6 answers
Brooklyn
Student
3
Questions
Updated
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Would It be better to become a regular doctor or a pediatrician?
I am in the 8th grade and I am just beginning to explore my future career. I am interested in sports and helping others along with kids.
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6 answers
Kess French
Medical Student
109
Answers
Updated
Kess’s Answer
Hello, Brooklyn!
This is a great question and unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. As Olivia said, you'll have plenty of time to decide and many people change their minds on their way through medical school.
There are many types of doctors and they are broken down by "specialty"... sort of.
The first type is the general practitioner. These are the doctors who handle day-to-day care for patients. This can be the doctor who is working inpatient at the hospital or the one who sees patients from an office. These generalists fall under a few terms: family medicine (sees patients from newborn to the very old), pediatricians (sees patients from 1 day - usually 21 years old), and internal medicine (the doctors within the hospital who see adult patients, not specialists). Sometimes general surgeons (surgeons who handle a wide variety of surgical needs), obstetrics and gynecology (women's health), and even psychiatry (behavioral health) can be considered general.
From pediatrics though, you could specialize as well. For example, pediatric cardiology (heart doctor), hematology oncology (disorders of blood and cancers), or even pediatric neurology (brain doctors).
For sports, you could do family medicine or internal medicine then specialize in sports medicine. Or you might consider becoming an orthopedic surgeon (the people who surgically fix damaged bones, ligaments, and tendons). Chiropractors are also doctors that often help with sports injuries. If you decide not to become a doctor, you could consider becoming a physical therapist, or an occupational therapist. And this is only a small list.
This is a great question and unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. As Olivia said, you'll have plenty of time to decide and many people change their minds on their way through medical school.
There are many types of doctors and they are broken down by "specialty"... sort of.
The first type is the general practitioner. These are the doctors who handle day-to-day care for patients. This can be the doctor who is working inpatient at the hospital or the one who sees patients from an office. These generalists fall under a few terms: family medicine (sees patients from newborn to the very old), pediatricians (sees patients from 1 day - usually 21 years old), and internal medicine (the doctors within the hospital who see adult patients, not specialists). Sometimes general surgeons (surgeons who handle a wide variety of surgical needs), obstetrics and gynecology (women's health), and even psychiatry (behavioral health) can be considered general.
From pediatrics though, you could specialize as well. For example, pediatric cardiology (heart doctor), hematology oncology (disorders of blood and cancers), or even pediatric neurology (brain doctors).
For sports, you could do family medicine or internal medicine then specialize in sports medicine. Or you might consider becoming an orthopedic surgeon (the people who surgically fix damaged bones, ligaments, and tendons). Chiropractors are also doctors that often help with sports injuries. If you decide not to become a doctor, you could consider becoming a physical therapist, or an occupational therapist. And this is only a small list.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Many physicians pursue the so called specializations like podiatry, sports medicine, bones, and yes, pediatrics because they find that the income is greater.
Unfortunately, this can cause a lack of general practitioners, within the health care profession, that in my opinion hurts the people, who need a family physician.
The decision is eventually going to be yours, but keep in mind the words of writer David Epstein, who wrote in one of his books that quote "Generalists are the ones who rule the world."
Unfortunately, this can cause a lack of general practitioners, within the health care profession, that in my opinion hurts the people, who need a family physician.
The decision is eventually going to be yours, but keep in mind the words of writer David Epstein, who wrote in one of his books that quote "Generalists are the ones who rule the world."
Olivia McDonnell
Consulting
23
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Pediatricians are doctors, and you have the exciting opportunity to decide the age group of your future patients. The best part is, you don't have to make this decision right away. You can take your time and don't have to choose until several years into your medical school journey, when you're applying to various specializations.
Remember, sports medicine is a versatile field that can be applied to all age groups. If you choose to be a pediatrician, you can make a significant difference in the lives of young, student athletes. Alternatively, if you decide not to specialize in pediatrics, you can still contribute greatly by focusing on the health and well-being of college or professional athletes.
