This post is a conversation with an anonymous PGY-2 pediatric resident, as part of our interview series with residents across various medical specialties to help medical students decide which path is right for them. Let’s dive in!
For a side-by-side comparison of each medical specialty, check out this FREE Medical Specialties Breakdown download including required exam scores, salaries, and more!
Why did you choose peds?
I love working with kids! I have always known that I wanted to be a pediatrician. Ever since I was a child myself, I really admired my pediatrician and wanted to be just like her when I grew up.
27 years later, and here I am! I never deviated from my interest in peds, although most students will change their minds at least a couple of times throughout medical school (which is perfectly normal). When I was on my peds rotation, I really just loved everyone I worked with—the environment is just so fun. I really felt like these were “my people.”
What is the hardest part of being a pediatric resident?
Delivering bad news to parents. I don’t think this part will ever get easier for me. It is so incredibly sad and difficult to see a sick child, and then to tell a parent that their child’s prognosis is poor. I take these moments as opportunities to be there for children and parents at their most vulnerable as a caring and empathetic physician. At the end of the day, it’s truly an honor for me to support families during these times.
What is your favorite part of peds?
That kids are inherently so resilient and positive, in general they bounce back quicker than adults. I love doing simple magic tricks or wearing an elephant pin on my scrubs and bringing a smile to the face of a kiddo. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a child in the inpatient unit get better and start being able to get out of bed and go play with toys in the playroom.
What are your future plans?
My goal is to become a general outpatient pediatrician in a rural area. I want to take care of kids as they grow up and be their pediatrician from the time they are born until they become adults. A pediatrician can have a very important role in those formative years as a confidant and trusted adult as kids navigate life and growing up—and I want to be part of that.
I love how the role of a pediatrician is also important in prevention, really educating your patients about healthy habits etc. (I knew I couldn’t become a pediatric hospitalist because I enjoy continuity of care over several years!) I briefly considered a neonatology fellowship, which would have been an additional 3 years of training, and while I love taking care of babies, I like being able to talk to my patients the most. There are tons of specialties out of pediatrics if that’s your thing.
Any advice for those interested in becoming a pediatric resident?
Choose a specialty that you love! When I told people that I was interested in peds, they sometimes pointed out the relatively lower salary compared to other specialties. Personally, I think it’s best to choose a specialty that you’ll be happy in, rather than choosing one for higher pay. After all those years in medical school (not to mention the years I spent trying to get in), I want to have a career that makes me happy. And I recommend anyone reading this prioritizes their own happiness, too! 💙
Find more interviews with residents in these other Blueprint Med School posts:
