Being a pediatrician?

Question

I just went to highschool , infact one year is over already. Im still sortta early for college but i think its time i decided.

i have always loved to be a pediatrician. i mean, I love kids, no matter what type they are. but should i go for it?

I mean this is what i will be doing for the rest of my life, what qualifications do i need? I am quite a smart student, but im sorrta confused.

Answer 1

i would go for it. i'm a junior in high school and i also want to be a pediatrician.  in 8th grade we had to do a research project on a job for school and that's what i picked.  you need to go to college to at least get a B.A degree and then you go to medical school and complete 4 year there, but the last two you are actually in an office learning the practice.  you'll need a good study habit or know how to memorize things, and i would suggest studying prefixes that they use, because last year in biology that was a requirement that we had to do, we would get a list of prefixes and every week we would be quizzed on 15 of them, and that's really helped me with word origins and meanings of words.  

long story short: go for it, there's a growing need for them and they'll always be needed and you get to help people. once you finish the schooling, it'll be worth it.

p.s the qualifications differ depending on your pediatric specialty.  to become a basic pediatrician you'll need to know diseases and stuff like that, if you go into a speciality you'll need more training.

Answer 2

You will need to keep your grades up in high school and enroll in a medical school (college) for a four year medical degree then you will have to take another two years if you plan on specializing (Pediatrics is a specialty and requires more education)

Answer 3

Well, I don't have a good answer for you but I do want you to know that your question was noticed. And I think that becoming a pediatrician is a wonderful decision! I am sure that you already know it is important to do your best in school. Pay close attention in health, child development, science, and all other classes. (Even if art class doesn't seem relevant to caring for sick kids - the knowledge you gain there might help you make a nervous patient feel more at ease!)

When you start college, your adviser will be able to help you pick the right classes for your degree. Just keep in mind that you will be dealing with all kinds of people. Not only the sweet little kid who thinks the world of you for giving her a lollipop. You will also deal with neglectful parents and sometimes you will not be able to help as much as you want. And at times - you will deal with very sick children who win over your heart then pass away. I don't want to be negative, just making sure you have an idea of what you will be getting into. ... But if you are willing to put yourself through seeing stuff like that in order to help children - then I say go for it!

If you aren't 100% sure, I suggest starting as an LVN or possibly even a nurse aid then working your way up. (actually, that would probably be a good idea either way - you gotta support yourself somehow while in school! unless you are fortunate enough to have parents who are eager to support you into your mid or late 20s)