2 answers
Sunil’s Answer
I am being a pediatrician and practicing for over 28 years I would say I have some experience to answer your question. I agree with Sheela‘s chronology of steps you have to take to be a pediatrician starting after the high school. I myself find a career in pediatrics very fulfilling as well as very humbling experience. Working with parents and children has been the most rewarding experience I have gone through. It requires patience on your part with sense of empathy, listening skills and understanding when you’re tackling pediatric medical problems. Be ready to commit yourself in answering every little questions parents have and take extra time in answering those questions.
Sheila’s Answer
Hello Marlene: I'm answering this question from a parent's perspective who has a son as a resident Pediatrician. Here are a few items for you to consider on this long and expensive journey to become a Pediatrician:
1) Make good grades in college to help you get into medical school. Prepare years in advance
2) Score well on the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) Exam. Retake the exam if necessary
3) Apply to "all" the medical schools you are interested in. Rank the schools from highest to lowest. Keep in mind that you may get put on a "wait list" for acceptance to medical school. If so, this could take a number of years and then you may be competing all over with new applicants
4) Apply to financial aid early. Make sure you keep good records during this time when applying for financial aid because the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) systems work together and could be quite cumbersome
Applying to financial aid was one of the most stressful time for us. . . I'm so happy that part is over
FAFSA:
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa?utm_source=cpc&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=201920bff&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv5ephs634AIVUuDICh0vcwk2EAAYASAAEgKYB_D_BwE
Of course there are many other things to consider but, from the outside looking in these things were high on the list.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck to You!
Sheila recommends the following next steps: