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Is being a pediatrician worth all the time and money?
I'm not sure what I want to become when I grow up but, I'm really considering becoming a pediatrician. No one in my family has ever been in the medical field so I have no idea what to expect. #pediatrics #doctor #medicine #hospital-and-health-care #science
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4 answers
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Rachel’s Answer
Practicing pediatrics requires many hours of study and sacrifice. It is competitive to get into medical school and there are many prerequisites (1 year biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry). GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. After 4 years of med school, you need to complete 3 years of pediatrics residency. However, it can be incredibly fulfilling and worth the effort.
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Estelle’s Answer
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training. These can last 3-6 years.
If you are willing to accept this time and effort commitment, then pediatrics is awesome!
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training. These can last 3-6 years.
If you are willing to accept this time and effort commitment, then pediatrics is awesome!
Updated
Mary’s Answer
That is a question you can only answer. You determine what is worth something. If you like your job, are willing to make sacrifices, and want to help people, then it should be.
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Pro: opportunity to help children
Cons:
Long hours. Our pediatrician routinely puts in 14 hour days.
Stressed out parents.
Cons:
Long hours. Our pediatrician routinely puts in 14 hour days.
Stressed out parents.