Different Types of Jobs for Pediatricians
Pediatricians supervise and carry out the medical care of newborns, infants and children through adolescence. A pediatrician may specialize in a specific area of medical practice once she determines her personal preferences and overall aptitude. All physicians receive similar initial medical training to become doctors. Upon completion of medical school, pediatricians undergo three years of residency, then specialists go through an additional three-year program for certification in their areas of specialization.
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General Practitioners
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The majority of pediatricians fall into the category of general practitioners of medicine. These doctors hold Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees. As primary care providers, they typically offer routine medical care, such as performing checkups and administering vaccinations. They often care for patients throughout childhood, treating the illnesses and minor injuries incurred along the way. According to the Physician Compensation Survey conducted by the American Medical Group Association, in 2009 the average annual salary for a general practitioner in pediatrics was $202,832.
Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialists
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Pediatric sports medicine specialists diagnose, treat and manage symptoms and conditions related to sports injuries. These injuries and conditions include tendinitis, minor bone fractures, concussions, apophysitis and dislocations. Because children's bodies are still growing, they can require different treatment for the same injuries experienced by adults. According to the Physician Compensation Survey conducted by the American Medical Group Association, in 2009 the average annual salary for a doctor of sports medicine was $214,249.
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Pediatric Cardiologists
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Pediatric cardiologists diagnose and manage heart conditions in children. Pediatric heart surgeons perform surgeries to correct both congenital defects and acquired heart problems in children and sometimes adults. These surgeons are required to have a five-year residency followed by four years of training in pediatric heart surgery. Operable pediatric heart conditions include valve problems, abnormal blood vessels, injuries and defects. According to the Physician Compensation Survey conducted by the American Medical Group Association, in 2009 the average annual salary for a pediatric cardiologist was $244,944.
Childhood Neurologists
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Children who are prone to seizures, weakness, delayed speech or headaches may receive treatment from childhood neurologists. These doctors handle all conditions involving the nervous system, constituted of the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves. Specific conditions include epilepsy, febrile convulsions, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and autism spectrum disorders. These doctors generally work as part of a medical team of pediatricians who treat children with special needs. These doctors make approximately $209,955 annually.
Pediatric Anesthesiologists
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Pediatric anesthesiologists administer and regulate general anesthesia and sedation to provide effective pain relief for children who undergo surgery and radiation therapy. They work with many intravenous solutions and determine the best anesthetics to administer to individual children based on their combined medical needs and conditions. All pediatric anesthesiologists complete a minimum of one year of training specifically in proper techniques to provide care for children. According to SalaryList.com, in 2010 the average annual salary for a pediatric anesthesiologist was $222,647.
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