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Do you have to be smart to become a pediatrition

I love kids and want to be a pediatrition but I’m not sure wheather I’m smart enough to be one ? #medicine

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Sheila’s Answer

Hello Libby: This is a great question. I'm answering it from a parent's perspective who have a son in their second year as a Resident Pediatrician. . I feel that you must have "passion" in what you want to do. The passion will drive your motivation and your desire to keep moving forward. Of course, the learning material may be somewhat complex due to aggressive timelines, lots of reading & studying, etc. But, as long as you could remain focus on your goal - being smart has nothing to do with you becoming a Pediatrician but, you will need to MAKE GOOD GRADES. If you want something bad enough you will work hard for it. It's all about how diligent you are in achieving your goal/passion.

Here are some steps that you may find helpful on your long journey to becoming a Pediatrician:

1) Make high scores on the SAT & ACT exams

2) Select a college/university that offers at least "Biological Science" (you don't have to major in Pre-Med, Math, etc.)

3) Score well on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) the "first time". Retake it if necessary

4) Apply to "all" the Medical Schools of interest

5) Medical School = 4 years

5 a) Find a summer Internship Program (paid or volunteer)

5 b) DO NOT limit yourself to where you would like to get residency Matched

6) Residency = 3 to 4 years (this comes after Medical School)

6 a) Fellowship = 3 to 4 years (this is where you Specialize in, which is after Residency)

Good Luck to You!
Thank you comment icon Thanks Shiela this was really helpful thank you for the encouragement Libby
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Richard’s Answer

In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.

You will need to be smart and hard working to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.

You also need to take the MCAT and score in the top 20%ile.
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Shannon’s Answer

yes you have to be very smart to become any kind of doctor. right now you know there's a lot to learn, but you really have no idea. once you start school you'll wonder how anyone can learn that much. that's why college is important first. it gives you 4 years of learning how to study and what your learning style is. take advantage of those years because the amount of learning in health care schools can be overwhelming. not everyone can do it. that's the straight truth.
Thank you comment icon Hi Shannon! Thanks for sharing this answer. Your honesty is really valuable, although I’m concerned this student might feel their career goal is too overwhelming already. Do you have anything you could add to your existing answer that might help the Student confront the challenges ahead? For example, how to stay positive and persist through difficult coursework? Thanks so much for volunteering with the CV community! 🙂 Alexandra Carpenter, Admin
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