Career : Child Care

Proper care is no child's play

Being with children is fun, but as a paediatrician you have to be prepared for much more,

PAEDIATRICS is a para-clinical branch of medicine that deals with children - from newborns to adolescents. M D Shah, a paediatrician, explains, "Paediatrics is about caring for children. It is a challenging job as innumerable problems can arise during birth and infancy."

JOB PROFILE

According to Chandra Mohan, paediatrician and professor at Narayana Medical College: "Paediatrics is a good career option if you love children."

PAEDIATRICS INVOLVES -

Welfare of children starting from mother's womb where as a paediatrician you have to screen the child for congenital deformities

Safeguarding the baby's interests by monitoring mother's medication, diet and lifestyle

After a baby is born, assessing the growth and nutrition, immunise the baby against microbes

Helping parents in adopting sound baby care practices regarding physical, emotional, social needs of the baby, so that they can achieve their genetic potential of development

Helping and guiding adolescents through the physical, emotional and psychological changes occurring in their bodies through adolescence

MAKE YOUR CHOICE

The job opportunities for a paediatrician range from being a District Medical Officer abroad, a professor in a medical college or other training institutions to a registrar in hospitals. Private nursing homes and polyclinics are good avenues.There is the option of setting up your private clinic.

ELIGIBILITY

"It requires an MBBS degree and after that three years MD/DNB training and degree in Paediatrics. It's one of the most sought-after branches and hence to get an MD seat you have to be par excellence in academics," informs Mohan.

Shah says, "A diploma in Child Health is imperative after an MD in Paediatrics. "The specialised MD /MS courses normally last for three years while the diploma courses are of a 12-month duration after full registration with the State Medical Council.

MONEY MATTERS

According to Mohan, "Though the earning is less, compared to the effort in monetary terms being between Rs 6 lakh to Rs 30 lakh per-annum. But the reward of bringing back a smile on a unwell child's face is priceless. A paediatrician, who is into private practice can earn above Rs 1 lakh per-month. In hospitals, starting salaries can range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 per-month."

Sunil Sharma
Moderator
Dil Se Desi Group