Remember, sports medicine is a versatile field that can be applied to all age groups. If you choose to be a pediatrician, you can make a significant difference in the lives of young, student athletes. Alternatively, if you decide not to specialize in pediatrics, you can still contribute greatly by focusing on the health and well-being of college or professional athletes.
Samuel Vojtech
Medical Assistant
19
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
I've been told that I am great with kids. However, when I was going to school to be a medical assistant a professor asked me where I would like to specialize. I said I wanted to try pediatrics. She said, "Oh no, Mr. Samuel! You are too sensitive & it would break your heart to see little people in pain. I don't recommend you do that." After that, it made sense & I would recommend thinking about kids in pain or potentially dying under your care.
Madison Buchman
doctor
112
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
You want to consider what types of illness you want to take care of, do you want to work ONLY with kids (<18 years old) or do you want kids AND adults or only adults
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Brooklyn!
Let's chat about the exciting decision of becoming a doctor. Whether you're leaning towards being a general practitioner or a pediatrician, both paths are rewarding and depend on your interests, talents, and the patient group you're passionate about. Each has its unique perks and challenges.
As a general practitioner, you're the go-to doctor for patients of all ages. Your role involves diagnosing and treating various health conditions, managing long-term illnesses, promoting preventive care, and directing patients to specialists when needed. You'll build lasting relationships with your patients while addressing a broad spectrum of health issues across all age groups.
On the flip side, pediatricians are the superheroes of infants, children, and adolescents. They concentrate on the physical, emotional, and social health of young ones, tackling developmental milestones, childhood diseases, immunizations, and overall growth and wellness. Pediatricians have a vital role in overseeing children's health from birth to adolescence and advising parents on raising their kids.
If you're a sports enthusiast and love helping others, particularly children, a pediatrician's career could be your perfect match. Pediatricians often team up with young athletes to boost their physical health, handle sports-related injuries, and support their overall growth. Plus, as a pediatrician, you get to positively influence children's lives by offering caring and guidance during their crucial growth phases.
In the end, your choice between being a general practitioner or a pediatrician should reflect your personal interests, values, and career aspirations. To make an informed decision, consider spending time with professionals in both fields, volunteer at healthcare facilities serving various patient groups, and explore educational opportunities in medicine and pediatrics.
Here are the top 3 authoritative reference publications you can check out:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
2. American Medical Association (AMA)
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook
And remember, if you need more info, don't hesitate to ask - it's free! Prayer can also offer guidance in this decision-making process.
Best wishes,
James.
Let's chat about the exciting decision of becoming a doctor. Whether you're leaning towards being a general practitioner or a pediatrician, both paths are rewarding and depend on your interests, talents, and the patient group you're passionate about. Each has its unique perks and challenges.
As a general practitioner, you're the go-to doctor for patients of all ages. Your role involves diagnosing and treating various health conditions, managing long-term illnesses, promoting preventive care, and directing patients to specialists when needed. You'll build lasting relationships with your patients while addressing a broad spectrum of health issues across all age groups.
On the flip side, pediatricians are the superheroes of infants, children, and adolescents. They concentrate on the physical, emotional, and social health of young ones, tackling developmental milestones, childhood diseases, immunizations, and overall growth and wellness. Pediatricians have a vital role in overseeing children's health from birth to adolescence and advising parents on raising their kids.
If you're a sports enthusiast and love helping others, particularly children, a pediatrician's career could be your perfect match. Pediatricians often team up with young athletes to boost their physical health, handle sports-related injuries, and support their overall growth. Plus, as a pediatrician, you get to positively influence children's lives by offering caring and guidance during their crucial growth phases.
In the end, your choice between being a general practitioner or a pediatrician should reflect your personal interests, values, and career aspirations. To make an informed decision, consider spending time with professionals in both fields, volunteer at healthcare facilities serving various patient groups, and explore educational opportunities in medicine and pediatrics.
Here are the top 3 authoritative reference publications you can check out:
1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
2. American Medical Association (AMA)
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook Handbook
And remember, if you need more info, don't hesitate to ask - it's free! Prayer can also offer guidance in this decision-making process.
Best wishes,
James.