5 answers
Nyabuay
Student
Anchorage, Alaska
1
Question
Updated
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What would I need to focus on if I were to pursue a career in Pediatrics?
I’m only a freshman but still want to get more learning and experience done.
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5 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
If you want to go the MD/DO route and you are interested in Peds I think it would be really good for you to get time in with volunteering at either childrens hospitals or things like the Boys and Girls club. You can help out at both of these places and truly decide if this is something you are interested in. Becoming a doctor is a long route, but it is extremely rewarding for people and having an idea before you get in can be very helpful. Great question.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3882
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Nyabuay,
Focus Areas for Pursuing a Career in Pediatrics
To pursue a career in pediatrics, especially as a freshman looking to gain more learning and experience, there are several key areas you should focus on:
Academic Preparation:
Focus on excelling in your science and math courses, as these subjects form the foundation for medical studies.
Consider majoring in a relevant field such as biology or chemistry.
Maintain a high GPA to be competitive for medical school admissions.
Extracurricular Activities:
Volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or community centers that cater to children to gain exposure to pediatric healthcare.
Join clubs or organizations related to healthcare or pediatrics.
Participate in research projects or internships that focus on child health.
Shadowing and Networking:
Shadow pediatricians to observe their daily routines and interactions with patients.
Network with professionals in the field of pediatrics through events, conferences, or online platforms.
Seek mentorship from pediatricians who can provide guidance and advice on pursuing a career in pediatrics.
Clinical Experience:
Gain clinical experience by working as a medical scribe, medical assistant, or in other healthcare roles that involve direct patient care.
Consider participating in medical mission trips or volunteer programs focused on pediatric care.
Look for opportunities to work with children in diverse settings to understand the various aspects of pediatric healthcare.
Research and Publications:
Engage in research projects related to pediatrics to deepen your understanding of child health issues.
Aim to publish your research findings in reputable journals or present them at conferences.
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through research activities that can benefit your future career in pediatrics.
Professional Development:
Stay updated on advancements in pediatric medicine through journals, conferences, and online resources.
Consider pursuing certifications or additional training in pediatric specialties of interest.
Develop strong communication skills to effectively interact with young patients and their families.
By focusing on these areas early on in your academic journey, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career in pediatrics.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP is a leading professional organization for pediatricians, providing guidelines, resources, and information on pediatric healthcare practices.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC offers valuable insights into medical education, including information on pre-medical requirements, admissions processes, and resources for aspiring physicians.
Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS): PAS is an organization that promotes research and education in the field of pediatrics, offering access to the latest developments and best practices in pediatric medicine.
May God bless you on your journey!
James Constantine Frangos.
Focus Areas for Pursuing a Career in Pediatrics
To pursue a career in pediatrics, especially as a freshman looking to gain more learning and experience, there are several key areas you should focus on:
Academic Preparation:
Focus on excelling in your science and math courses, as these subjects form the foundation for medical studies.
Consider majoring in a relevant field such as biology or chemistry.
Maintain a high GPA to be competitive for medical school admissions.
Extracurricular Activities:
Volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or community centers that cater to children to gain exposure to pediatric healthcare.
Join clubs or organizations related to healthcare or pediatrics.
Participate in research projects or internships that focus on child health.
Shadowing and Networking:
Shadow pediatricians to observe their daily routines and interactions with patients.
Network with professionals in the field of pediatrics through events, conferences, or online platforms.
Seek mentorship from pediatricians who can provide guidance and advice on pursuing a career in pediatrics.
Clinical Experience:
Gain clinical experience by working as a medical scribe, medical assistant, or in other healthcare roles that involve direct patient care.
Consider participating in medical mission trips or volunteer programs focused on pediatric care.
Look for opportunities to work with children in diverse settings to understand the various aspects of pediatric healthcare.
Research and Publications:
Engage in research projects related to pediatrics to deepen your understanding of child health issues.
Aim to publish your research findings in reputable journals or present them at conferences.
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through research activities that can benefit your future career in pediatrics.
Professional Development:
Stay updated on advancements in pediatric medicine through journals, conferences, and online resources.
