Pediatricians are physicians who specialize in the care of children from birth through adolescence. Pediatricians are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries most commonly seen in children. They also emphasize disease prevention including healthy lifestyle habits, safety precautions, regular wellness exams for necessary immunizations and to check a child's growth and development. A pediatrician considers the physical, emotional and social health of a child when making a diagnosis. Pediatricians understand that the welfare of children and adolescents is heavily dependent on the home and family. Pediatricians therefore support efforts to create a nurturing environment for children, which include educating patients and parents about healthful living.

To become a Pediatrician, one must complete four years of college, four years of medical school, and complete a three-year Pediatric residency accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education.

• Doctorate Degree

Most physicians work in an office-based practice, including clinics and HMOs (health maintenance organizations). Newly trained physicians in the future are more likely to work in group medical practices, clinics, and health care networks than their predecessors and less likely to open their own solo practices.

$160,000

• Kirksville College Of Osteopathic Medicine
• St. Louis University, School Of Medicine
• The University Of Health Sciences, College Of Osteopathic Medicine
• University Of Kansas School Of Medicine
• University Of Missouri - Columbia, School Of Medicine
• University Of Missouri - Kansas City School Of Medicine
• Washington University, School Of Medicine

• Aft Healthcare
• American Academy Of Pediatrics
• American Medical Association
• American Osteopathic Association
• Missouri Chapter - American Academy Of Pediatrics