Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Pediatrics

Nature of the work

A pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases.

Pediatricians can receive training in the following subspecialties:

Training/residency information

Following graduation from medical school, pediatricians complete 3 years of education in a pediatric residency program. The 3-year residency includes mandated rotations in general pediatrics, normal newborn care, and time in selected subspecialty areas. Up to 3 additional years of training are required to be certified in a subspecialty.

Workforce and salary information

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, opportunities for pediatricians have increased and will continue to increase with the growth of managed care. Annual income of primary care pediatricians is comparable with other primary care physicians and ranges from approximately $142,917 to $195,000.

For more information

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Board of Pediatrics

Source: The American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Board of Pediatrics, and the "2006 Physician Compensation Survey," Modern Healthcare. July 17, 2006. (Based on surveys conducted by American Medical Group Association; Cejka Search; Daniel Stern & Associates; Delta Physician Placement; Hay Group; Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service; Jackson & Coker; Martin, Fletcher & Associates; MD Network; Medical Group Management Association; Medicus Partners; Merritt, Hawkins & Associates; Pcific Cos.; Pinnacle Helaht Group; and Sullivan, Cotter & Associates.)

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