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What requirements are needed to work as a pediatrician?

I'm in the eleventh grade and I am exploring the different options of careers that I am leaning towards, a pediatrician is one of them. I love being around kids and I also love learning about the body so I'm very interested in learning more about this career. What are the skills and characteristics needed for this job? #pediatrician #career #kids

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Samantha’s Answer

Hi! First off, yay for thinking medicine! The medical field is very worth it. Second, here are some general steps: you will need to attend any 4 year university for a bachelors degree. Although, any school should work, schools that are known to be good pre-med schools or science related schools are a plus. During your 4 years make sure to focus on your core science classes (general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics and biology), however, think about taking classes like anatomy, physiology, genetics, cell biology, psychology, microbiology and molecular biology. You by no means have to take all of these but they are useful classes for your future. Also during your 4 years try to get out and volunteer as much as possible because volunteering and work experience is a main section for medical school applications. Something I felt helped me get to medical school was my research project I did my last 2 years of school. Generally, most schools will have capstone projects that are required for science majors and this will be great for medical school applications. Do your best to obtain a GPA of a 3.6 or higher as medical school is very competitive and this will make your life easier. Do not panic if you are not a 4.0 GPA however, as other aspects of your application are important such as experience (shadowing, scribing, work experience like a ER tech), letters of recommendations and personal statements. Most schools require that you have an MD or DO letter of recommendation which is why if you can get a shadowing position, scribing position or healthcare experience this will help you get that letter. Finally the big thing is the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), this test is huge in terms of your score. Study hard for your MCAT and do not wait until last minute to start studying in order to achieve a good score to make your application process easier.

When you actually apply to medical school do your research on what medical schools are looking for. Applying can be pricey and if you apply to schools that have minimum requirements you do not meet, then it will be a waste of money. After you submit your medical school applications you will start to get letters to invite you to an interview. Practice for that interview before going and look into the schools details, mission statements and other facts not only to help you in the interview but also see if that medical school is a good fit for you. Medical school is generally 4 years, 2 "book years" and 2 clinical years.

The process can seem long, tiring and a lot but keep your head up, work hard and it will all be worth it in the end. If you love children that is great but remember to be a pediatrician you will be dealing with a lot of parents. Communication skills, patience, empathy are all key components for pediatrics. Building a good relationship with your patient and their families are key.

Goodluck!!! You got this.
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Anirban’s Answer

A vested interest in learning and a vested interest in people are two key things, both of which you seem to have. It's important to channel those passions towards developing yourself and preparing for medical school. After high school, every potential doctor must spend part of their undergraduate career fulfilling medical prerequisites (though you should choose a major you're passionate about, that will make you stand out more than just doing biomedical engineering or psychology because you think you'll look like a better fit – you won't. Choose something you're passionate about while you're doing your prerequisites. You'll actually do better if you can craft a unique story about why your history or music major has prepared you well for medical school).

While you're an undergraduate doing med school prereqs, you will need to spend time shadowing physicians, volunteering, and developing your leadership skills through extracurriculars. It sounds like a lot, but you only have to do it one step at a time, as you're ready to move forward.

You then apply to medical school, spend four years learning about the body and clinical skills, followed by a residency (mandatory post-graduate training), anywhere from three to seven years. Also, most pediatric programs highly value research, so that's something to explore.

It's a very long journey, but not one that you have to take alone. A good thing to keep in mind is that you're going to reach your 30's either way – if you want to join the workforce after a bachelor's degree, you just don't know what you'll be doing in ten years. You're still going to reach your 30's as a pediatrician-in-training, you'll just have a better idea of what you'll be doing along the way.

Anirban recommends the following next steps:

I'd suggest connecting with a pediatrician in your area and shadowing them for a week, to discuss and observe their job.
Also try connecting with undergraduate and medical students, and/or college pre-medical advisors.
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