2 answers
Choo
Student
Unknown Village, Arusha Region
5
Questions
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Hi, so I have decided on going towards being a child doctor but I kind of don't know where to start?
I enjoy spending time with children and I have even wrote a few short stories which were inspired by my own little cousins. I never really have my own siblings and as only child I enjoy being with kids and I have thought of taking this doctor path but I am not sure where to start.
2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Choo!
It’s amazing that you want to become a pediatrician (child doctor)—your love for kids and storytelling already shows you have the patience and creativity needed for this field! Since you're in high school, am gonna guide you through as much I can to get started on this journey.
First, Understand the Path to Becoming a Pediatrician.
A pediatrician is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in children's health. To get there, you’ll follow this general timeline:
1. Finish High School – Focus on science (biology, chemistry, physics, math) and get good grades.
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) – Major in biology, chemistry, or a pre-med track in college.
3. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) – This exam is required for med school.
4. Attend Medical School (4 years) – You’ll learn everything about medicine and start seeing patients.
5. Complete a Pediatric Residency (3 years) – This is hands-on training in a hospital working with kids.
6. Become Board Certified & Start Practicing!
In total, it takes about 11 years after high school to become a full-fledged pediatrician—but don’t worry, each step is exciting and rewarding, trust me.
Secondly, What You Can Do Now (in High School)
To set yourself up for success: Focus on Science & Math – Take AP or honors biology, chemistry, and physics if possible.
Volunteer with Kids if you are that is great! – Gain experience by helping at a hospital, daycare, or children's nonprofit.
Shadow a Pediatrician – Ask a local doctor if you can observe them to see what their day is like.
Join a Health Club or Science Fair – Get involved in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) or similar clubs.
Start Learning About Medicine – Read books, watch medical documentaries, or take online courses (Coursera, Khan Academy, etc.).
Ensure in Choosing the Right College & Major!
You don’t need a specific major—just one that fulfills medical school requirements. Common ones include biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or psychology.
Look for colleges with strong pre-med programs and opportunities for hospital internships or research.
Consider financial aid and scholarships—medical school is expensive, so finding a cost-effective undergrad program is smart.
Becoming a doctor takes time and dedication, a long road on that as well, but with your passion for kids, you’re already on the right path! Keep working hard, and you’ll make an incredible pediatrician one day. You've got this Choo! 🤗
Talk to Your School Counselor – They can help you find science programs or hospital internships. If they don't facilitate that just reach out an dget info regarding that. Or you can always reach out here bud.
Look for Pre-Med Summer Programs – Some universities offer high school medical camps.
Start a Science or Healthcare Blog – Since you love writing, you could share your experiences and what you’re learning about pediatrics!
It’s amazing that you want to become a pediatrician (child doctor)—your love for kids and storytelling already shows you have the patience and creativity needed for this field! Since you're in high school, am gonna guide you through as much I can to get started on this journey.
First, Understand the Path to Becoming a Pediatrician.
A pediatrician is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in children's health. To get there, you’ll follow this general timeline:
1. Finish High School – Focus on science (biology, chemistry, physics, math) and get good grades.
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) – Major in biology, chemistry, or a pre-med track in college.
3. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) – This exam is required for med school.
4. Attend Medical School (4 years) – You’ll learn everything about medicine and start seeing patients.
5. Complete a Pediatric Residency (3 years) – This is hands-on training in a hospital working with kids.
6. Become Board Certified & Start Practicing!
In total, it takes about 11 years after high school to become a full-fledged pediatrician—but don’t worry, each step is exciting and rewarding, trust me.
Secondly, What You Can Do Now (in High School)
To set yourself up for success: Focus on Science & Math – Take AP or honors biology, chemistry, and physics if possible.
Volunteer with Kids if you are that is great! – Gain experience by helping at a hospital, daycare, or children's nonprofit.
Shadow a Pediatrician – Ask a local doctor if you can observe them to see what their day is like.
Join a Health Club or Science Fair – Get involved in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) or similar clubs.
Start Learning About Medicine – Read books, watch medical documentaries, or take online courses (Coursera, Khan Academy, etc.).
Ensure in Choosing the Right College & Major!
You don’t need a specific major—just one that fulfills medical school requirements. Common ones include biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or psychology.
Look for colleges with strong pre-med programs and opportunities for hospital internships or research.
Consider financial aid and scholarships—medical school is expensive, so finding a cost-effective undergrad program is smart.
Becoming a doctor takes time and dedication, a long road on that as well, but with your passion for kids, you’re already on the right path! Keep working hard, and you’ll make an incredible pediatrician one day. You've got this Choo! 🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
This is pretty cool Dr H... Absolutely splendid ideas. Thanks a lot.
Choo
Thank you so much, Dr!
Mina
You are absolutely welcome Choo am just happy to been able to give a good idea. Good luck mate.
Dr H
Offcouuuurse Mina you are always welcome and I am so happy to hear it from you girl. Stay blessed.
Dr H
Lisa Rodriguez
Registered nurse
14
Answers
Catonsville, Maryland
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Choo
Great question. You want to become a pediatrician. That is a doctor who takes care of children from birth to age 21. It is a hard but rewarding career. I worked for pediatricians. You need to take science in school like biology, chemistry, human anatomy and get excellent grade. You need to get a 4 year degree in college with a major in Biology or science with a focus on pre-med. Then another 4 years of medical school to become a doctor. After that, you will need to be a pediatric resident which means that you are specializing in pediatrics. After that, you will take a test to become board certified. Then you are a full fledged pediatrician. It takes about 9 years. I am in the USA, I don't know what country you are in, but I am sure it is similar. If that sounds to long and overwhelming, there are other careers that you can do that helps children. You can be a pediatric nurse like I was. There is also physical, speech or occupational therapy. Those careers can focus on pediatrics as well. When you are on a break from school, even now, you can ask to shadow o pediatrician and find out what their careers are like. That is the best way to find out if it is something you would like. Start with your own doctor and ask him/her if they know anyone that would let you shadow them. Good luck. I hope you can pursue your dreams.
Great question. You want to become a pediatrician. That is a doctor who takes care of children from birth to age 21. It is a hard but rewarding career. I worked for pediatricians. You need to take science in school like biology, chemistry, human anatomy and get excellent grade. You need to get a 4 year degree in college with a major in Biology or science with a focus on pre-med. Then another 4 years of medical school to become a doctor. After that, you will need to be a pediatric resident which means that you are specializing in pediatrics. After that, you will take a test to become board certified. Then you are a full fledged pediatrician. It takes about 9 years. I am in the USA, I don't know what country you are in, but I am sure it is similar. If that sounds to long and overwhelming, there are other careers that you can do that helps children. You can be a pediatric nurse like I was. There is also physical, speech or occupational therapy. Those careers can focus on pediatrics as well. When you are on a break from school, even now, you can ask to shadow o pediatrician and find out what their careers are like. That is the best way to find out if it is something you would like. Start with your own doctor and ask him/her if they know anyone that would let you shadow them. Good luck. I hope you can pursue your dreams.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Choo
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