Primary Care Pediatrician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, the role of primary care pediatricians is increasingly crucial.

As society progresses, the demand for skilled professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of children grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a primary care pediatrician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the full scope of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of pediatric healthcare,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made primary care pediatrician job description template, created for easy posting on job boards or healthcare career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Primary Care Pediatrician Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Care Pediatricians specialize in the regular and comprehensive care of infants, children, and adolescents.

Their primary focus is on the prevention, detection, and management of physical, behavioral, developmental, and social problems that affect their patients.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct regular medical examinations to monitor patients’ health
• Provide vaccinations and general health advice
• Diagnose and treat illnesses, medical conditions, and injuries
• Recommend medical tests and procedures
• Prescribe medications
• Refer patients to specialists when necessary
• Monitor growth and development including milestones like speech and behavior
• Provide advice on nutrition, fitness, hygiene, and disease prevention
• Manage chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes
• Comfort and support patients and their parents during examinations and treatments
• Maintain up-to-date health records
• Educate patients and their parents on the importance of healthy lifestyles and preventive care.

 

Primary Care Pediatrician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Primary Care Pediatrician to join our healthcare team.

The Pediatrician’s responsibilities include examining children to assess their growth and development, diagnosing health conditions, administering vaccines, and offering advice and information to parents about children’s health, diet, and nutrition.

Our ideal candidate will have excellent diagnostic abilities, empathetic communication skills, and a strong focus on improving the health and well-being of children.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular thorough examinations on newborns and young children to check and record their health and normal physical development
• Examine sick children to determine their condition and ask intuitive questions to gather information about symptoms
• Reach an informed diagnosis based on scientific knowledge and individual medical history
• Prescribe medications and give detailed instructions for administration
• Prescribe and interpret appropriate lab tests to gain more information for possible infections or abnormalities
• Prepare and administer vaccines according to the governmental vaccination plan
• Examine and treat injuries and refer the little patients to physicians of other disciplines when necessary (e.g. surgeons, ophthalmologists, orthopedists etc.)
• Advise parents on children’s diet, exercise and disease preventive measures
• Keep updated records of patients’ illnesses, surgeries or other medical episodes (allergic shocks, injuries etc.)
• Keep abreast of advancements in pediatrics and best practices by attending seminars and conferences

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a pediatrician
• Thorough knowledge of children’s diseases and epidemiology and immunization
• Good knowledge of diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation principles and techniques
• Up to speed knowledge of drugs/medication appropriate for children and their side-effects
• Familiarity with traditional and web-based prescription systems
• Active listener, patient and calm
• Outstanding diagnostic and problem solving abilities
• Excellent communications skills
• Medical Degree with specialization in pediatrics
• Valid license to practice medicine

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Primary Care Pediatrician
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with regular office hours. On-call duties may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Pediatrics.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $150,000 minimum to $250,000 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 Primary Care Pediatrician Do?

Primary Care Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the health care of infants, children, and adolescents.

They typically work in hospitals, private practices, or clinics.

They also provide preventive health maintenance for healthy children and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill.

The job of a Primary Care Pediatrician involves conducting regular check-ups to monitor a child’s growth and development.

These check-ups often include things like measurement, vaccination, and testing of basic sensory functions.

Pediatricians diagnose and treat a variety of childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases.

They may also refer patients to pediatric medical specialists when necessary, based on the nature of the child’s condition.

They provide information and answer questions about children’s health, safety, nutrition, and fitness needs.

They also offer advice on issues like puberty and emotional well-being to teenagers.

Primary Care Pediatricians also play an important role in early detection of health issues.

They track a child’s health records to identify if the child is meeting milestones in growth, behavior, and skills.

They work closely with parents or guardians in understanding and addressing concerns regarding their child’s health and development.

In some cases, Pediatricians may also specialize in treating specific health conditions or in handling specific patient groups like premature babies or adolescents.

 

Primary Care Pediatrician Qualifications and Skills

Primary Care Pediatricians require a combination of hard and soft skills, as well as in-depth medical knowledge, to effectively care for the health of children, including:

• A thorough understanding of child health and development, from newborns to adolescents, to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, diseases, and health conditions.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex medical conditions, procedures, and treatment plans to children and their families in a clear and compassionate manner.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with young patients and their parents or caregivers, creating a comfortable and reassuring environment.
• Advanced problem-solving skills to assess patient symptoms and medical histories, order or perform diagnostic tests, and determine effective treatment plans.
• Attention to detail in order to observe subtle signs and symptoms that may indicate a deeper health issue.
• Patience and empathy to handle anxious children and their concerned parents, as well as the ability to manage challenging situations or behaviors.
• Strong organizational skills for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.
• Physical stamina for standing or walking for long periods, as well as the ability to perform delicate procedures.
• A commitment to ongoing education to stay informed about the latest advances in pediatric medicine and healthcare.

