Career Profile for General Pediatrician

Picture this: A doctor walks into an exam room where a worried mother holds her feverish 2-year-old. With a gentle approach and expert knowledge, the physician quickly puts both mother and child at ease, conducting a thorough examination while making it seem like play.

Think about the last time you saw a child recover from an illness – behind that recovery was likely a pediatrician who understood not just medical science, but also how to communicate with both young patients and their concerned parents.

Pediatricians are medical doctors specifically trained to manage the health of children, including physical, behavioral, and mental health issues. They are trained to diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases. 

Total employment: 37,700 (2023)

Common Names for Pediatricians, General

• Developmental Pediatrician
• Emergency Room Pediatrician (ER Pediatrician)
• General Pediatrician
• Group Practice Pediatrician
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician
• Pediatric Physician
• Primary Care Pediatrician

What Pediatricians, General Do

General pediatricians play a critical role in the healthcare of children from infancy through adolescence. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Patient Examination and Diagnosis: Conduct comprehensive physical examinations of children from birth through adolescence to assess health status and diagnose illnesses, injuries, and developmental issues.
• Treatment Planning and Implementation: Develop and execute appropriate medical treatment plans for young patients, including prescribing medications, ordering tests, and recommending lifestyle modifications to promote healing and wellness.
• Preventive Care Management: Provide regular wellness checks, administer vaccinations, and monitor growth and development patterns to prevent health issues and ensure proper childhood development.
• Parent/Guardian Communication: Educate families about children’s health conditions, treatment options, and preventive care measures, ensuring clear understanding and compliance with medical recommendations.
• Health Record Documentation: Maintain detailed, accurate medical records of patient visits, treatments, and outcomes to ensure continuity of care and meet legal requirements.
• Emergency Response: Address acute medical conditions and emergencies promptly, making critical decisions about immediate care needs and potential hospital admissions.
• Developmental Milestone Monitoring: Track and assess physical, mental, and social development benchmarks to identify potential delays or concerns requiring early intervention.
• Healthcare Team Collaboration: Work effectively with nurses, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care and coordinate necessary referrals.

Typical Work Environment for Pediatricians, General

Here is what the typical work environment for Pediatrician, General looks like.

• Pediatricians in private practices work in small, independent settings, offering personal care to children and families.
• They usually work in larger, hospital-associated clinics where they treat a broad range of conditions and collaborate with specialists.
• Pediatricians often work alongside other healthcare professionals, sharing responsibilities and patient care.
• Pediatricians work at academic centers, helping to educate the next generation of doctors.
• They typically operate in organized, comfortable, and professional environments designed to put children and parents at ease.
• Depending on the setting, pediatricians may be required to be on-call for emergencies and take weekend shifts as needed.
• Pediatricians usually work during business hours but may also be available during evenings and weekends to accommodate patient needs.

Specializations for Pediatricians, General

Pediatricians can choose from a variety of specializations to further their expertise and provide more focused care for children.

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Pediatric emergency medicine specialists are trained to deliver immediate, high-quality care to children who experience serious illnesses or injuries. They work in emergency departments, often managing cases like severe trauma, respiratory distress, or acute infections, requiring swift and precise interventions.
• Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: This specialty concentrates on the care of newborns, especially those who are born prematurely or have complex medical conditions. Neonatologists provide critical support to infants in intensive care units, focusing on breathing difficulties, feeding problems, and other life-threatening conditions that arise during or after birth.
• Pediatric Critical Care: Pediatric critical care specialists manage children who are critically ill or recovering from surgery. They work in pediatric intensive care units (ICUs), providing constant monitoring and advanced treatments to stabilize young patients facing life-threatening conditions such as organ failure or severe infections.
• Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics: Pediatricians in this field focus on the evaluation and management of developmental and behavioral conditions in children, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and learning disabilities. They work closely with families to create treatment plans that support the child’s developmental progress and emotional well-being.
• Pediatric Endocrinology: Pediatric endocrinologists diagnose and treat hormonal and metabolic disorders in children. These specialists manage conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth issues, and adrenal diseases, offering treatments to help children maintain normal development and quality of life.
• Pediatric Cardiology: Pediatric cardiologists diagnose and treat heart-related conditions in children, including congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, and acquired cardiovascular diseases. They provide long-term management for children with chronic heart conditions and collaborate closely with pediatric surgeons for necessary interventions.
• Pediatric Hematology-Oncology: This specialty focuses on diagnosing and treating blood disorders and cancers in children. Pediatric hematologists-oncologists care for children with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other hematologic disorders, often coordinating chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and bone marrow transplants.
• Adolescent Medicine: Pediatricians specializing in adolescent medicine focus on the unique health challenges faced by teenagers, including physical development, mental health concerns, and chronic conditions. They help address issues such as puberty, eating disorders, sexual health, and substance abuse, promoting overall health during these formative years.
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases: Pediatric infectious disease specialists diagnose and treat complex infections in children, ranging from common viral infections like the flu to more serious diseases like tuberculosis or HIV. They play a key role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and providing advanced care for conditions that require specialized treatments.

