By: Lauren De Luca

 Specialize in the care of young people  Conduct physical exams and order tests to diagnose diseases and injuries  Recommend treatment, such as medication, surgery, or rehabilitation  Help patients through difficult times, such as puberty or family problems  Often communicate with social workers, family members, and other health care workers

Work for hospitals, health clinics, government agencies, and colleges Many are self-employed Open own private practice offices, or become partners with other physicians in clinics. Some also work in colleges as professors. Often work 45 to 60 hours a week Administrative work, such as getting involved in teaching or research, can take up a large part of a pediatrician’s day

 Minimum is a bachelor’s degree  Earn Doctor of Medicine degree (MD)  Write Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)  Complete a residency  Specializing in pediatric field requires extra training

 $100,000 to $300,000 a year or more  Depend on location, experience, and hours worked  Subspecialty training leads to higher incomes  Benefits may include: health and life insurance, pension plans, paid vacation, etc.  Pediatricians with successful practice and many years of experience make well over $300,000 a year.

 Have an amazing ability to listen  Must be hardworking  Must be honest, trustworthy, etc  Must like kids  Can make kids feel their best

 It’s a chance to make a lot of money  I like working with kids  Maybe I can make a big difference in children's lives  You get to see your patients grow up  It feels good to help a sick kid feel better

 I would try to become a doctor  I like the medical field, so I wouldn’t do something completely different  Like diagnosing diseases  Like to tell patients their treatments  I’d be glad to make people healthier