What is the Typical Length of a Pediatrician Career?
Pediatricians are physicians who specialize in the medical care of children, adolescents, and young adults. Becoming a pediatrician requires a lengthy educational process, detailed supervision and training, and a commitment to providing quality care for children. As such, a pediatrician’s career may last many years.
Undergraduate Degree
To begin a career in pediatric care, a person must first earn a bachelor’s degree in a pre-medicine field such as biology or chemistry. Most schools require 4 to 5 years of coursework in these topics, though some students may opt for a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in one of these fields.
Medical School
After completing the undergraduate degree, prospective pediatricians must then attend medical school. This usually requires 4 additional years of education and training as a medical student. This involves completing medical school courses, and participating in clinical experiences and rotations. Medical students may have the option to specialize and focus their medical school experience on pediatrics.
Medical Residency and Fellowship
Following medical school, prospective pediatricians must gain formal experience by working in a medical residency or fellowship program. Pediatrician trainees often have the option to participate in either a
2-year fellowship in a pediatric subspecialty or a
3-year pediatric residency in a hospital or clinic setting offering pediatric care.
Pediatrician Career Length
In total, a pediatrician’s career path may take 11 to 15 years of training and education. This includes 4 years of undergraduate coursework in a pre-medicine field, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 7 additional years of fellowship and/or residency training.
Career Highlights
Throughout the course of their career, pediatricians may have the opportunity to engage in many rewarding activities. These could include:
- Conducting research to advance the understanding of pediatric medicine
- Providing care to children of all ages
- Making a positive difference in the lives of children and families
- Networking and collaborating with other health care professionals
- Advising and mentoring other medical students/residents/fellows
Pediatricians are essential healthcare providers in today’s society, and their lengthy career paths demonstrate their commitment to the care of children. With its numerous educational, professional and medical opportunities, a career in pediatrics can be immensely rewarding and fulfilling.
