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
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!
Boy in wheelchair has a huge smile
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.
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 (and from summer 2023, Progress+), equips you with the skills needed as a consultant paediatrician.
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Our careers booklet explains more...

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!

Careers blogs

Article

Longitudinal educational supervision - how it's worked for me

All trainee-supervisor relationships come with their own styles and occasional challenges, says Dr Faro Ndokera, a paediatrician in sub-specialty training. But having the same educational supervisor over a longer period offers greater focus and meaning - and a personal touch.
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My top five reasons I enjoy going to work

"Kids are fun, fact!", says Dr Hannah Baynes. From helping adolescents make positive change to their health to working, and celebrating, with multiprofessional colleagues, she tells us why she enjoys working in paediatrics.
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How to apply for paediatrics

Most doctors enter paediatric training at Specialty Training 1, or ST1, and this is called National Round 1.

We also offer training posts at specialty training levels 3 and 4, known as National Round 2. You'll typically start your training post in August or September, and will need to start your application several months ahead.

We explain how to prepare your application and interviews.

Voice of children and young people

Why #ChoosePaediatrics? Many of our members tell us about the lifelong influence and impact of paediatrics - whether it's from an inspring researcher as related by Dr Simon Chapman or staff across the NHS.

On the 70th anniversary of the NHS, RCPCH &Us spoke with children and young people for their insights on the health service. It "makes me feel cared for", says one young person, and the people are "brilliant and so welcoming" says another. Watch their short video.

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