Consider pursuing certifications or additional training in pediatric specialties of interest.
Develop strong communication skills to effectively interact with young patients and their families.
By focusing on these areas early on in your academic journey, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career in pediatrics.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP is a leading professional organization for pediatricians, providing guidelines, resources, and information on pediatric healthcare practices.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC offers valuable insights into medical education, including information on pre-medical requirements, admissions processes, and resources for aspiring physicians.
Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS): PAS is an organization that promotes research and education in the field of pediatrics, offering access to the latest developments and best practices in pediatric medicine.
May God bless you on your journey!
James Constantine Frangos.
Kathan Patel
Doctor
11
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kathan’s Answer
If you're interested in a career in Pediatrics:
Concentrate on science subjects during your high school years, particularly biology and chemistry. These will lay a strong foundation for your pre-medical studies in college.
Seek opportunities to volunteer or observe in healthcare environments that cater to children. This will provide you with invaluable hands-on experience.
Once you get to college, opt for a pre-medical track. Dedicate yourself to your studies to secure a place in medical school, where you'll focus on pediatrics.
Hone your communication skills. As a pediatrician, you'll interact with children and their parents, so being able to communicate effectively is crucial.
Lastly, study for and pass the MCAT exam. This is your ticket into medical school, marking the real start of your journey towards becoming a pediatrician.
Concentrate on science subjects during your high school years, particularly biology and chemistry. These will lay a strong foundation for your pre-medical studies in college.
Seek opportunities to volunteer or observe in healthcare environments that cater to children. This will provide you with invaluable hands-on experience.
Once you get to college, opt for a pre-medical track. Dedicate yourself to your studies to secure a place in medical school, where you'll focus on pediatrics.
Hone your communication skills. As a pediatrician, you'll interact with children and their parents, so being able to communicate effectively is crucial.
Lastly, study for and pass the MCAT exam. This is your ticket into medical school, marking the real start of your journey towards becoming a pediatrician.
Natalie Alegria
Emergency Room Technician
9
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
It's fantastic that you've already chosen a career, especially one that involves working with children. This field needs special individuals with kindness, patience, and understanding. You'll need to attend college, taking many child development courses. It's a smart move to meet with your school counselor. They can help you find the right colleges for your career path. They can also guide you on how to arrange a campus tour at your chosen college. Make sure to discuss with them about your journey towards becoming a pediatrician. If possible, try volunteering at a hospital, ideally in the pediatric unit, or consider babysitting. This will give you a taste of what it's like to work with children.
Mustafa Khan
Neurologist, Theoretical Physicist
36
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mustafa’s Answer
To effectively tackle a large issue, it's helpful to divide it into smaller, manageable tasks. If your aspiration is to become a pediatrician, then you can dissect this into several smaller objectives: 1) Understanding the prerequisites for medical school, 2) Gaining knowledge about pediatrics, 3) Exploring the possibility of switching from pediatrics to another specialty. These smaller objectives will guide your journey towards your ultimate goal.
For the first objective, you need to identify the necessary courses and develop beneficial habits to excel in them. This could include dedication, setting boundaries for social activities, cultivating mental discipline, becoming adept at handling complex questions, fostering a winning mindset, and embracing competition.
The second objective involves discovering ways to expand your knowledge about pediatrics. This could be achieved by observing a practicing pediatrician in a private clinic or hospital, or by reading books about renowned pediatricians.
The third objective encourages you to consider other medical specialties. You can accomplish this by spending time with specialists in their private clinics or hospitals, and by reading books about eminent physicians and the evolution of medicine.
For the first objective, you need to identify the necessary courses and develop beneficial habits to excel in them. This could include dedication, setting boundaries for social activities, cultivating mental discipline, becoming adept at handling complex questions, fostering a winning mindset, and embracing competition.
The second objective involves discovering ways to expand your knowledge about pediatrics. This could be achieved by observing a practicing pediatrician in a private clinic or hospital, or by reading books about renowned pediatricians.
The third objective encourages you to consider other medical specialties. You can accomplish this by spending time with specialists in their private clinics or hospitals, and by reading books about eminent physicians and the evolution of medicine.