Top Industries for the Employment of Pediatricians, General

General Pediatricians are in demand across various industries, where they contribute significantly to children’s health and well-being. Here are the top industries employing pediatricians:

• Offices of Physicians: Pediatricians in this industry provide comprehensive primary care for children from birth through adolescence, conducting well-child visits, administering vaccinations, diagnosing illnesses, and managing chronic conditions in private or group practices.
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: Pediatricians in this industry manage acute and complex pediatric cases, provide emergency care, conduct hospital rounds, and collaborate with specialists to deliver comprehensive inpatient care for children with serious illnesses or injuries.
• Outpatient Care Centers: Pediatricians in this industry deliver specialized pediatric care in ambulatory settings, providing same-day treatments, managing chronic conditions, and offering preventive care services without requiring overnight stays.
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools: Pediatricians in this industry serve as educators and researchers, training medical students and residents while conducting clinical studies to advance pediatric medicine and improve children’s healthcare outcomes.
• Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals: Pediatricians in this industry provide specialized care for complex pediatric conditions, such as rare diseases or chronic illnesses, working in facilities equipped with advanced medical technology and focused expertise.

Top States for Highest Employment for Pediatricians, General

According to the BLS, the states listed below have the highest level of employment for Pediatricians, General, offering robust career growth and competitive salaries. Securing a job in these areas can provide excellent opportunities for advancement.

The top 5 states for Pediatricians, General

Pediatricians, General Wage Overview (2023)

The BLS estimates the following salaries for Pediatricians, General nationwide. Regional salaries might be different. 

• Annual median wage: $198,690
• Annual mean wage: $205,860
• Wage Range: $85,120 (bottom 10%) to $239,200+ (top 10%) 

Skills for Pediatricians, General

Pediatricians combine clinical assessment, developmental understanding, and family-centered care. Success in this role may require mastering the nuanced art of working with children while building trust with their families. Below are skills required to succeed in this role:

Mastery Indicators:

• Synthesizing developmental milestones with presenting symptoms to form age-appropriate diagnoses
• Adapting communication styles across developmental stages while maintaining medical accuracy
• Integrating family dynamics and social factors into comprehensive treatment plans

These capabilities position aspiring pediatricians for selective pediatric opportunities, setting them apart in a competitive healthcare environment

Core Skills

• Clinical Assessment [Required]: Show the ability to conduct systematic evaluations and perform comprehensive physical examinations, tailored to the unique needs and developmental stages of children.
• Growth & Development Monitoring [Required]: Demonstrate the ability to track and interpret normal developmental milestones and growth patterns, identifying concerns and guiding interventions when necessary.
• Diagnostic Reasoning [Required]: Show the ability to apply clinical judgment to interpret symptoms, test results, and physical findings, ensuring accurate diagnoses within the context of pediatric care.
• Preventive Care [Required]: Demonstrate the ability to implement evidence-based screening protocols and immunization schedules to proactively safeguard children’s health and prevent potential diseases.
• Treatment Planning [Required]: Show the ability to develop and adjust treatment plans that address age-specific needs, family dynamics, and the latest pediatric guidelines, ensuring holistic care.
• Emergency Response [Required]: Demonstrate the ability to manage acute pediatric emergencies through rapid assessment and tailored intervention protocols specific to children.
• Family Education [Required]: Show the ability to provide age-appropriate guidance on nutrition, safety, behavior, and development, ensuring optimal health outcomes for children.

Professional Skills

• Patient Communication: Demonstrate the ability to adapt communication styles to effectively engage both children and their caregivers, ensuring clarity and understanding.
• Cultural Competency: Show the ability to navigate diverse family structures, beliefs, and practices to offer inclusive and respectful pediatric care.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Demonstrate the ability to coordinate with specialists, educators, and support services, ensuring a well-rounded approach to pediatric care.
• Documentation: Show the ability to maintain detailed, accurate medical records, ensuring compliance with pediatric care guidelines and regulations.
• Crisis Management: Demonstrate the ability to stay composed under pressure, handling urgent situations while maintaining clear communication with families and the healthcare team.
• Family Partnership: Show the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with families, ensuring treatment adherence and fostering optimal health outcomes.

