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What does a Pediatrician do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of children. They provide medical care for children from birth until they reach adulthood.

Pediatrician job duties include:

  • Diagnose and treat common childhood illnesses, such as ear infections, strep throat, and bronchitis
  • Prescribe and interpret diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood tests, and MRIs
  • Counsel parents on childrearing and development issues
  • Promote healthy lifestyles for children and adolescents
  • Manage chronic childhood conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity
  • Perform physical examinations of infants, children, and adolescents
  • Order and interpret immunization tests
  • Prescribe medications to treat childhood illnesses and injuries
  • Refer patients to specialists as needed

Pediatrician Job Requirements

A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of children. To become a pediatrician, you must complete four years of medical school and three years of residency training in pediatrics. You must also pass a national board exam. In some states, you may need to obtain a license to practice medicine. Many pediatricians also choose to complete a fellowship in a subspecialty of pediatrics, such as cardiology or oncology.

Pediatrician Skills

  • Patience
  • Communication
  • Observation
  • Listening
  • Empathy
  • Flexibility
  • Problem-solving
  • Organization
  • Multi-tasking
  • Detail-oriented
  • Stress management

Related: Top Pediatrician Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Pediatrician

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases.

To become a pediatrician, you will need to complete four years of medical school and three years of residency training in pediatrics. You will also need to pass the Medical Licensing Examination. After completing your training, you will be eligible to apply for certification by the American Board of Pediatrics.

The path to becoming a pediatrician can be long and challenging, but it is also immensely rewarding. As a pediatrician, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. If you are passionate about helping others and have a strong interest in child health, then a career as a pediatrician may be the right choice for you.

Related: Pediatrician Resume Example

Related: Pediatrician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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