Career Information

1. What can students do in the 1st and 2nd years to explore and/or prepare for this career? First volunteer in any program related to working with children to determine if you even like being around and handling youngster. Then talk with those working in the field such as pediatric residents, faculty, practicing pediatricians, researchers, etc.

Consider observing someone in practice for a day. Meeting with the pediatric clerkship director and/or the pediatric residency director for more formal and specific information regarding training options and opportunities.

2. What common variations exist in the length/content of residency programs for this career? The basic program is three years. There are "fast track" opportunities for those wishing to go into certain subspecialty fellowship programs such as neurology, dermatology or radiology. Most programs also have some ability to individualize training programs to accommodate personal needs such as family leave or academic needs such as a leave to participate in an exciting enrichment project, etc.

3. What common variations exist in this career after training? The gamut! Pediatricians have developed careers in general pediatrics, all the subspecialties, health policy and public health, economics, advocacy, general academia, alternative medicine, media, children's literature, safety, pharmaceutical, social issues, environmental health, etc., etc.

4. What is a typical work day for you (or someone else representative)? Variable and easily definable according to individual needs and desires.

5. What is the "culture" of this career?

6. How compatible is this career with raising a family? How is this different for men and women? Very compatible with raising a family. As in most professions, women pediatricians generally take on the bulk of the family responsibilities and as a result often work part time.

7. How important, individually, are each the following for admission to a competitive program:

a. Extra-curricular/volunteer work? very important
b. Research/publications? helpful but not a requirement
c. Honors in third year? important
d. AOA? important
e. A sub-internship? helpful but not a requirement. A student who has done outstanding work during clerkships is just as competitive as those who have had a subinternship. Students should make a decision to subinternship based on their individual academic needs.
f. An externship? same as e
g. (Other important elements to the application?) Recommendation letters should primarily be from those faculty, mentors, supervisors who have worked closely with the student and know the student well enough to write a "meaningful", substantive letter and not just a summary of the student's academic performance or his/her resume.

8. What are the most important qualities or character traits for a person in this field? In addition to liking children and their families, pediatricians are generally compassionate, forgiving and flexible. It is important to be nonjudgemental, to be able to stay focused as the child's advocate first and foremost. One needs to be knowlegeable and accepting of a variety of family constellations, lifestyles and cultural differences. Being a team player, that is, willingness to work constructively with a variety of other healthcare providers.

9. How competitive are the residency programs in this field? In recent years there has been a significant increase in student interest in pediatrics as reflected by the volume of applications. However, I would not discourage students from applying if their interest is strong as there are many high quality programs. Students may need to be willing to make compromises in such areas as geographic location or size of the program.

10. How competitive is the job market after residency? In certain locations jobs are not easily available (such as the Bay Area) but there are many geographic locations where there is a dirth of pediatricians. Also relevant is the type of career the pediatrician has developed. In general there is not an overall oversupply of pediatricians in this country.

11. What programs would you consider to be in the 1st tier, 2nd tier, and 3rd tier? I would refer this question to the clerkship and residency directors. Since all programs students should be considering are ones that are nationally accredited, it becomes a matter of matching the student's individual needs to the program, much like how one chose medical school or college.

12. What resources (web, books, etc, besides the AMA and AAMC sites) would you recommend for students interested in learning more about this field? These days most programs have websites that may be helpful to students. However, in my opinion the best resource remains personal contact with residents (especially those you know) who are currently in programs of interest. Residents tend to be incredibly honest and their input can be especially valuable if the student is personally acquainted with the resident. I would also encourage students to take advantage of the available career advisors, especially if they are considering several medical specialty areas.