General Pediatrician Maria Mathew JOB DESCRIPTION Pediatricians treat

General Pediatrician Maria Mathew

JOB DESCRIPTION • Pediatricians treat all types of infectious childhood diseases • Because many of the patients have not developed communication skills, pediatricians must be able to provide a diagnosis based on visual and auditory indicators/factors • Most work full-time (around 60 hours per week) and those who work in hospitals or clinics usually work in shift rotations and on on-call

EDUCATION PROCESS • 4 years of College • 4 years of Medical School • Training: Residency (3 – 8 years) • Must also pass United States Medical Licensing exam

CAREER INFORMATION • Work in children’s hospitals, family health practices, HMOs, and private practices • Can work in any area of the country with hospitals and practices • Average starting salary: $135, 000 • Average ten-year salary: $1, 440, 000

WORKING CONDITIONS Hazards / risks: • increased spread of germs and possibility of catching infections and diseases • Working with difficult parents is said to be one of the most stressful parts of the job, especially for pediatricians who handle emergencies Nature of the work: • Pediatricians should have good organizational and stress management skills as they have many concerns to deal with while caring for patients

CAREER OUTLOOK & TURNOVER RATE • In May 2015 there was a reported 28, 660 general pediatricians employed in the US • According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupational category of surgeons and physicians (which pediatricians are grouped in) is projected to have a 14% increase in jobs from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than average • Turnover rate: The turnover rate for pediatricians is slowly rising as the economy gets better, as more physicians feel secure about their investments and deny job opportunities

RELATED OCCUPATIONS • Family and General Physician • OB/GYN • Surgeon • Anesthesiologist • General Internists • Psychiatrist • Allergists