Career Fact Sheet Summary

Name: Selena Andrews Points Possible: 625

Due Date: 10-28-13 Points Earned:

I.

Career Area/Job Title:

My Career Area Is a Pediatrician

II.

Required Education and Training

After passing out from high school, pediatricians are required to earn a doctoral degree, such as a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

III. Skills and Aptitudes Required

Strong communication skills are necessary for listening and speaking to patients. Your patients may have experienced a great deal of trauma in their short lives, and it's essential that you're empathetic and motivated to help others. Problem-solving skills will help you deal with difficult patients and develop effective treatment plans for each child in your care. Analytical skills will make analyzing and identifying your patient's issues and needs easier. On a personal level, you should be trustworthy and kind. Many of your patients may fear or distrust you at first because of experiences they've had with adults in their lives, and it's essential that you conduct yourself in a way that makes them feel at ease and safe with you.

IV. Starting Salary and Future Earnings

The bottom 10 percent of pediatricians took home $84,840 or less a year, while the top 10 percent of these medical doctors earned more than $166,000 a year.

V.

Work Environment
Pediatricians work indoors in places that are well lit and comfortable. Most pediatricians work in an office environment, mostly in group practice, where several physicians join together to practice. Pediatricians also commonly work solo or in two-physician practices. The fewer physicians working in an office, the more responsibilities there are

in terms of supervising support staff, patient caseload and being on call to answer patients' emergencies as they arise. On the whole, though, office work environments are comfortable

VI. Duties/Responsibilities
Treat, and help prevent children's diseases and injuries. Responsible for examining, diagnosing and treating children with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses.

VII. Helpful Personality Traits for this Field

- Good-natured personality - Sensitive - Easy-going for medical people - Ability to accept delayed gratification - Enjoy high level of interaction and direct care for people - Tolerant of the faults of others - Comfortably around children (in general, but even when they are sick in particular) - Enjoy a variety of activities - Be outgoing - Accepting of schedule disruptions - Enjoy teaching people

VIII. Employment Outlook

Pediatricians offer a valuable service to humanity by treating children from infant age into early adulthood. It seems as no surprise that many doctors who are determining a specialty choose a career in pediatrics. The pediatrician career outlook seems very solid.