Preparation for a Career as a Pediatrician, General

Becoming a general pediatrician requires a combination of academic excellence, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to child healthcare. This journey starts with earning a bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field, to build a strong foundation in biology and chemistry. After this, aspiring pediatricians attend medical school, where they pursue either an MD or DO degree to gain essential knowledge in various medical disciplines. They then undergo a three-year residency in pediatrics, which provides specialized, practical training in child healthcare. Throughout this process, ongoing medical education is essential to stay current with evolving pediatric practices and research.

Education Requirements (Required)

The path to becoming a general pediatrician involves extensive educational preparation, which equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective patient care. Here’s what the educational journey typically looks like:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Aspiring pediatricians begin by completing a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry. This foundational education provides the basic understanding of human biology and prepares students for medical school coursework.
• Medical School (MD or DO): After earning their bachelor’s degree, future pediatricians attend medical school, where they earn either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Medical school consists of two years of classroom learning followed by clinical rotations that provide hands-on experience in various specialties, including pediatrics.
• 3-Year Pediatric Residency: After medical school, pediatricians complete a three-year residency program focused on pediatric care. This stage of training involves intensive clinical practice, allowing pediatricians to develop expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad range of conditions in children.

Training (Required)

Becoming a general pediatrician requires a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, obtained through several stages of education and training.

• Clinical Rotations During Medical School: Clinical rotations are an essential part of medical school, where students gain exposure to a variety of medical specialties, including pediatrics. This hands-on training helps them develop the skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat pediatric patients under supervision.
• Residency Training: Following medical school, pediatricians complete residency training, which typically lasts three years. During residency, they receive intensive, focused training in pediatric care, learning to manage a wide range of health issues in children from infancy through adolescence.
• Ongoing Medical Education: Pediatricians are required to engage in continuous education throughout their careers to stay current with new medical advancements, treatment techniques, and health guidelines. 

Certifications/Licenses (Required)

To practice as a general pediatrician, it is essential to obtain the necessary certifications and licenses, which demonstrate a professional’s qualifications and commitment to providing high-quality care to children.

• State Medical License: A state medical license is required to legally practice medicine. Obtaining this license involves meeting the specific requirements of the state where the pediatrician practices, ensuring they have the necessary medical knowledge and clinical training.
• Board Certification from the American Board of Pediatrics: This certification demonstrates a pediatrician’s advanced knowledge and expertise in pediatric care. It is obtained through rigorous examinations and ongoing education, ensuring they are up to date with the latest standards in the field.

Professional Organizations (Recommended)

For pediatricians, joining professional organizations is an excellent way to stay updated with the latest advancements in pediatric care, engage with peers, and access valuable resources. These organizations also provide opportunities for professional growth and networking.

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): This organization is dedicated to the health and well-being of children. It offers numerous resources, from clinical guidelines to advocacy tools, and is a key platform for pediatricians to connect and collaborate on best practices.
• Academic Pediatric Association (APA): The APA focuses on advancing the field of academic pediatrics by fostering leadership, research, and educational excellence. It supports pediatricians who are also involved in teaching and academic research.

Related Careers for Pediatricians, General

If you are interested in this field and want to explore other options, consider these related careers.

• Pediatric Surgeons: Pediatric surgeons perform operations and provide surgical care specifically for infants, children, and adolescents with congenital and acquired conditions. They work closely with general pediatricians who refer patients needing surgical intervention and collaborate on pre- and post-operative care.
• Family Medicine Physicians: Family medicine physicians provide comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages, including children and adolescents. Like pediatricians, they manage childhood illnesses and development, though they continue care throughout the patient’s lifetime rather than focusing exclusively on pediatric care.
• General Internal Medicine Physicians: Internal medicine physicians diagnose and treat adult diseases, often transitioning care from pediatricians when patients reach adulthood. They collaborate with pediatricians during the transition of care for adolescents with chronic conditions requiring ongoing medical management.
• Nurse Practitioners: Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialized healthcare services, with some focusing specifically on pediatric care. They often work alongside pediatricians in various settings, providing well-childcare, managing common illnesses, and supporting comprehensive pediatric healthcare delivery.
• Physician Assistants: Physician assistants work under physician supervision to provide medical care, including pediatric services. They frequently assist pediatricians in clinical settings, extending access to pediatric care and supporting routine health maintenance visits.
• Allergists and Immunologists: Allergists and immunologists specialize in treating allergies and immune system disorders in both children and adults. They often collaborate with pediatricians when treating children with allergies, asthma, or immune deficiencies.
• Emergency Medicine Physicians: Emergency medicine physicians provide immediate care for acute illnesses and injuries in patients of all ages, including children. They work with pediatricians when managing acute pediatric emergencies and coordinating follow-up care after emergency department visits.