2 answers
Sammy
Student
Mesa, Arizona
11
Questions
Asked
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Is it hard to become a pediatrcian?
I DREAM BEING A PEDIATRICIAN.I HOPE THAT ONE DAY I BECOME A PEDIATRICIAN.I LOVE TO HELP KIDS. #Pediatrcian
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2 answers
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
I'm not a Dr. but would imagine that it's not any harder than Family Medicine. The difference is that you spend your 3y residency focused on just kids vs. all patients of all ages.
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Sammy:
Thank you for your question. Although I'm not a Pediatrician it's great that you want to look after our precious little people. I'm answering your question from a parent's perspective who has a son currently as a resident Pediatrician. Here are a few points to consider on this long and expensive journey:
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 medical school applicants.
4) Apply for financial aid early. This is extremely important.
Of course there are many other things to consider but, from the outside looking in these things were high on our list and my son got accepted into medical school immediately after college. There's no easy road on this path. I encourage you to work hard in high school and college and remain focused. Get a good support system and you'll do well. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you on your journey to becoming a Pediatrician.
~ Sheila
Review the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) site - -> https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/
Review the link on what you need to know about the MCAT - - > https://students-residents.aamc.org/choosing-medical-career/article/preparing-mcat-exam/
Thank you for your question. Although I'm not a Pediatrician it's great that you want to look after our precious little people. I'm answering your question from a parent's perspective who has a son currently as a resident Pediatrician. Here are a few points to consider on this long and expensive journey:
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 medical school applicants.
4) Apply for financial aid early. This is extremely important.
Of course there are many other things to consider but, from the outside looking in these things were high on our list and my son got accepted into medical school immediately after college. There's no easy road on this path. I encourage you to work hard in high school and college and remain focused. Get a good support system and you'll do well. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you on your journey to becoming a Pediatrician.
~ Sheila
Sheila recommends the following next steps: