Specialty Designation
Residency
Specialty Code
320
Type
Specialty
Specialty Description

Pediatricians practice the specialty of medical science concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases.

Completing training
2950
With known plans
2718
Pursuing more training
1352
Practicing in the US
928
Group practice
509
In same specialty
765
In same state as program
405
In NHSC or similar underserved area
33
Academician
401
Full-time
391
Military
21
Non-clinical research
5
Non-medical career/left country
7
Unemployed
4
Academic year
2022
Number of accredited programs
213
Length of accredited training
3
Minimum number of prior years required
0
Offers graduate year 1 positions, available immediately upon medical school completion
Yes
Average number of PY1 interviews
202.00
Percent of programs requiring Step 1 score for interview
85.90
Percent of programs requiring Level 1 score (for DOs) for interview
74.60
Total number of active residents/fellows
9329.00
Average number of residents/fellows
43.70
Average percent female
73.40
Average percent international medical graduates
29.20
Average percent DOs
21.70
Average number of full-time physician faculty
117.40
Average number of part-time physician faculty
16.00
Average percent female full-time physician faculty
56.70
Average ratio of full-time physician faculty to resident/fellow
2.80
Average hours on duty per week
61.80
Average maximum consecutive hours on duty
20.80
Average days off duty per week
1.30
Average percent of training in hospital outpatient clinics
31.80
Average percent of training in non-hospital ambulatory care community settings
12.30
Average number of days of vacation
20.40
Average resident/fellow compensation
61655.21
Specialty Overview

What is a pediatrician?

Pediatricians practice the specialty of medical science concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. Pediatricians understand the many factors that affect the growth and development of children. They understand that children are not simply small adults. Children change rapidly, and they must be approached with an appreciation for their stage of physical and mental development.

How to become a pediatrician?

Specialty training required prior to certification: Three years

What does a pediatrician do?

Developmentally oriented and trained in skilled assessment, pediatricians’ patient-care lenses are focused on prevention, detection and management 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.

The ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, teachers and social service professionals is key to effective pediatric care. Pediatricians collaborate with pediatric subspecialists and other medical and surgical specialists in the treatment of complex diseases and disorders. They work closely with other health professionals concerned with the emotional needs of children. They advise educators and child care professionals. They are major advocates for access to care and a medical home for all children.

Opportunities for graduates of pediatric residencies are diverse and numerous:

  • Ninety-one percent of residents seeking a general practice position report obtaining one of their two most desired position.

  • Training in general pediatrics is also the portal for careers in the pediatric subspecialties. Because many pediatric subspecialties are currently experiencing workforce shortages or are anticipated to experience such shortages in the near future, a healthy supply of graduates of general pediatrics residency programs is essential to ensure an adequate pediatric subspecialty workforce.

Flexible jobs are more common in pediatrics than in any other specialty:

  • Pediatrics is at the forefront of the trend toward more flexible work arrangements for physicians. Thirty-eight percent of graduating pediatric residents apply for part-time work and more than half—one in five graduating pediatric residents— accept a part-time position. Data indicate that 26 percent of pediatricians versus 14 percent of all physicians have worked part time at some point in their careers.

  • Pediatrics is a specialty that offers a broad spectrum of rewarding career options. Pediatricians are free  to choose one or more practice settings and styles and they may pursue a wide variety of interests. Generalist pediatricians are needed now and in the future to serve as educators, mentors, hospitalists and researchers. Rewarding careers are also available in public health, international health, health policy and administrative leadership.

Association

American Academy of Pediatrics
345 Park Blvd
Itasca, IL 60143
(888) 227-1770 Toll Free US & Canada
(630) 626-6000 Outside US & Canada
https://www.aap.org/

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Grad Year
2022