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How does a sub specialty work with your health profession?

I want to be a pediatrician, but I also want to learn more about child psychology and be able to use it with being a pediatrician. How will #pediatrician #medicine #pediatrics #psychology it work?

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Shivani’s Answer

Hi Makayla,

I have the same interest as you. I am currently a medical student going to specialize into pediatrics but I have a great interest in child psychology as well.

During my undergrad, I sought out opportunities to learn more about kid with learning and developmental disabilities. I worked as a behavioral technician with kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (I provided therapy to help with everyday behavior such as speaking and interacting with peers). I was part of a team consisting of a speech therapist, nutritionist, occupational therapist, school teacher, and doctor. This whole team was responsible for helping the child exceed to the best of his ability.

I also did some research on potential environmental exposure hazards to pregnant women that could contribute to development of autism in kids.

I liked these experiences so much I decided I want to seek out a specialty within pediatrics called developmental pediatrics. A developmental pediatrician has knowledge on many learning disorders such as autism, and behavioral issues like ADHD. I wanted to be able to help manage these patients without having to refer to another specialist.

That is my plan for now, unless I find another love in the medical field that can change my mind!

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions.
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Estelle’s Answer

As a general pediatrician, you will very often consult experts to help you solve medical problems. If a patient has a heart problem, you will talk to the pediatric cardiologist. If your patient has psychological difficulties, you’ll talk to the pediatric psychologist and psychiatrist. You won’t interact with them daily, but there will be a vital part I have your healthcare team.
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Richard’s Answer

Getting your undergraduate degree in psychology will not prolong your training, but if you are pursuing a master’s or PhD before medical school, that would slow you down considerably. Other pediatric subspecialty training takes place after medial school and 3 year pediatric residency
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Dan’s Answer

Child psychology is a fairly different field. The closest thing I could think of would be the triple residency programs out there. They are not very common -- it is about 5 years additional training after medical school in which you become triple boarded in pediatrics, general adult psychiatry and child-psychiatry. Child psychiatry will give you exposure to child psychology but you'll have to learn medication management as well.
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