pros and Cons). Also, the ability to detect from a childs body
language and mannerisms that something is wrong is critical in detecting more subtle or
emerging health problems (Pros and Cons). Kids sometimes struggle to effectively convey what
is bothering them and rely on doctors to detect problems from observations and simple health
checks (Pros and Cons). This job doesnt just require schooling but it requires certain skills. To
be a successful pediatrician, one should like children and adolescents, have patience,

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compassion, and a good sense of humor, be willing to continually learn, have desire to help
others, and withstand stress (Ferguson 149).
A significant part of a pediatricians job is the well care. This involves periodically seeing a
patient for a routine health checkup (Ferguson 147). During the checkups, the pediatrician
checks for the childs mental and behavioral development (Ferguson 147). The doctor will
physically examine the child to make sure he or she is growing normal, and to look for
symptoms of illness (Ferguson 147). If the patient is sick or injured they are brought into the
office, the doctor examines, makes diagnosis, and orders treatment (Ferguson 147). When the
pediatrician is diagnosing some common ailments are ear infection, allergies, feeding difficulties,
viral illnesses, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal upsets (Encyclopedia 609). When this
step is complete, pediatricians will prescribe and administer treatments and medications
(Encyclopedia 609). Lastly, some cases involve more serious conditions, such as cancer or cystic
fibrosis that requires the attention of a specialist (Encyclopedia 609-610). In these cases, the
pediatricians, as the primary care physician, will refer them to the appropriate specialist
(Encyclopedia 610).
Another major part of a pediatricians day to day life is their work hours. An average
workweek can be 50 to 60 hours, which is most spent seeing patients in offices (Ferguson 149).
Some pediatricians are able to maintain normal 5am to 9pm, or similar, working hours (Pros and
Cons). Sometimes the doctor can spend time on call, taking care of patients who have
emergencies (Encyclopedia 612).
Before one can get into this field they must complete years of schooling. However, to prepare
oneself for the job they can take college prep classes, with heavy emphasis on science and math
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(Ferguson 148). Participating in science clubs, volunteer work at hospitals, or other health care
institutions will help see many aspects of medical care (Encyclopedia 611). Also, one must be
good in biology, physics, organic and inorganic chemistry, and mathematics (Iannelli). In order
to gain practical experience one should volunteer at community clinics or hospitals (Iannelli).
Not only does a person need preparation for the job but one needs to learn quite a lot more at a
college. Some students ask if a person has to have a 4.0 GPA to get into medical school and
Vincent replied:
Of course not, grades are only one thing that medical schools look at when
considering applicants for medical school. If one can show that they can be
successful, then they may be able to convince the medical school that will be
successful as a doctor. They look at MCAT scores, recommendations,
extracurricular activities, and personal activities (Iannelli).

Also, the minimum educational level is a medical degree (Encyclopedia 609). However, after
that its a licensing examination, a 1-2 year internship and a three year residency in a hospital
(Encyclopedia 611). The last two years of medical school involve students working directly with
patients under the supervision of an experienced physician (Iannelli). However, some may want
to go even further, and choose to pursue pediatric specialties like treatment of children who have
heart disorders (Encyclopedia 612). A specialty requires three years or more of residency
training (Encyclopedia 611). Overall, a pediatricians training lasts 12-15 years, but it may last
longer (General). Premed requirements are; one year of English, two years of biology, one
semester of college calculus or statistics, one year of physics, and two years of chemistry (one
year organic one year inorganic) (Iannelli). This may seem like a lot, however, one will learn so
much and it will pay off in the end.

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After schooling there most likely will be a lot of school debt. In 2000, the average debt of
medical students was $95,000 (Iannelli). One can pay these debts off once they get their first job.
Many newly licensed pediatricians take salaried jobs until they can pay off some of medical
school debt, which is likely to total $50,000 (Encyclopedia 611). Dont think that just because
preparation, schooling, and debt are a lot that this isnt a good job for someone.
Despite all the hard work involved, being a pediatrician highly pays off. Pediatricians, while at
the low end of the earning scale for pediatricians, they still have among the highest earnings of
any occupation in the U.S. (Ferguson 149). According to PhysiciansSearch.com, pediatricians
receive starting salaries that range from $95,000 to $130,000 a year (Ferguson 149). Those with
three years of experience earn salaries that are as high as $201,086 (Ferguson 149). The hard
schooling and years of learning definitely will pay off with salaries as high as these. Also,
salaries are partly dependent on the type of practices they choose (Ferguson 149). So, if one is
looking for a higher pay, they can look deeper into this career and maybe choose a specialty.
However, if one just wants to be an everyday pediatrician the average wage is about $81.08 per
hour (Pros and Cons). A September 2011 survey by specialized medical recruitment firm profiles
showed the national median income for new pediatricians is $162,000 (Pros and Cons). Working
as a pediatrician is rewarding and fulfilling and its easy to understand why this is such an
honorable career.
This much appreciated career may have its downfalls to some though. Some might say that
this job is too tiring and that one may work very long hours (Pros and Cons). Critics also say that
the training requirements are too long (Pros and Cons). Others say that in large clinics and
hospitals, pediatricians work in rotations that include night, evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
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This makes it difficult to balance work and family life effectively (Pros and Cons). Not only the
long schooling and work schedules are what may change a persons view on this career, but the
added pressure may push some away. The pressure on medical professionals to perform
accurately has increased in the 21
st
century because of the rising costs of lawsuits and medical
malpractice insurance (Pros and Cons). Also, pediatricians take on personal stress of wanting to
help because they care strongly for their patients (Pros and Cons). Parents are sometimes
insistent as well on the types of treatment they want putting pediatricians in possible conflict
with what they believe are proper plans (Pros and Cons). Overall, some say that they have added
pressure as a result of working with young patients and trying to appease their patients (Pros and
Cons).
Although some may feel this way about this job, there are many more benefits to this
enjoyable career. One of the major benefits is this jobs salary. They are highly paid, which is
important because of school debts to pay off (Pros and Cons). They also get great retirement
money and great yearly salaries (Pros and Cons). Another major benefit is the ability to work
with kids. A pediatrician has the opportunity to prevent and treat illnesses in children. In
particular they play a major role in helping children live long, healthy lives (Pros and Cons). This
job never will get boring, and it will always be a learning experience each and every day.
In summary, becoming a pediatrician is not an easy task; yet, for those that want to fulfill their
passion should definitely look forth in this valuable career. This job allows for a person to have a
daily job that pays a lot, and its a job one will love. Where you go to college doesnt really
matter as much as students think, (Iannelli). So, no matter where one goes to college they can

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still go to become a pediatrician. Pursuing a career in pediatrics may seem like a struggle, but it
is a very rewarding opportunity to be able to work with children and help them live healthy.




















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Work Cited

Ferguson. Fergusons Careers in Focus: Physicians. New York: NY, 2006.

General Description of a Pediatrian. Everyday Life. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 May 2014.

Iannelli, Vincent. Interview with a Pediatrician. About.com Pediatrics. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 May
2014.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Pediatrician. Work. N.p., n.d. Web 5 May 2014.

Thirteenth Ed. Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance. 4 Vol. New York: 2005.