What Do Pediatricians Do

Pediatricians examine and treat infants, toddlers and small children. A pediatrician's job is one of the highest paying medical jobs and pediatrics is one of the most respected branches of medical science. What do pediatricians do on the job? Why is it considered a noble profession? Here is an overview of educational requirements and responsibilities of a pediatrician.

Becoming a Pediatrician

If you wish to become a pediatrician, then let me first tell you that to become a pediatrician, you need to have a lot of patience, self-confidence, a strong, compassionate mind and respect for the miracle of life and the power of love. Along with all these personal characteristics, you should be ready to work hard, ready to work for about 80-100 hours per week.

Though becoming a pediatrician is an exciting career opportunity, you should keep it in mind that it takes several years to become a pediatrician. You should begin your preparations right from the school, by participating in high school charity organizations. Graduation, clearing the entrance exams, studying medicine, acquiring as much knowledge as possible through practical training, specialization, undergoing residency training, etc. are some of the milestones which a pediatrician accomplishes throughout college life and training. Pediatrician educational requirements are very high. If you really want to become a pediatrician, it is necessary to know what do pediatricians do on a daily basis.

Pediatrician's Duties and Responsibilities

A neonatologist diagnoses and treats health problems detected in newborn babies in the hospitals. Once the baby is taken home, parents need to consult a pediatrician for whatever health problems the baby develops. Their job description may vary according to workplace, seniority, etc. During an emergency, there are more responsibilities. Duties of a pediatrician depend upon whether he/she is employed in a big city hospital or in a small hospital in a village, whether he/she is running his/her own clinic or hospital. Usually, duties of a pediatrician include

• Diagnosing infections, injuries, dysfunction, disorders and diseases in infants, minors, and adolescents.
• Determining the treatment for the diagnosed diseases in infants and children.
• Treating infants, toddlers and children with minor, acute or chronic health problems.
• Guiding the parents, guardians or community members about diet, daily activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
• Examining not only sick children but also healthy children regularly, for checking their growth and development.
• Collecting, recording, and maintaining medical history and reports of the patients.
• Ordering essential diagnostic tests, performing certain tests.
• Interpreting the test results and analyzing the medical condition. All this is required for correct diagnosis.
• Describing the procedures and explaining the test results to patients, parents or guardians.
• Discussing the available treatment options with patients, parents or guardians.
• Monitoring the effect of treatment, monitoring patient's condition, changing the treatment if necessary, determining correct treatment.
• Prescribing proper medications.
• Suggesting and administering specialized medical care in order to treat or prevent illnesses in infants and small children.
• Suggesting and administering therapies (like physical therapy, massage therapy, etc.) and vaccination.
• Directing patients to medical specialist like heart specialist, oncologist, etc. or other practitioners when necessary.
• Conducting research regarding child anatomy.
• Conducting research regarding side effects, effectiveness, benefits of medications, tests, various procedures and treatments, etc.
• Deciding the duties of other medical and non-medical hospital staff.
• Supervising and coordinating activities of nurses, students, lab technicians, assistants, specialists, therapists, receptionists, etc.
• Operating patients for removal or repair of diseased or injured body parts.
• Giving a helping hand to other physicians and specialists as per requirement.
• Preparing birth or death reports for the government.
• Producing reports which can be helpful in preparing death and disease statistics or medical status of children in the society.
• Designing, administering or implementing health care programs necessary for the proper mental and physical development of children in the hospital as well as society.

A pediatrician's job should not be sought for earning lots of money. This job will give you tremendous job satisfaction; which according to me, is more important. Remember, despite excellent knowledge and dedication, a pediatrician may come across children who won't survive their illness. Along with commitment, you need to have courage to observe dying children and a compassionate mind to give moral or emotional strength to severely ill children. You should be ready to accept the physical and emotional challenges involved in this job. I hope you would prepare well because now, you know what pediatricians do. Abraham Lincoln had said, "A goal properly set is halfway reached". All the best!