Choose paediatrics

A career in paediatrics offers opportunities in research, public health and volunteering overseas - and a chance to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people. If you're a medical student or foundation doctor, or are considering changing your path, find out more about this varied, dynamic specialty.

So, why choose paediatrics?

Three young people recently asked a group of paediatricians just what got them into this specialty... What are the important qualities they need? What is great about the profession? How are they fun and effective?

Information for medical students

Information for foundation doctors

Explore career options at our free events

We regularly host events for foundation doctors and medical students, with 1:1 sessions, practical workshops, discussion of the recruitment and application process - and lunch! Our next available event is in York in January.

Our next event

Meet your local student society

If you're at medical school, why not join your paediatric society, a friendly group of fellow students interested in the specialty! We work closely with UK Aspiring Paediatricians Society, connecting these groups and sharing ideas.

List of societies on UKAPS website

Help inspire the next generation

Currently working in paediatrics? Medicine offers students and junior doctors a vast array of specialty choices... How can we help get paediatrics to the top of that list? Our Assistant Officer for Training and Trainee Representative for Recruitment look at what we can do.

Simon and Emma's blog

"I was more energised, more focused, happier"

Raj Kainth explains why he started working less than full time to spend more time with his family, and how - working through the challenges - it has made him a better doctor.

Read Raj's blog

"Seeing shocking deprivation will stay with me forever"

When Gayle Hann was 18 years old, she joined volunteers renovating an orphanage in Romania. It's led her down a path to being a named doctor for child protection.

Read Gayle's blog

"We are the last true generalists"

When asked why he chose to work in this specialty, it got Dave Beattie thinking... He thinks training in paediatrics gives one of the few ways to truly stay general in the medical profession.

Read Dave's blog

Has it all been easy? No. But it brings me joy

We asked eight paediatricians to share their motivations for choosing paediatrics and what being a paediatrician means to them.

Join us as a member (it's free for students and FY doctors!)

You don't have to be training in paediatrics to start your College membership.

You can sign up for email updates, access our career support services, get discounts on our courses, and have a voice at the College.

Become a student member

Become a foundation doctor member

What do children and young people want from their doctor?

Caring... Respectful... Good at making things easy to understand...

We asked children and young people from Enniskillen, St Albans and Brighton what makes the best paediatrician. Could this be you?