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Brynna
Student
Belleville, Michigan
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What does it take to be a Pediatrician?
I want to be a Pediatrician when I get older and go to college. I want to know what it takes in academics and in degrees, adding on bachelor's. I love healthcare and I have loved Pediatrics in general.
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Alyssa Alejo
Supervisor Gaming Audit
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Las Vegas, Nevada
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Alyssa’s Answer
Here's some uplifting information I discovered from this website: https://www.sgu.edu/blog/medical/how-to-become-a-pediatrician-a-step-by-step-guide/
Becoming a pediatrician is a journey of at least nine years, filled with learning and growth. This journey includes four rewarding years at an undergraduate school and another four years at a medical school, or alternatively, an enriching six-year program at a combined university. After that, you'll spend three years gaining hands-on experience through a pediatric residency. For those who wish to specialize further, there's an option to invest an additional two to six years training in a specific area. It's a long road, but it's a path that leads to a fulfilling and noble profession.
Becoming a pediatrician is a journey of at least nine years, filled with learning and growth. This journey includes four rewarding years at an undergraduate school and another four years at a medical school, or alternatively, an enriching six-year program at a combined university. After that, you'll spend three years gaining hands-on experience through a pediatric residency. For those who wish to specialize further, there's an option to invest an additional two to six years training in a specific area. It's a long road, but it's a path that leads to a fulfilling and noble profession.
Angella chepchirchir
SEO, MARKETING, ANALYST , psychologist
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Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
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Angella’s Answer
Becoming a pediatrician requires a significant commitment to education and training. Here are the general steps you would need to follow:
Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Aspiring pediatricians typically start by earning a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or pre-medicine. It is important to focus on courses in science and mathematics during your undergraduate studies.
Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): After completing your bachelor's degree, you will need to take the MCAT, which is a standardized exam that assesses your knowledge of scientific concepts, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities. Your MCAT score plays a crucial role in the medical school application process.
Attend Medical School: Upon successful completion of the MCAT, you will need to enroll in and complete medical school. Medical school typically takes four years and involves a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.
Complete a Pediatric Residency: After graduating from medical school, you will need to pursue a residency program in pediatrics. Pediatric residency programs typically last three years and provide hands-on training in various aspects of pediatric medicine. During your residency, you will work in hospitals and clinics, gaining experience in diagnosing and treating pediatric patients.
Obtain Licensure: To practice medicine legally, you will need to obtain a medical license. The requirements for medical licensure vary by country and region, but generally involve passing a licensing examination that tests your knowledge and competence.
Optional: Pursue Fellowship Training: If you wish to specialize further in a particular area of pediatrics, such as pediatric cardiology or pediatric neurology, you may choose to pursue additional fellowship training after completing your residency. Fellowships provide advanced training in a specific subspecialty and typically last for one to three years.
Continual Education and Certification: Medicine is an evolving field, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements. Pediatricians are encouraged to participate in continuing medical education (CME) activities and maintain board certification through organizations like the American Board of Pediatrics or the relevant certification body in your country.
Becoming a pediatrician requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for working with children. It is a challenging but rewarding career that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of young patients and their families. Good luck in your pursuit of becoming a pediatrician!
Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Aspiring pediatricians typically start by earning a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or pre-medicine. It is important to focus on courses in science and mathematics during your undergraduate studies.
Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): After completing your bachelor's degree, you will need to take the MCAT, which is a standardized exam that assesses your knowledge of scientific concepts, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities. Your MCAT score plays a crucial role in the medical school application process.
Attend Medical School: Upon successful completion of the MCAT, you will need to enroll in and complete medical school. Medical school typically takes four years and involves a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.
Complete a Pediatric Residency: After graduating from medical school, you will need to pursue a residency program in pediatrics. Pediatric residency programs typically last three years and provide hands-on training in various aspects of pediatric medicine. During your residency, you will work in hospitals and clinics, gaining experience in diagnosing and treating pediatric patients.
Obtain Licensure: To practice medicine legally, you will need to obtain a medical license. The requirements for medical licensure vary by country and region, but generally involve passing a licensing examination that tests your knowledge and competence.
Optional: Pursue Fellowship Training: If you wish to specialize further in a particular area of pediatrics, such as pediatric cardiology or pediatric neurology, you may choose to pursue additional fellowship training after completing your residency. Fellowships provide advanced training in a specific subspecialty and typically last for one to three years.
Continual Education and Certification: Medicine is an evolving field, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements. Pediatricians are encouraged to participate in continuing medical education (CME) activities and maintain board certification through organizations like the American Board of Pediatrics or the relevant certification body in your country.
Becoming a pediatrician requires dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for working with children. It is a challenging but rewarding career that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of young patients and their families. Good luck in your pursuit of becoming a pediatrician!