Pediatric Emergency Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of healthcare, the role of pediatric emergency physicians has never been more critical.

As medical advancements continue to progress, the demand for proficient individuals who can swiftly assess, diagnose, and treat our children in emergency situations grows increasingly urgent.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric emergency physician?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring medical professional trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of pediatric emergency medicine,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric emergency physician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Emergency Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Emergency Physicians specialize in providing emergency medical care to infants, children, and adolescents.

They work in the emergency departments of hospitals and are trained to handle a wide variety of medical emergencies, including trauma, surgical crises, and severe illnesses.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Examining and diagnosing children with serious illnesses or injuries
• Determining appropriate treatment plans and discussing these with patients’ parents or guardians
• Working closely with pediatricians, nurses, and other medical staff to provide comprehensive care
• Performing procedures such as intubation, suturing of wounds, and administering intravenous medications
• Interpreting results of medical imaging and laboratory tests
• Communicating effectively with children and their families to understand symptoms and explain treatments
• Stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured and coordinating their admission to the hospital or transfer to another facility if necessary
• Keeping detailed records of patients’ symptoms, medical histories, and treatments given
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in pediatric emergency medicine

 

Pediatric Emergency Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Pediatric Emergency Physician to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for diagnosing and treating a variety of sudden or unexpected health issues in children and adolescents, including trauma, severe infections, and complex illnesses.

The Pediatric Emergency Physician must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members, and provide compassionate, competent care in high-stress situations.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess, stabilize, and determine the disposition of patients with emergent conditions consistent with medical staff policy regarding emergency consultative call services.
• Order appropriate diagnostic tests and consult with specialists in a timely manner.
• Record patient histories and perform physical examinations.
• Provide high-quality patient care while in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare staff.
• Manage pediatric patients with a wide array of conditions, from chronic to critical.
• Follow established policies, procedures, and protocols of the healthcare organization.

 

Qualifications

• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
• Valid license to practice medicine.
• Strong ability to work under pressure and multi-task.
• Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to make sound judgments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Current BLS, PALS, and ACLS certification.

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing medical education allowance
• Malpractice insurance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Emergency Physician
• Work Environment: Hospital or medical facility with 24/7 operation. Expect irregular hours and weekend shifts.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Pediatrics or Chief Medical Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $200,000 minimum to $400,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Emergency Physician Do?

Pediatric Emergency Physicians are medical professionals specialized in providing immediate treatment to children and adolescents in emergency situations.

They work primarily in hospital emergency departments.

Their primary task involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of acute illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions that require immediate attention.

This could range from mild conditions like high fever or common colds to severe conditions like traumatic injuries or life-threatening illnesses.

Pediatric Emergency Physicians often work in a team alongside other healthcare professionals such as nurses, medical technicians, and other doctors.

They are responsible for conducting thorough examinations, ordering necessary medical tests, interpreting test results, and deciding the most appropriate treatment plan for the child.

They must also communicate effectively with the child’s parents or guardians, explaining the diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks, and prognosis in a manner that is clear and understandable.

They need to be empathetic and comforting, as both the child and their family members are likely to be stressed or scared.

In addition, Pediatric Emergency Physicians are trained to recognize signs of child abuse or neglect and are legally obligated to report suspected cases to the relevant authorities.

Their role also involves keeping accurate and detailed records of the patient’s medical history, diagnosis, treatment, and response to treatment, which are crucial for ongoing medical care and potential legal cases.

Some Pediatric Emergency Physicians may also be involved in research or teaching, helping to advance the field of pediatric emergency medicine and train the next generation of doctors.

 

Pediatric Emergency Physician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Pediatric Emergency Physician should possess the following skills and qualifications that are crucial for this role:

• Medical expertise and knowledge in the field of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries in infants, children, and adolescents.
• Strong decision-making skills to make split-second decisions under high pressure and stressful conditions that could affect a child’s life.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with children of different age groups and their parents, explaining complex medical procedures and conditions in a compassionate and understandable manner.
• Patience and empathy to deal with young patients who may be scared or uncooperative during medical procedures.
• Superb interpersonal and team working skills to collaborate with nurses, pediatricians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to provide the best care for patients.
• Strong observation skills to accurately assess the condition of patients and notice subtle symptoms that might indicate serious conditions.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to effectively manage and treat complex medical conditions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Physical stamina and resilience to work long, irregular hours and remain calm and composed in stressful situations.

 

Pediatric Emergency Physician Experience Requirements

To become a Pediatric Emergency Physician, one must first have significant experience in medicine, starting with the completion of a Bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school to become a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO).

