Choose paediatrics

Sometimes tough, but always rewarding - there's no job quite like paediatrics. Whether you're just thinking about a medical career or are ready to apply for specialty training, explore our top tips, blogs and videos and see how you can #ChoosePaediatrics

Young girl in hospital gets her teddy bear's heart rate checked

For medical students

Curious about paediatrics as a career? You can get some early experience of our specialty while at med school - join your local paediatric society, attend a careers event, consider your elective or speak with your friendly and local paediatrician. Plus our annual prize awards!

For medical students

For foundation doctors

If paediatric training is looking like your next step, we explain what to expect from a rotation or 'taster week', who to speak to and where to find resources to help make an informed decision in applying to paediatrics. Plus some tips to start preparing your application.

For foundation doctors

Training: a world of opportunities

You can take your career in the direction that suits you - including academia, research and sub-specialty training, flexible working and other experiences. Our innovative, capability-based curriculum, Progress+ equips you with the skills needed as a consultant paediatrician.

About training

Our careers booklet plus more resources to promote paediatrics

Packed with information about your career in paediatrics - from how recruitment works to the varied options in the specialty. Plus ideas on taking advantage of your free RCPCH membership as a medical student or foundation student!

View or download our booklet

Apply to specialty training in paediatrics

Most doctors enter paediatric training at Specialty Training 1, or ST1 (National Round 1). ST3 posts may also be available in the national recruitment year (National Round 2). We explain how to prepare your application and interviews.

Application guides

Get ready for your first year of training

You may like to check out our guide for those starting the ST1 year in paediatrics. We have a handy checklist for the first month and a jargon buster, plus info on ePortfolio, neonatal experience and more.

ST1 guide

Promote paediatrics as a career

Join us in promoting this wonderful specialty to medical students and foundation doctors! Download our posters and social media cards, and grab some tips to help you run an online careers event.

Resources and tips

"Always an exciting time to enter paediatrics"

In 2020 and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked some paediatricians about their experiences and what inspired them to #ChoosePaediatrics...

Watch video

"Everybody has as much energy as you do"

Three young people put some doctors to the test! Filmed in 2019, they grilled them about the most important qualities, who they work with and how they get through the tough times.

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"There are hard days, but those make me a better doctor"

Also in 2019, eight paediatricians shared their motivations for choosing this specialty - from seeing variety to enjoying children's curiosity - and that while it's never easy it's often fun.

Watch video

See all #ChoosePaediatrics videos

Our online sessions for medical students, foundation doctors and paediatric trainees explore careers in paediatrics. We explain the recruitment process and training pathway, and trainees and consultants around the country tell us what it's really like. Plus delegates are invited to ask those tricky questions...

Our playlist on YouTube has the recordings of all our online sessions.

Our #ChoosePaediatrics playlist on YouTube