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 with 6-9 years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions and illnesses in infants, children, and adolescents. You are responsible for accurately identifying and addressing various health issues that affect patients within the pediatric age group.
  • Conducting routine check-ups and well-child visits to monitor growth, development, and overall health. You regularly examine young patients to ensure their physical and cognitive development is on track, and provide appropriate recommendations for their well-being.
  • Administering immunizations and vaccines to protect children against preventable diseases. You handle the safe administration of vaccines and immunizations to safeguard children from common illnesses and maintain public health.
  • Educating patients and their families on preventive care, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices.

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.

Medicine

1%

Health Care

2%

Medical Technology

12%

Spanish

15%

Career Prospects

For a Pediatrician with 6-9 years of work experience in the United States, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are following options to explore:

  • Neonatologist: A specialized role focusing on the medical care of newborn infants, including premature babies and those with critical medical conditions.
  • Pediatric Surgeon: A position that involves performing surgical procedures on infants, children, and adolescents to treat various conditions and diseases.
  • Pediatric Cardiologist: A role dedicated to diagnosing and treating heart conditions in children, including congenital heart defects and acquired heart diseases.
  • Pediatric Oncologist: A position that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children, including coordinating multidisciplinary care and conducting clinical trials.

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.