Paediatrician

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

• become a senior consultant, once you're on the General Medical Council Specialist Register
• lead a team or manage a department
• become medical director for an NHS trust
• move into teaching students, trainee doctors and other healthcare professionals

As a specialist or senior consultant you can expect to earn a much higher salary.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• sensitivity and understanding
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Paediatricians need a deep understanding of how the human body grows and develops from infancy through adolescence. They use knowledge of anatomy, physiology, genetics, and immunology every day when diagnosing conditions, understanding how diseases affect children differently from adults, and deciding on treatments.
• Chemistry - Paediatricians rely on chemistry when understanding how medications work in the body, including how drugs are absorbed, metabolised, and excreted – which differs significantly in children compared to adults. Biochemistry also underpins their understanding of blood tests, metabolic disorders, and nutrition.
• Mathematics - Paediatricians use maths constantly when calculating drug dosages based on a child's weight and age, interpreting growth charts, and analysing test results. Getting these calculations right is critical because even small errors in dosing can be dangerous for young patients.
• Psychology - Paediatricians need to understand child development, behaviour, and mental health to assess their patients fully. They regularly deal with conditions like anxiety, ADHD, and autism, and must communicate sensitively with children who may be frightened or unable to describe their symptoms clearly.

Also relevant

• Physics - Paediatricians use diagnostic tools like X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI scans that are based on physics principles. Understanding how these imaging technologies work helps them interpret results and make informed decisions about which investigations to request.
• English Language - Paediatricians write detailed medical reports, patient notes, and referral letters that must be precise and clear. They also need excellent communication skills to explain complex diagnoses and treatments to worried parents and to children of different ages in language they can understand.
• Sociology - Paediatricians work with families from diverse backgrounds and need to understand how social factors – such as poverty, housing, and family structure – affect children's health. They also play a role in safeguarding, recognising signs of neglect or abuse and understanding the wider social context of a child's wellbeing.
• Physical Education - Paediatricians advise families on physical activity, childhood obesity, and musculoskeletal development. Understanding how exercise affects growing bodies helps them guide patients on staying healthy and recovering from injuries or conditions that limit movement.