Pediatrician
Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in the care of children from birth to early adulthood. They specialize in diseases and illnesses specific to young and growing bodies. Caring for children is distinctly different than caring for adults, since children have unique medical conditions and issues which adults do not face, and their different body size poses some unique treatment challenges.
Many Pediatricians specialize in a specific area of child and youth health. They are called subspecialists. Some examples are pediatric cardiologists (focusing on heart health), pediatric surgeons, pediatric allergists, neonatologists (caring for sick newborns or premature babies), and developmental pediatricians. There are many others.
An Exciting Field of Work
In general, Pediatricians:
- Examine children and assess their health, growth and development
- Diagnose problems such as throat and respiratory infections, communicable diseases, cancer, congenital abnormalities or developmental problems
- Order laboratory tests, x-rays and other diagnostic procedures
- Give babies their immunization shots
- Prescribe medications and provide treatments
- Refer patients to other specialists for more specialized care when necessary
- Give parents advice on how to treat and prevent illness
- Provide advice on children health and issues such as injury prevention, nutrition, physical activity, and behaviour
- Research and evaluate treatment measures
- Act as consultants for other physicians
- Act as advocates for children and youth
Personal Characteristics / Skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Must enjoy working with children and their families
- Excellent Listening skills and willingness to learn from patients
- Emotional strength and maturity
- Diplomacy, sensitivity and compassion
- Capacity and eagerness to learn new skills and information
Education and Training
A bachelor of science and a Medical Doctor (MD) degree from a school of medicine accredited program followed by a specialization in Pediatrics is required.
Education program offered in New Brunswick
Medical Education programs are offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institutions:
- Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) – English program
- Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick – French program
Length of Study / Training
12.0 - 13.0 years
Licence and certification
To practice in New Brunswick, Pediatricians must be licensed with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick.
Helpful High School Courses
- Math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Employment and Common Working Conditions
Pediatricians work in a variety of settings, such as:
- Private practice
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Universities and Medical schools
Pediatricians often work long hours; It may involve being on-call and able to work at short notice to handle emergencies, including evenings and weekends. Pediatrics work can be very rewarding, but also frustrating at times. A Pediatrician must work not only with the sick patient, but with parents and other family members who may be extremely concerned.
Employment Prospects - GOOD
It is anticipated that there will continue to be a high demand for Pediatrician due to our aging population and upcoming retirement.