Pediatricians, General

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To improve the quality of life of a child is immensely rewarding. Pediatricians combine science, technology, compassion, and people skills in a unique profession tasked with providing medical care for infants, children, and young adults. Pediatricians are physicians who diagnose, treat and help prevent children’s diseases and injuries, from birth through young adulthood. At clinics, they regularly see patients for “well-child” visits where they check to see if kids are growing and developing appropriately, as well as ensuring children receive necessary vaccines and health tests such as hearing and vision screening. Pediatricians also see children when they are sick, and prescribe medications or other treatment. These physicians work with the whole family to design treatment plans and provide the knowledge and support that is needed to care for a child. While most pediatricians work in doctors’ offices; others care for patients in hospitals. Pediatricians may specialize in different areas such as pediatric surgery or autoimmune disorders. After college, pediatricians complete 4 years of medical school, followed by 3 years of residency training in general pediatrics. Pediatricians may seek additional training in a specialty field.