Is it hard to become a pediatrician?
I would like to work with babies. How hard would it be to achieve this career? #medicine #healthcare #pediatrics #family-medicine
2 answers
Stephanie Murnen
Stephanie’s Answer
http://www.yourpediatrician.com/BecomingAPed.htm
http://learn.org/articles/Pediatric_Medicine_Become_a_Pediatrician_in_5_Steps.html
You need to get an MD or a DO degree (doctor of medicine) and then do a specialized residency program for pediatrics. Fellowships or internships in the field can also help and experience with children throughout your career whether it's mentoring, tutoring, coaching, or even babysitting, as people like doctors they can relate with and that are great with children (and parents).
Richard’s Answer
You will need 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 will also need an exceptional score on the MCAT.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school pediatricians complete a residency for additional training.