I would like to become a doctor working in neonatal intensive care. What would be required of me?

Question

In other words, what's the best way to achieve this goal and are there any special requirements?

Answer 1

Special requirements?  Really, really hard work and an ability to think quickly and handle emergencies, as well as incredible manual dexterity (threading an IV into a preemie is not easy).

Neonatologists' training includes college (four years), med school (four years), and six years in residency (three years of general pediatric training followed by a three year fellowship in neonatology.  (This is in the US--if you are elsewhere, the schooling may vary somewhat.)

Other specialties may consult in the NICU, including mine, but it's the neonatologists who are in charge.  It's a very difficult job, but an incredibly important one.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

you need to have a strong stomach!

Answer 3

to start, about 12 years of college/grad school.

then about a few years of interning, possibly less. im not sure, i just know a loooong time of schooling for sure. and a lot of money, to pay for school! lol, a reeeeeal lot!

but its very much so worth it in the end. great financial stability, the ability to care for and help babies.... priceless.