Pediatric Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare sector, the focus on pediatric specialists has never been more pronounced.

As the field of pediatrics advances, the need for skilled professionals who can diagnose, treat, and provide comprehensive care for children becomes increasingly crucial.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of pediatrics,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Specialists focus on the physical, emotional, and social health of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults from birth up to age 21.

Their deep understanding of the many diseases and ailments that can affect young people’s growth and development helps them to provide the best care possible.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Examine patients to assess general physical condition or health.
• Diagnose and treat pediatric diseases and injuries.
• Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury in infants and children.
• Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, and examination results.
• Provide advice to patients, parents or guardians, and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
• Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients and parents or guardians.
• Monitor patients’ conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
• Refer patients to medical specialists or other practitioners when necessary.

 

Pediatric Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Specialist to join our healthcare team.

The Pediatric Specialist will be responsible for providing medical services to children from birth to adolescence.

This includes diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, and administering preventative care such as immunizations.

Our ideal candidate has specialized training in pediatrics and a deep understanding of treating developmental issues, diseases, and illnesses that are common to children.

Ultimately, the Pediatric Specialist’s role is to provide high-quality medical care, ensuring the well-being, comfort, and safety of our pediatric patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular thorough examinations on newborns and young children to check and record their health and normal physical development
• Diagnose and treat children’s diseases and injuries
• Administer immunizations to children to prevent common diseases
• Ensure patient records are kept detailed and secure
• Educate parents on children’s health, nutrition, and preventative care
• Collaborate with other medical professionals to form a health care team for each child
• Remain up-to-date with advancements in pediatric medicine

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a pediatrician
• Medical degree from an accredited medical school and completion of residency in pediatrics
• Current license to practice medicine
• Board certified in pediatrics
• Outstanding diagnostic and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills with children and their parents
• Empathetic and approachable
• Current CPR certification

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuous professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Specialist
• Work Environment: Clinical or hospital setting. Some on-call hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Pediatrics Department or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $190,000 minimum to $320,000 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, proof of licensure, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Specialist Do?

Pediatric Specialists are medical professionals who work specifically with infants, children, and teenagers.

They work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.

Their primary role is to provide medical care for children from birth until early adulthood, diagnosing and treating a variety of illnesses, diseases, and health conditions.

Pediatric Specialists conduct regular check-ups to monitor the health and development of their young patients.

They administer vaccinations, perform medical procedures, and educate patients and their parents about health and wellness.

In addition to general pediatrics, some Pediatric Specialists may focus on specific areas such as pediatric cardiology, pediatric neurology, or pediatric endocrinology, among others.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and other specialists, to ensure comprehensive care for their patients.

Pediatric Specialists also provide guidance and support to families, helping them to understand and manage their child’s health condition or disease.

They play an essential role in the early detection and treatment of health issues in children.

 

Pediatric Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that fit your job description, including:

• Knowledge of child development and expertise in child medicine for accurate diagnosis and treatment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for relating with children and their parents, explaining complex medical information in a simple, understandable manner
• Patient care skills to handle young patients with empathy and sensitivity
• Strong decision-making skills to determine the best course of treatment in a variety of situations
• Ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, physician assistants, and other doctors
• Attention to detail to accurately record patient’s health history and track changes over time
• Problem-solving skills to identify, diagnose, and treat complex health conditions in children
• Physical stamina to work long hours and handle stressful situations effectively

 

Pediatric Specialist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Specialists generally require completion of medical school, followed by a residency in pediatrics and further specialization in a specific area such as neonatology, pediatric cardiology or pediatric neurology.

This amounts to a significant amount of theoretical and practical experience as trainees.

Entry-level Pediatric Specialists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained during their residency or fellowship programs.

They can also gain experience in roles such as a Pediatric Resident, Fellow, or even as a General Practitioner.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience would typically have completed their fellowship in their chosen area of pediatric specialization, developing their technical skills and medical knowledge.

They would have been exposed to complex pediatric cases, honed their diagnostic skills, and learned to manage a pediatric patient’s treatment plan effectively.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background, such as leading a team of healthcare professionals or heading a pediatric department, and may be ready for a senior or consultant pediatric specialist position.

They may also be involved in research projects and contribute to the academic field of pediatrics.

Pediatric Specialists may also be required to keep up with their medical education by attending workshops, courses, and conferences to stay updated with the latest developments in pediatric care.

This ongoing learning is a critical part of the experience required for a Pediatric Specialist.

 

Pediatric Specialist Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Specialist, also known as a pediatrician, typically needs a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.

Before entering medical school, one must first complete a bachelor’s degree, usually in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry.

This is often followed by taking and passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Medical school typically takes four years to complete and includes classroom-based instruction as well as clinical rotations.

After medical school, aspiring pediatricians must then complete a pediatric residency program, which usually lasts three years.

Following residency, those wishing to specialize further can complete a fellowship in a subspecialty area of pediatrics, such as pediatric cardiology or neonatology.

Fellowships usually last three years.

In addition, all states require pediatricians to be licensed.

Licensing requirements typically include graduating from an accredited medical school, completing a residency program, and passing a two-part examination.

To maintain their certification, pediatricians may need to continue their education throughout their career.

This could involve attending conferences, completing online courses, and reading up on the latest research in pediatrics.

Some pediatricians may also choose to become board certified through the American Board of Pediatrics.

This involves passing an examination and demonstrates a pediatrician’s expertise and commitment to continued learning.

 

Pediatric Specialist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $186,410 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on factors such as the number of years of experience, the state in which they practice, and the type of medical institution they work for.

 

Pediatric Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Specialist need?

Pediatric Specialists should have strong clinical skills and a thorough knowledge of child health.

They must be able to accurately diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses and injuries in children.

Communication and interpersonal skills are crucial as they will need to explain complex medical situations to parents and comfort children during treatment.

Moreover, they should have patience, empathy, and the ability to work well under pressure.

 

What qualifications are required to become a Pediatric Specialist?

To become a Pediatric Specialist, one must first complete a Bachelor’s degree, usually in a science-related field.

This is followed by a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from an accredited medical school.

After medical school, a residency in pediatrics is required, which typically lasts three years.

Some Pediatric Specialists also choose to pursue further specialization in a subspecialty, which requires additional fellowship training.

 

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

When reviewing a Pediatric Specialist’s resume, ensure they have a Doctor of Medicine degree and have completed a pediatric residency.

Board certification in Pediatrics is also an important credential to look for.

Additionally, you might want to consider their experience in a pediatric subspecialty, research experience, or any awards they have received.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Specialist?

A good Pediatric Specialist is compassionate, patient, and has excellent communication skills.

They must be able to interact effectively with both children and their parents, explaining complex medical conditions in a way that can be easily understood.

They should also be detail-oriented, as they need to keep accurate records and monitor the progress of their young patients.

Finally, a great Pediatric Specialist has a genuine love for children and a commitment to their well-being.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pediatric Specialist?

Hiring a Pediatric Specialist can be challenging due to the extensive education and training required for the role.

Furthermore, the pediatric field often faces shortages, especially in rural areas.

To attract the best candidates, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment can be beneficial.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the fascinating realm of pediatric specialists.

Surprised?

It’s not just about treating common colds or giving vaccinations.

It’s about nurturing young lives, one child at a time.

With our handy pediatric specialist job description template and practical examples, you’re fully prepared to make your move.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or perfecting your resume to a T.

Always remember:

Every child you treat is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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