Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information
Pediatrics
General pediatricians care for the health of infants, children, teenagers,
and young adults. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of
ailments specific to young people and track patients growth to
adulthood. Like most physicians, pediatricians work with different health care
workers, such as nurses and other physicians, to assess and treat children with
various ailments. Most of the work of pediatricians involves treating day-to-day
illnessesminor injuries, infectious diseases, and
immunizationsthat are common to children, much as a general practitioner
treats adults. Some pediatricians specialize in pediatric surgery or serious
medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or serious chronic ailments.
A pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of
children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectrum of
health services ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and
treatment of acute and chronic diseases.The pediatrician deals with biological,
social, and environmental influences on the developing child, and with the
impact of disease and dysfunction on development.1
Pediatricians can receive training in the following subspecialties:
- Adolescent Medicine
- Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
- Hospice and Palliative Medicine
- Medical Toxicology
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Endocrinology
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Training/residency information
Following graduation from medical school, pediatricians complete 3 years of
education in a pediatric residency program. The 3-year residency includes
mandated rotations in general pediatrics, normal newborn care, and time in
selected subspecialty areas. Up to 3 additional years of training are required
to be certified in a subspecialty.
Salary information
The annual salary for pediatricians ranges from $140,000 to $202,547.2
For more information
References
1 The American Board of Medical Specialties. Guide to Physician Specialties.
Evanston, IL: American Board of Medical Specialties; February 2011.
2 2011 Physician Compensation Survey [special feature]. Modern Healthcare.
July 14, 2011: 28-32.
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