Paediatric Medicine
Paediatrics is the study of medicine that works with children. Paediatricians only work with kids because adult bodies work differently than a child's body due to the amount of development each body has had. Being a Paediatrician is a very rewarding profession! A Paediatrician participates in the journey of a child's; health, growth and their illness recovery. A Paediatrician also supports and works with children who may have a debilitating condition.
What do Paediatrician's do?
Paediatricians focus on the health and development of children from when they are born until adolescence. Some Paediatricians choose to specialize in one specific area of the child's body (i.e. neurology, cardiology, development experts, etc.), getting more into detail than a general paediatrician would.
Education Requirements to Become a Paediatrician.
High School credits that are recommended and/or mandatory for some programs leading up to becoming a paediatrician include; Basic Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, calculus if possible) and Humanities (English, and a foreign language).
The next four years in college or university will be the base for Med-School. You can choose to major in Biology or Chemistry which is considered as a Pre Meducation (Premed), or in any other program. In order to get accepted into Med-School, it is recommended to take the following courses during your undergraduate; 1-2 courses of basic biology, 1 course of genetics, 1 course of microbiology, 1 course of molecular biology, 1-2 courses in basic chemistry, 1-2 courses in organic chemistry, 1 course in basic physics and 2 courses in calculus.
The first 2 years of Med School are primarily focused on basic sciences. The second two years are focussed on clinical sciences where you start to get first hand experience with patients (Radiology, Paediatrics, Cardiology, Surgery, etc.). During the third or fourth year, you can choose to specialize in one specific area of science.
The final three years before becoming a Paediatrician are in a Residency. A Residency is paid work experience, where you start to get hands-on with real life patients.
Paediatrics is the study of medicine that works with children. Paediatricians only work with kids because adult bodies work differently than a child's body due to the amount of development each body has had. Being a Paediatrician is a very rewarding profession! A Paediatrician participates in the journey of a child's; health, growth and their illness recovery. A Paediatrician also supports and works with children who may have a debilitating condition.
What do Paediatrician's do?
Paediatricians focus on the health and development of children from when they are born until adolescence. Some Paediatricians choose to specialize in one specific area of the child's body (i.e. neurology, cardiology, development experts, etc.), getting more into detail than a general paediatrician would.
Education Requirements to Become a Paediatrician.
High School credits that are recommended and/or mandatory for some programs leading up to becoming a paediatrician include; Basic Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, calculus if possible) and Humanities (English, and a foreign language).
The next four years in college or university will be the base for Med-School. You can choose to major in Biology or Chemistry which is considered as a Pre Meducation (Premed), or in any other program. In order to get accepted into Med-School, it is recommended to take the following courses during your undergraduate; 1-2 courses of basic biology, 1 course of genetics, 1 course of microbiology, 1 course of molecular biology, 1-2 courses in basic chemistry, 1-2 courses in organic chemistry, 1 course in basic physics and 2 courses in calculus.
The first 2 years of Med School are primarily focused on basic sciences. The second two years are focussed on clinical sciences where you start to get first hand experience with patients (Radiology, Paediatrics, Cardiology, Surgery, etc.). During the third or fourth year, you can choose to specialize in one specific area of science.
The final three years before becoming a Paediatrician are in a Residency. A Residency is paid work experience, where you start to get hands-on with real life patients.
University Admission Requirements:
Dalhousie University (Bachelor of Medical Science)
Costs
College (4 years at $20,000/year): $ 70,000 - $90,000 total
Medical School (4 years at $30,000/year): $110,000 - $130,000 total
Salary
Residency: $ 30,000 - $ 45,000 / year
Starting after Residency: $100,000 - $140,000 / year
Average Paediatrician: $100,000 - $300,000 / year
Working Conditions
Work Setting: Paediatricians can work in a hospital, or in a private clinic.
Work Schedule: Paediatricians work long hours. When first starting as a paediatrician you may work 80- 100 hours per week. If you work in a hospital the typical day starts at 7am and ends at 8 pm. If you own your own practice you can make your own hours.
Work Conditions: Paediatricians are exposed to and can be at risk of catching all kinds of diseases. You get to experience the happiness of saving children's lives, but also the tragedy of not being able to save them.
Dalhousie University (Bachelor of Medical Science)
- English 4U
- Functions 4U
- Calculus and Vectors 4U
- 3 additional 4U or 4M courses
- Minimum total average of 80%
Costs
College (4 years at $20,000/year): $ 70,000 - $90,000 total
Medical School (4 years at $30,000/year): $110,000 - $130,000 total
Salary
Residency: $ 30,000 - $ 45,000 / year
Starting after Residency: $100,000 - $140,000 / year
Average Paediatrician: $100,000 - $300,000 / year
Working Conditions
Work Setting: Paediatricians can work in a hospital, or in a private clinic.
Work Schedule: Paediatricians work long hours. When first starting as a paediatrician you may work 80- 100 hours per week. If you work in a hospital the typical day starts at 7am and ends at 8 pm. If you own your own practice you can make your own hours.
Work Conditions: Paediatricians are exposed to and can be at risk of catching all kinds of diseases. You get to experience the happiness of saving children's lives, but also the tragedy of not being able to save them.
Your Duties as a Paediatrician
Statistics
In 2012, approximately 45,266 people applied to Medical Schools in the United States. However, only about 19,517 got accepted, and less than half of those people actually graduated.
In Canada only about 10% of Medical School students successfully graduate.
- Collect, report, and record any patient information.
- Examine and monitor children frequently to track their growth and development.
- Perform diagnostic tests on the children to determine any possible medical conditions they may have.
- Plan and perform medical aid programs to help patients and families with the child's physical and mental growth and development.
- Prescribe and aid in treatment, medication, therapy, vaccinations, and other programs that can help prevent diseases, illnesses and injuries.
- Recommend the child see a specialist if needed.
- Treat children with minor health problems.
- Research and test medications, treatments, and procedures.
- Possibly operate on the patients to help get rid of the health issue.
- Provide consulting for anyone in need.
- Write reports for the government in regards to births, deaths, statistics, evaluations, or medical status.
Statistics
In 2012, approximately 45,266 people applied to Medical Schools in the United States. However, only about 19,517 got accepted, and less than half of those people actually graduated.
In Canada only about 10% of Medical School students successfully graduate.