Asking all Pediatricians........................................?

Question

Im a student currently in highschool and contemplating on a future in pediatrics. What's your opinon?

How is your life style?
Do you have a family?
Whats your salary?
How many years of schooling is it? I've heard 11
What's the best university in Canada for a medical degree?

Answers are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

Hey,

Thanks for the three responses. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me a little bit of insight. You've instilled more determination in me and for that I thank you. I seem to be set with a career in the medical field and with the answers you have provided, pediatrics seems right.

Thanks again,

Future MD

Answer 2

Well, I'm not a physician myself, but my lover is, maybe I can answer some of these:

His life style: busy, energetic, stressful, always-on-the-go, get-phone-calls-at-night
Do we have a family: Yes, two daughters and a son. I think he feels that he misses out on some of his children's activities, but sometimes its almost as rewarding to have the child narrate home video for dad when he gets home.
His job is a family committment, and that may be something you want to take into consideration... Scheduling family vacations can be tough, he can't simply 'take the afternoon off' when the kids/pets/family is sick, he was at a different hospital in the operating room when I gave birth to our youngest.

What is his salary: about 170K before taxes
How many years of schooling: After highschool: 4 years to get undergraduate (bachelors) degree, 4 years of medical school, 3 years residency, 2 year fellowship (optional, he's in pediatric oncology as a specialty)

Best university in Canada- Can't help you there.
University of New Mexico (in the states) is a very high quality university that is a little more relaxed and comfortable than a lot of other universities in the USA.

I hope this helps some.

Good luck in your decision making.

Answer 3

Life style issues are more in the forefront of today's medical graduates. In pediatrics there is a trend away from complete 24 hour coverage and referring those in need to urgent care centers, at least in the larger cities. Night and week-end call in a large pediatric practice is close to full-time work, much of which is not remunerated.

Yes pediatricians have families. Salaries are lower than the average specialist, but still quite comfortable. Basic residency takes three years after medical school.

I'm not Canadian, but I've heard good things about McGill and Laval. A distant relative received her MD from Queens in Kingston.

Answer 4

I am a Neonatologist a branch of Pediatrics that concerns itself with diseases of the newborn. Neonatologists usually work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU).

On average I work more than the average Pediatrician as my practice in hospital based. Pediatric practice is mostly office based or outpatient.

I have a grown family and was able to generate enough time for my family responsibilities. In the US Income for general pediatricians ranges from $ 150-300K annually. I am unfamiliar with Canadian salaries.

Pediatrician: 4-years Undergraduate(college or university)
4- years Medical school
3- years Pediatric Residency

Good luck