Paediatrics is the study of children's diseases. Paediatricians
are doctors who have a detailed knowledge and understanding of
diseases in children. They are skilled in looking at health and
ill-health in babies, children and adolescents, and at specific
health issues, diseases and disorders related to these stages of
growth and development.
Paediatrics is diverse, stimulating and is hugely rewarding. It is
an area of medicine where a paediatrician works with the patient
and their whole family. Paediatrics is exciting, forward thinking
and flexible - allowing doctors to train less than full time
to meet their family or other commitments.
There are a huge range of
sub-specialties
: for example you may be working in a
general paediatric unit, where you will see children with a wide
range of conditions. Or you may be working in a specialised unit
dealing with premature babies, children in intensive care or
children who need dialysis. You could be involved with children in
a community based setting, such as
neurodisability
or palliative
care.
Attractions
Children are constantly changing in terms of growth and
development and this adds a fascinating dimension to disease
management.
Paediatrics is:
- Intellectually challenging and rewarding.
- A family orientated specialty
- Forward looking in the way is has embraced flexible training
and working. About 17% of consultants work part-time.
- Offers enormous opportunities in social and ethical aspects of
health care.
- Working in a Multi-disciplinary team for example you may work
with physiotherapists, speech therapists, dieticians or specialist
nurses
- To be an advocate for infants and children
Challenges
The work of a paediatrician can be complex and involve hard work
but can lead to a highly rewarding career. Also consultant
paediatricians provide good support and supervision which allows
trainees to develop skills without feeling vulnerable.
You need to:
- Be a good communicator who enjoys working with children, young
people and their families.
- Work well in a team - this is crucial
- Have a good sense of humour.
- Have the potential to make a good diagnosis. This is important
because infants and children often present with illness which they
may not be able to describe.
- Emotional resilience, patience and sensitivity are needed when
managing critical illness or disabilities in infants and
children.
- An aptitude for managing neonatal and paediatric emergencies is
required as well.
