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Is being a pediatrician worth all the time and money?
I'm not sure what I want to become when I grow up but, I'm really considering becoming a pediatrician. No one in my family has ever been in the medical field so I have no idea what to expect. #pediatrics #doctor #medicine #hospital-and-health-care #science
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4 answers
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Rachel’s Answer
Practicing pediatrics requires many hours of study and sacrifice. It is competitive to get into medical school and there are many prerequisites (1 year biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry). GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. After 4 years of med school, you need to complete 3 years of pediatrics residency. However, it can be incredibly fulfilling and worth the effort.
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Estelle’s Answer
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training. These can last 3-6 years.
If you are willing to accept this time and effort commitment, then pediatrics is awesome!
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training. These can last 3-6 years.
If you are willing to accept this time and effort commitment, then pediatrics is awesome!
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Pro: opportunity to help children
Cons:
Long hours. Our pediatrician routinely puts in 14 hour days.
Stressed out parents.
Cons:
Long hours. Our pediatrician routinely puts in 14 hour days.
Stressed out parents.
Updated
Mary’s Answer
That is a question you can only answer. You determine what is worth something. If you like your job, are willing to make sacrifices, and want to help people, then it should be.