1. Home
  2. Education and careers

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
Boy in wheelchair has a huge smile

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

How to apply for paediatrics

Most doctors enter paediatric training at Level 1, 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.

How to apply for Level 1 training
How to apply for ST3 and ST4 training

Careers blogs

More careers blogs

From children and young people

Handmade poster with pictures and words: Getting to work with children and young people - Enhance your practice, Inspirational, Restorative parenting, All children have different experiences and storys, interesting

We asked Central Bedfordshire Youth Voice about variety in paediatrics. They said:

"It is about working with different children and young people, who might be experiencing trauma, living in poverty and needing your help. You can enhance your practice by working with all different children and young people and learning from their experiences and stories."

RCPCH &Us is the children, young people and family network for RCPCH, working across the UK to involved them in informing and shaping the work of the College. You can read more about their ideas on what keeps them healthy, happy and well or about the workforce of the future or you can get in touch with and_us@rcpch.ac.uk for more information, resources and ideas!

About RCPCH &Us

"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.
Watch video

"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