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Can someone with a degree in public health become a pediatrician ?

I am a first year student studying public health but I will like to be a paediatrician

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Hakeem Ola’s Answer

Yes, someone with a degree in public health can become a pediatrician, but additional steps are required. Here’s an outline of the process:
1. Undergraduate Education: Obtain a bachelor's degree, including prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
2. Medical School: Gain admission to and complete medical school (M.D. or D.O. program), which typically takes four years.
3. Residency: Complete a residency in pediatrics, which usually takes three years. This involves hands-on training in various aspects of pediatric medicine.
4. Licensing: Pass the necessary medical licensing examinations. In the U.S., this includes the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) for M.D.s or the COMLEX (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination) for D.O.s.
5. Board Certification: After completing residency, pass the board certification exam in pediatrics, administered by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) in the U.S.
A degree in public health can be beneficial at various stages, providing a strong foundation in areas like epidemiology, health promotion, and preventive medicine. It may also offer a unique perspective and additional skills valuable in pediatric practice, particularly in community health settings, policy-making, and research.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Stephanie
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Godfrey’s Answer

Yes it's possible however you need to a Medical doctor college that offers MD or MBBS which has it's eligibility criteria and the course takes 6 years, thereafter you can proceed for internship for 1 year,then become a paediatric resident doctor for 2 to 3 year.
You can the after apply for Master of pediatric and child health which will take about 3 to 4 year then upon completion,you can be registered as a Pedestrian or consultant pedestrian.
So it's still possible, there's no hindrance for taking such path.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Godfrey. Stephanie
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Gina’s Answer

So in order to go to medical school (which is a MD/Masters) you NEED to have a bachelors in something. Most students choose a biological science field of study because their a long list of required classes for medical schools that most biological science majors cover. HOWEVER having a strong background in public health will be an incredible asset in your medical career. Just note that you will have to take additional classes to make sure you have all the required courses for your specific medical schools you apply to. Also note you DO NOT have to take those at a 4 year university. I go my bacherlor's in cell biology and anatomy wasn't a course offering in that specific bachelor's program so I took it at the local community college for 1/10 the cost, that will still meet the requirements (but double check this as I haven't been in school for over 15 years!)
To answer your question - yes you can get your bachelor's in anything that you like. But you will have to take extra courses.

Hope that helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Gina! Stephanie
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Martha’s Answer

Hi, Stephanie - this is a great question! Speaking about the United States, I would enthusiastically say yes. In fact, having both backgrounds would help you put the medical science in a larger context. The two articles I noted below say there is a strong relationship already and that the pandemic showed us that it should be even stronger. For example, there were a host of health issues associated with COVID, e.g., how to treat it, how to prevent it, how to prioritize vulnerable groups fairly, how to get care for other health issues, how to treat stress-related issues, etc. Many of these were also public health issues.

If there is a pre-med counselor at your college, work with them to make sure you take the requisite courses so you could apply to medical school later. Also, look for research opportunities and/or internships that combine medicine and public health, especially as they relate to children. This would strengthen your application to medical school.

Good luck!

Martha recommends the following next steps:

AJPM article - https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(11)00514-9/fulltext#:~:text=Medication%2C%20surgery%2C%20and%20other%20forms,to%20preserve%20and%20protect%20health.
National Library of Medicine - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344251/
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Martha! Stephanie
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Bella’s Answer

Absolutely, you can build a career in this field! Start by earning a B.S. degree in biology or a related science. I've seen people major in public health and follow the pre-med track too. If you're leaning towards a career in medicine, you'll need to attend med school after your undergraduate studies. Here, you can choose a specialty, like pediatrics. During med school, you'll complete your residency and then take your board exams to become a licensed pediatrician. The entire journey, from start to finish, typically takes between 8 to 12 years to complete all the necessary education and exams.
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Anna’s Answer

Hey Stephanie,

You can definitely get your career path towards becoming a Pediatrician with a Bachelors in Public Health. I would recommend while you complete your degree, you volunteer in a children's hospital to gain experience in that field as well. Once you complete that degree, you will be able to apply to a Masters Program in Medicine afterwards. Although the journey will take years to complete, it will be so rewarding and fulfilling!

Goodluck.
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