Description

General pediatricians are physicians that specialize in treatment of children, infants, and adolescents. They usually assume the duties of a doctor from obstetricians following the birth of a baby as well as being responsible in diagnosing and treating illness as well as administering vaccinations, addressing injuries and accidents, and generally ensuring the health and well-being of children under their treatment.

For parents general pediatricians can also be an excellent source of advice and peace. A lot of parents seek them for guidance on physical or mental problems with children, which can range from food choices to behavioral or psychological diagnoses. Pediatricians also evaluate the areas of concern when they see patients and provide recommendations and support to parents who might need more understanding of the situations.

As is evident from the wide range of services that may be needed in the health for children, the pediatrician can be an expert in many different areas. However, their primary goal is the general health and wellbeing of children and young adults and typically concentrate on the early detection of possible issues to identify and treat the issues as soon as they can be identified. Due to the special characteristics of care for children and parental-assurance general pediatricians must be able to communicate effectively and have a an excellent bedside manner when working with children.

General pediatricians who are aspiring should focus in this field in the final stages of medical school, and their residencies and internships will be focused on this area. The majority of those in this field are employed in clinics or small practices or in larger hospitals. They typically work during normal working hours in a medical office or in a clinical setting.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Pediatrician, General in the United States with 9+ years of experience, your main responsibilities include:

  • Diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions and illnesses in children, including common childhood illnesses, developmental disorders, and chronic conditions.Conduct thorough physical examinations, interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications or recommend treatments accordingly.
  • Providing routine well-baby and well-child care, including vaccinations, developmental screenings, and monitoring growth and development milestones.Educate parents and caregivers on child health, safety, and nutrition, and address any concerns or questions they may have.
  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, specialists, and therapists, to provide comprehensive care and develop treatment plans for complex medical cases or conditions.Coordinate referrals to specialists and follow up on the progress of patients receiving specialized care.
  • Maintaining up-to-date medical records, documenting patient encounters, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Pediatrician job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Pediatricians must have a solid foundation in medical knowledge and clinical skills to diagnose and treat infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Completion of a residency program in pediatrics is essential for gaining hands-on experience in providing specialized care to pediatric patients and understanding their unique healthcare needs.
  • Pediatricians must obtain a state medical license and be certified by the American Board of Pediatrics or a similar board. This ensures that they meet the standards of competency and professionalism required to practice pediatrics.
  • Working with young patients requires pediatricians to have a compassionate and patient demeanor.

Essential Skills For Pediatrician, General

1

Medical Technology

2

Medical Scanning

3

Medical Coding

Skills That Affect Pediatrician, General Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Healthcare Analytics

3%

Career Prospects

A Pediatrician, with 9+ years of experience in the United States, plays a crucial role in providing specialized medical care to children. Apart from the traditional pediatrician position, here are following alternative roles to consider:

  • Pediatric Specialist: Focuses on a specific area of pediatric medicine, such as pediatric cardiology, gastroenterology, or neurology, providing specialized care and expertise.
  • Pediatric Hospitalist: Works primarily in hospitals, overseeing the care of pediatric patients admitted for various medical conditions, coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive treatment.
  • Pediatric Urgent Care Physician: Manages urgent and non-emergency medical needs of children in a walk-in clinic or urgent care setting, treating common illnesses, injuries, and providing immediate care.
  • Pediatric Researcher: Conducts research in the field of pediatrics, exploring new treatment approaches, conducting clinical trials, and contributing to scientific advancements in pediatric medicine.

How to Learn

The job role of Pediatrician is expected to witness a steady growth in the market. Over a 10-year period, the demand for Pediatricians is projected to increase due to the rising population and advancements in healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for Pediatricians are anticipated to grow by 2% from 2019 to 2029. This growth suggests a slower-than-average increase compared to other occupations. However, the continued need for specialized medical care for children ensures a stable job market for Pediatricians in the United States.