Being a pediatrician is a rewarding profession, but have you ever wondered what it takes to become one?
Jamie Kondis, MD, a Washington University pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, talks about how to become a medical practitioner who specializes in taking care of kiddos.
• The first step is a four-year bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field of study.
• After earning a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need a four-year degree from a medical school.
• After medical school, many doctors will choose to specialize in a particular field, such as pediatrics. Most specializations require a three-year program known as a residency.
At this point, a general pediatrician has worked and studied for 11 years. Some pediatricians go on to specialize in specific fields of pediatric medicine. For example, you may take your child to a pediatric gastroenterologist for stomach issues or a pediatric pulmonologist for respiratory issues.
And remember, you can check any pediatrician’s credits and certifications on the American Board of Pediatrics website at abp.org.
Need help finding a pediatrician? We are here to assist. Learn more about what factors to consider when choosing a provider.