After obtaining a medical degree, the individual must complete a residency in Pediatrics, which typically takes about three years.

During their residency, they gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of illnesses and injuries in children.

Subsequently, a 2-year fellowship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine is required.

This specialized training provides experience in providing emergency care for children and adolescents.

Moreover, becoming board certified in Pediatric Emergency Medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics or the American Board of Emergency Medicine, which includes passing a rigorous exam, is another significant requirement that brings with it substantial experience.

In summary, before one can function independently as a Pediatric Emergency Physician, they must have completed a minimum of 9 years of higher education and medical training.

Experience in a clinical or hospital setting, managing a wide range of pediatric cases, from minor injuries to acute emergencies, is essential.

Some hospitals or health systems may require Pediatric Emergency Physicians to have additional years of experience post-fellowship, or to have experience in a leadership role or in conducting research.

 

Pediatric Emergency Physician Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Pediatric Emergency Physician requires extensive training and education.

The first step is to complete a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as Biology or Chemistry, although any major is generally acceptable as long as prerequisite courses for medical school are completed.

The next step is to attend medical school, which typically lasts four years and leads to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

During medical school, students gain both classroom and clinical experience.

After earning a medical degree, individuals must complete a residency program in Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine.

Pediatric residency programs typically last three years and provide in-depth training in the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.

Those who choose an Emergency Medicine residency will have broader training, covering all age groups and a wide range of medical conditions.

Following the initial residency, these doctors will then need to complete a fellowship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

This fellowship provides specialized training to handle medical emergencies in children and typically lasts 2 to 3 years.

Once the necessary training is completed, Pediatric Emergency Physicians must become board-certified by passing the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) or the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) certification exam.

Continuing education is also important in this field to keep up with the latest medical advancements and techniques.

Many Pediatric Emergency Physicians attend conferences, workshops, and seminars, or pursue additional certifications to further enhance their skills and knowledge.

 

Pediatric Emergency Physician Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Emergency Physician earns an average salary of $273,000 (USD) per year.

This income can fluctuate depending on factors such as the level of experience, the state in which they practice, and the specific hospital or healthcare facility they are employed by.

 

Pediatric Emergency Physician Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are needed to become a Pediatric Emergency Physician?

To become a Pediatric Emergency Physician, one must complete a Bachelor’s degree, then a four-year Medical Degree from an accredited medical school, followed by a three-year residency in Pediatrics.

After this, additional training in Pediatric Emergency Medicine is required, which usually takes 2-3 years.

Finally, board certification in Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine is necessary, which involves passing rigorous exams.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Emergency Physician?

Pediatric Emergency Physicians typically work in the emergency departments of hospitals.

Their daily duties involve assessing, diagnosing, and treating a variety of acute illnesses and injuries in children, from minor wounds and infections to severe conditions like trauma, seizures, or life-threatening allergies.

They also communicate closely with parents or caregivers, explaining the child’s condition, treatment options, and follow-up care.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Emergency Physician?

A good Pediatric Emergency Physician should have strong clinical skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to make decisions quickly under pressure.

They need to have a calm and reassuring demeanor to soothe anxious children and their families.

They should also have excellent communication skills to explain complex medical conditions and treatments to non-medical individuals.

 

Is it challenging to hire Pediatric Emergency Physicians?

Yes, it can be challenging to hire Pediatric Emergency Physicians.

The field requires specific and extensive training, and there’s a limited pool of qualified candidates.

This is a highly demanding field, both physically and emotionally, so retaining professionals can also be a challenge.

Offering competitive salaries, supportive work environments, and opportunities for continued learning can help attract and retain these specialists.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Emergency Physician’s resume?

Look for strong academic credentials including board certification in Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

Extensive experience in a pediatric emergency setting is also valuable.

Additional certifications like Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) can be advantageous.

Also, consider any research or publications in the field, leadership roles, or unique experiences such as work in disaster relief or international settings.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we have illuminated what it truly means to be a pediatric emergency physician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about treating injuries.

It’s about sculpting the future of children’s health, one diagnosis at a time.

With our trusty pediatric emergency physician job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every diagnosis is a part of a child’s healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Emergency Physician (Complete Guide)

The Professional Pitfalls: The Most Hated Jobs to Sidestep

The Freedom List: Jobs with Maximum Flexibility and Minimum Stress

The Fun Employment: Enjoyable Jobs That Don’t Feel Like Work

Rare Roles: Unusual Jobs That Are Hard to Believe