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Is schooling for a Pediatrician hard, and how long of college does it take?

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Doc’s Answer

Mariyana it takes around 11-years to become a board-certified pediatrician in the United States. These healthcare professionals are required to hold a medical degree and to have completed a pediatrics residency to be able to practice. Of courses, the first step to do so is to get a bachelor's degree with a pre-med focus. Your bachelor's degree should include courses like chemistry, biology, physics, calculus, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and statistics. These courses are fundamental to apply to medical school after you complete your undergraduate education. In medical school, you will earn a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) degree. Medical school takes 4-years to complete and involves two full years of clinical rotations. After you get your M.D. or D.O. degree, you will have to undergo a 3-year pediatrics residency. This will enable you to get certified as a pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Providing medical care for children and teenagers requires a special kind of physician. It is not enough merely to evaluate, diagnose, and treat health issues; pediatricians must be able to pick up on unusual trends in the child’s physical development. Pediatricians typically serve patients under 21 years of age and are often vital to identifying and diagnosing early signs of health issues. While some pediatricians work in hospital settings, many operate their own practice with one or more additional pediatricians. Partnering with other physicians can give each doctor flexibility for time off, etc. Despite this flexibility, all doctors (pediatricians included) must typically work long hours on occasion, particularly if one of their patients is undergoing a difficult procedure or treatment. Under normal circumstances, you may be working typical office hours alongside other physicians. However, most of your training and residency will demand long and unstable schedules. Medical emergencies do not have “business hours,” and you may be expected to respond to a medical emergency involving your patient.

Hope this was helpful Mariyana

Doc recommends the following next steps:

Because pediatrics relies heavily on an understanding of math and science, students should prioritize these at the high school level. They should also take as many AP courses as possible in these subjects, as this can help them meet requirements while still in high school and become familiar with college-level topics. Nightingale College provides a list of prerequisites.
Spending a couple of hours each weekend at a hospital, assisted living facility, or in another healthcare setting can help students learn more about the profession and understand whether it offers a good fit for their personal and professional needs. Volunteer work hours also look great on a college application.
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) provides an opportunity for future health leaders — to take advantage of professional and academic resources while still in high school. The group offers events, competitions, scholarships, and plenty of resources to help connect learners with the nursing world while still in high school.
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Michelle’s Answer

It takes approximately four years of college, four years of medical school and three years of pediatrics training in residency to become a pediatrician.
Total is approximately 11 years...If you go straight through.

Some people will choose to take a little bit longer in college or take a break between college and medical school so it just depends on each person’s individual circumstance.
It’s not hard you just have to be focused on what you would like to do and you can achieve!

Hope this answers your question.

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

If you’re in college talk to your college advisor on best classes to take for medical school and do well in all of your classes.
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Sheila’s Answer

Hi Mariyana:

As a very proud Mom of a young adult who is completing his residency as a Pediatrician, soon to start in a fellowship program (specialization) - John's comments appears to be on target. Without repeating here are a few items for your consideration.

• College = 4 years (BS Degree)
• Medical School = 4 years (Doctor of Medicine, MD)
• Residency = 3 years (Obtain certification from American Board of Pediatrics)
• Fellowship = 3 years (Sub-Specialty) - OPTIONAL

I wish you much success on your journey and best of luck to you!

Sheila recommends the following next steps:

American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) • https://www.abp.org/
Certification • https://www.abp.org/content/what-certification
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