Becoming a pediatric pulmonologist requires hard work, good grades in math and science, and completing fellowships in pediatrics and pediatric pulmonology. It takes approximately 14 years from the start of college, and requires comfort working with children.
The pediatric pulmonologist specializes in the care of children suffering from diseases that affect the respiratory system or airways. This medical discipline is staffed by a small number of physicians, while some of the illnesses it treats, such as childhood asthma, commonly occur. This could mean that the specialty will be in high demand in private practice or in hospitals, and many people would like to know how to become a part of this field. Simply put, people can become a pediatric pulmonologist with hard work, success in college and medical school, and then completing back-to-back fellowships that provide the specialized training needed.
People should start early in training to become a pediatric pulmonologist, focusing on getting good grades in math and science in high school. This can help with admission to more prestigious colleges, which in turn can increase the chances of medical school acceptance. Note that in some systems college and medical school are combined, although the duration of training is approximately the same hour as when they are not. If high school grades are lacking, students may consider attending a community college to take necessary remedial courses. With good grades at community colleges, many people are accepted to excellent universities.
In undergraduate work, people will have a few majors to choose from, including things like biology, premed, microbiology, or biochemistry. The focus should remain on getting excellent grades and in places like the US preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Scores partially determine the likelihood of being accepted to medical school.
Once in medical school, people study for three years and complete a year of internship. At that point, they become doctors, but many people choose to continue their studies. The first area of study to become a pediatric pulmonologist is pediatrics. People will need to do a three-year fellowship in pediatrics before studying pulmonology. In this specialty, there are still many chances to study children’s respiratory conditions, which can help in work later.
The second scholarship to become a pediatric pulmonologist is in pediatric pulmonology. Here, doctors will learn everything they need to know to become experts in this field. Both fellowships are likely to require work and significant clinical practice in hospital settings, and physicians can expect long hours and high demand while learning in this field. Upon completion of both fellowships, which are not held concurrently, physicians may apply to the appropriate board for certification.
Many pediatric specialties require a significant time commitment. The person who wants to become a pediatric pulmonologist will definitely need to be prepared for lengthy studies and practices: approximately 14 years from the start of college. It is also advised that pediatric specialists are comfortable working with children, as this is a unique population with different needs than the adult population. Those who are not interested in the problems and challenges the child presents may want to consider a path into adult pulmonology.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
