Pediatrician Taylor J. Rayborn 1st Block 11-24-2009

Becoming a Pediatrician To become a Pediatrician ; it takes long years of school. Four years of college, four years of medical school, and at least two to three years of internship or residency school.

During college…. During my junior year of college, I will: take the MCAT or Medical College Admissions Test (April) begin completing applications to the Medical Schools that you are interested in attending (May) request letters of recommendation from your college professors (May) retake the MCAT if you didn't do well (August)

College Courses…. one or two years of Biology, including labs (8 to 14 semesters) one year of physics, including labs (8 semester hours) one year of English (6 semester hours) two years of chemistry, including one year of organic chemistry, and labs (16 semester hours) One year of calculus (6 semester hours) MAY VARY DUE TO DIFFERENT MED SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS !

IMPORTANCE OF MATH TO AN EVERYDAY LIFE OF A PEDIATRICIAN ! The Metric System ; the children's growth in terms of pounds, inches, and feet but most calculations in medicine are done using the metric system. Medication dosages ; The average pediatrician writes prescriptions everyday. They range from antibiotics and cough to cold medicines to drugs to treat asthma and allergies, the dosage for most of these medicines are determined by a child’s weight. IV Fluids ; They use math to calculate a child’s rate of intravenous fluids. Body Mass Index ; Help determine if a child is overweight, underweight, or at a healthy rate.

Short Term Goal A way I could reach this goal in the next year is by graduating high school.

Midrange Goal A way I can reach my midrange goal in the next four years is by attending a four year university.

Long-range Goal The goal that will take me to this career is by after attending a four year university I will attend four years of high school and two additional years of residency school.

The debt of reaching my goal ! Depending on whether I go to a public or private medical school, I might pay from $24,553 to $37,445 a year, and I will likely end up with an average of about $90,745 in debt.

What does a pediatrician do ? Pediatricians basically focus on the physical, emotional, and social health of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults from birth to 21 years. Developmentally oriented and trained in skilled assessment, their patient-care lens is focused on prevention, detection, and management skills of physical, behavioral, developmental , and social problems that affect children. Pediatricians diagnose and treat infections, injuries, and many types of organic disease and dysfunction. They work to reduce infant and child mortality, foster healthy lifestyles, and ease the day-to-day difficulties of those with chronic conditions. With structured evaluation and early intervention, pediatricians identify and address developmental and behavioral problems that result from exposure to psychosocial stressors. They appreciate the vulnerability of childhood and adolescence, and actively advocate for measures to protect their health and safety.'

A Typical Pediatrician Works 54 hours a week ; with most time in direct patient care .

A Typical Pediatrician Sees 95 patients a week

A Typical Pediatrician Works in group practice (only 10% of Pediatricians are in solo practice)

A Typical Pediatrician Works in an urban area.

A Typical Pediatrician A Pediatrician’s income is usually based on years of experience, location, specialty, and the type of facility. 1-2 years $135,000 3 or more $175,000 Maximum $271, 000

Licensing and Credentialing In all 50 states and the U.S. Territories Physicians are regulated. The usual method to be a credentialed and licensed Pediatric Physician is : Posses the amount of training and/or a degree from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy. Complete an internship as a pediatric intern/resident. Pass a national exam Apply for a licensure in the state you wish to participate in.

Two Types of Physicians…. There are two types of physicians: M.D.—Doctor of Medicine—and D.O.—Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. M.D.s also are known as allopathic physicians. While both M.D.s and D.O.s may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, D.O.s place special emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care. D.O.s are more likely than M.D.s to be primary care specialists although they can be found in all specialties. About half of D.O.s practice general or family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics.