The benefits of becoming a pediatrician include:
Pros:
A career as a pediatrician can be rewarding. Getting to know your patients and helping them lead healthy lives from infancy is a hugely satisfying feeling.
* Better health outcomes -- Studies show that children who have regular visits with a doctor, including a pediatrician, have healthier overall outcomes than those who don't. This may be because pediatricians are able to spot issues and provide early diagnosis and treatment, which can help prevent diseases from developing and reduce the need for emergency care.
Also, a doctor's long-term relationship with their patient allows them to have a deeper understanding of their health and how best to treat it.
Con:
One of the biggest downsides to being a pediatrician is that it can be stressful and challenging. Many of your patients are sick and you'll need to diagnose illnesses like the flu, measles or other infectious diseases.
You'll also be exposed to more germs than you'd encounter in other medical specialties, as you work with sick children who often don't understand how to keep their hands clean or avoid spreading their illnesses to you.
The downside to being a pediatrician is that the education required to become one can be long and expensive. It takes about a decade of education and a three-year residency to be certified. You'll pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition and student loans, and will need to complete additional training to specialize in your chosen area.