How to Become a pediatrician?
How to Become a Pediatrician : A Step-by-Step Guide
WHO IS A PEDIATRICIAN?
Pediatrics often referred to as the branch of science that deals with the Healthcare of children, infants and adolescents. Pediatricians are the specialists who study and practice pediatrics. Fun fact, Pediatrician comes from the Greek origins meaning healer of the children which is quite literally what they do. Hope this clears who is a pediatrician . And If you’re ambitious about pursuing Pediatrics but do not know where to start, this is your solution. Following is a step-by-step guide to become a Pediatrician.
WHY SHOULD ONE BECOME A PEDIATRICIAN?
If you’re someone who has a lot of empathy towards others, have patience, love children and empathize with them, and simply want a chance to make someone’s life better by treating them then you should definitely opt for pediatrics. Pediatricians are always looked up on by families as their children’s Healthcare is associated with them. These are the signs for you to choose pediatrics.
COMPLETING PRE-MED UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM
As pediatrics fall under the medical community, a pre-med undergraduate degree is the first step that one must follow to become a doctor. Aspiring pediatrics in India are expected to complete their MBBS as their bachelor’s degree. Only then can they go in for residency and specialty programs. A student normally may take about 4 years to complete their pre-med graduation after which they have to move forward and complete their MD.
CHOOSING FROM THE SPECIALIZATIONS OFFERED
A Pediatrician can choose from the following specializations under the pediatrics-
-Adolescents medicine
-Neonatology
-Cardiology
-Developmental-behavioral pediatrics
– Intensive care medicine
-Pediatric Emergency medicine
-Pediatric hematology oncology
-Pediatric neurology
-Medical toxicology
-Hospice and palliative medicine
-Pediatric critical care medicine
-Child abuse pediatrics
These are a few of the many specialization course one can choose from. After choosing your interested specialization course you can now move on to MD.
MASTER’S LEVEL DEGREE
After completing 4 years of pre-med graduation which is equivalent of completing a bachelor’s level degree, you may become a specialized Pediatrician by continuing your studies at an MD level. One can get into a medical college by giving the entrance which goes by the name MCAT(medical college admission test). Master’s degree provides studying as a professional specialist under the Pediatrics. A Master’s degree ideally take about 3 years to be completed after which one must attend residency.
RESIDENCY OR TRAINING PERIOD
Under residency, one specialized Pediatrician, after completing their master’s degree, must get into a brief period of training or internship. This training varies between 2 to 3 years. The residency helps the doctor interact and cure their patients under a professional Pediatrician.
Like any other doctors, Pediatricians also have the liberty to choose from working in hospitals or opt for research facilities, traditional offices, emergency wards, clinics or any medical related fields. For students who are considering a career in medicine, pediatrics help in identifying and correcting a health issue which may become a chronic issue during adulthood. Pediatricians also helps children grow into happy, healthy adults by saving their lives.
