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Pediatrician
Paediatrics

How to become a Pediatrician

What does a Pediatrician do?

Great with kids (and/or diffusing tantrums)? You should become a Pediatrician…

Pediatricians (also known as Paediatricians) are doctors who provide medical care and advice for babies, children, and teenagers.

Their role could involve anything from administering immunisations and carrying out routine health checks, to diagnosing and treating a range of injuries and illnesses.

Although general Pediatricians are common, many choose to specialise in more specific areas of child healthcare, including: cardiology, infectious diseases, neurodevelopment disabilities, rheumatology, and sports medicine.

General duties for a Pediatrician include:

  • Meeting with patients and carrying out examinations
  • Advising patients, parents, and guardians about proper diet, exercise, and hygiene
  • Writing medical reports and keeping records
  • Prescribing and explaining treatment options
  • Assessing children’s growth and development
  • Monitoring progress and assessing the need for further treatment
  • Coordinating care with other specialists
  • Responding to emergency calls (if based in a hospital)

Is a career as a Pediatrician right for me?

Aside from the ability to understand and interact with young people of all ages, Pediatricians will also need a strong medical background, along with relevant doctoral qualifications.

Patience, empathy, and sensitivity are equally valuable traits to have, and being able to stay calm and collected in any situation is essential to being a good Pediatrician. After all, children aren’t always able to explain how they’re feeling, so it might take some time (and intuition) to make an accurate diagnosis.

N.B. a good sense of humour will also work in your favour…A Pediatrician should also be:

  • Able to communicate effectively
  • An excellent problem solver
  • Observant and accurate
  • Good at making sound judgments
  • Able to work under pressure
  • A sensible decision maker
  • An active listener

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Pediatrician

This entry-level role involves completing a 2-year foundation program, providing hands-on experience in various medical fields, including pediatrics. Junior doctors gain experience in diagnosing and treating children under the supervision of more senior doctors.
After foundation training, doctors progress to specialty training, focusing exclusively on pediatrics. They work more independently in treating a wide range of pediatric conditions and develop advanced skills in child healthcare.
This senior role involves leading a pediatric team, diagnosing complex conditions, and providing expert care to children with a wide range of health needs. Consultants also often take on teaching and research responsibilities within hospitals.

Get qualified as a Pediatrician

To become a Pediatrician, you'll need to complete a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) followed by a two-year foundation programme to gain practical medical experience. After this, further specialisation in pediatrics is required through a pediatric training programme, which includes several years of supervised training and practice. Pediatricians must also become members of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and pass their exams. And, throughout this training, gaining hands-on experience in pediatric wards and clinics is essential. 

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What's it like to be a Pediatrician?

"I’m a Pediatrician at a family GP, and my job really does have its ups and downs. From administering vaccinations and diagnosing illnesses, to carrying out general health check-ups and growth assessments for young people of all ages – the variation requires a lot of patience, perseverance, and an ability to keep patients at ease, no matter what the situation. After all, going to the doctors can seem like a stressful ordeal for children, so making it seem a bit more light-hearted (when there are no serious health concerns) is the key to having happy patients. Even if I do have to make a terrible joke every now and again…"

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