 

Primary Care Pediatrician Experience Requirements

Primary care pediatricians typically require extensive medical training and hands-on experience.

This begins with a Bachelor’s degree in a pre-medical or science-related field, followed by 4 years of medical school to attain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.

During medical school, students get their first hands-on experience in clinical rotations.

After medical school, graduates enter a pediatric residency program, which typically lasts for 3 years and provides more in-depth and specialized training in pediatric care.

Upon completing their residency, pediatricians have the option to further specialize in a specific area of pediatrics by completing a fellowship, which lasts 1 to 3 years.

In terms of practical experience, a primary care pediatrician would need to have spent significant time in a clinical setting, diagnosing and treating children’s diseases, conducting regular check-ups, and advising on children’s health.

After the necessary education and training, pediatricians are required to be licensed in the state in which they practice.

This involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Pediatricians with more than 5 years of experience may have further developed their knowledge and skills in pediatric care and could be prepared for a supervisory or managerial role within a healthcare institution.

Continuing education is also crucial for pediatricians to stay up-to-date with the latest in pediatric healthcare.

 

Primary Care Pediatrician Education and Training Requirements

A Primary Care Pediatrician is a highly trained medical doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of children and adolescents.

To become a Primary Care Pediatrician, an individual must first complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.

This is often followed by four years of medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

After completing medical school, the individual must then undergo residency training in pediatrics, which typically lasts three years.

During this time, they gain hands-on experience treating children under the supervision of experienced pediatricians.

Following the residency, some Pediatricians choose to further specialize in a specific area of pediatrics by pursuing a fellowship program, which can last up to three years.

However, this is not a requirement to practice general pediatrics.

In addition to these educational requirements, Pediatricians must also pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) to obtain a license to practice medicine.

They are also required to pass the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) exam to become board certified in Pediatrics.

Continuous education is also essential in this profession to stay updated with the latest medical advancements and techniques.

This is often done through attending workshops, conferences, and seminars.

Overall, becoming a Primary Care Pediatrician requires a high level of dedication, years of rigorous training, and a strong passion for child health care.

 

Primary Care Pediatrician Salary Expectations

A Primary Care Pediatrician earns an average salary of $176,690 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as level of experience, additional specializations, geographic location, and the type of healthcare facility.

 

Primary Care Pediatrician Job Description FAQs

What are the qualifications required to be a Primary Care Pediatrician?

To become a Primary Care Pediatrician, one must obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

This is followed by a three-year pediatric residency program.

After completing the residency, they need to be licensed in their state and often choose to become board certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.

 

What are the daily duties of a Primary Care Pediatrician?

A Primary Care Pediatrician’s typical day might include conducting regular check-ups to monitor a child’s health, diagnosing and treating illnesses or injuries, administering vaccinations, and advising on a child’s growth, development, and nutritional needs.

They also often communicate with parents or caregivers, providing them with guidance on their child’s health, nutrition, and medical needs.

 

What qualities make a good Primary Care Pediatrician?

A good Primary Care Pediatrician is patient, compassionate, and has excellent communication skills to effectively interact with both children and their parents.

They should also have keen attention to detail and problem-solving skills to accurately diagnose and treat various health conditions.

Further, they should have a deep understanding of child development and behavior to provide appropriate advice and treatments for different age groups.

 

What should you look for in a Primary Care Pediatrician’s resume?

Look for a valid medical degree and a completed pediatric residency program on a Primary Care Pediatrician’s resume.

Also, check for their licensure and board certification in pediatrics.

Experience in the pediatric field, whether through internships or jobs, is a big plus.

Good references from previous places of work or residency programs can also provide valuable insights into the candidate’s capabilities.

 

Is it difficult to hire Primary Care Pediatricians?

Recruiting Primary Care Pediatricians can be challenging due to the high level of qualifications and experience required.

There is also a rising demand for pediatricians, especially in rural and underserved areas, making the hiring process competitive.

Offering attractive compensation, benefits, and a supportive working environment can help attract and retain quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we pulled back the band-aid on what it truly means to be a primary care pediatrician.

Surprised?

It’s not just about treating colds and giving vaccinations.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one young patient at a time.

With our handy primary care pediatrician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating precise job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every patient you treat is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s create that future. Together.