Paediatrician

Paediatricians care for the physical, mental and emotional health of children from birth to adolescence.

They examine children at regular intervals to monitor growth and development, prevent problems, as well as to diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses or injuries. They order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests to obtain information on medical conditions and determine the diagnosis. They explain test results or prescribed treatments to parents or guardians, and patients. They prescribe or administer treatment, therapy and medication, and administer immunizations that are available to protect children from diseases such as hepatitis B, diphtheria, polio, measles, and the mumps. They treat children who have minor illnesses, acute and chronic health problems, and growth and development concerns. They monitor the patients' condition and progress and re-evaluate treatments as necessary.

They collect, record and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports and examination results. They advise parents or guardians, patients and community members on health, nutrition, hygiene, disease prevention, development and other aspects of childcare.

When children are chronically ill or handicapped, advice is given to parents and children with regard to special services. Paediatricians may also serve as counsellors in situations ranging from advising parents on infant care to helping adolescents with emotional problems. They plan and execute medical care programmes to aid in the mental and physical growth and development of children and adolescents, and direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists and other medical staff. They may operate on patients to remove, repair or improve functioning of diseased or injured body parts and systems.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide children with medical care to the fullest extent possible. Another important part of the job revolves around working with the patients' parents or guardians to teach them how to provide proper care to their children. This may include tips on improving childhood eating habits, promoting regular exercise, and improving personal hygiene. At times paediatricians consult with, or refer patients to, other specialists.

They provide consulting services to other physicians, plan, implement or administer health programmes or standards in hospitals, businesses or communities for prevention or treatment of injury or illness, and conduct research to study anatomy and develop or test medications or treatments.

Most paediatricians are in private practice. They work indoors in private rooms and travel to visit patients in hospitals or other health care facilities. Some have rooms in hospitals or clinics.

Personal Requirements

strong desire to help the sick and injured
like and enjoy working with children
patient and understanding
able to make good decisions
emotionally stable and mature
able to communicate clearly in speech and in writing
above average intelligence
aptitude for science
good health and physical stamina
enjoy studying and keeping up with the latest advances in this field

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Life Sciences
Additional:

Pass matric with a Bachelor's pass
Meet the admission requirements (APS) set by the university
All applications for admission to MBChB and Medical degrees are subject to selection.
Due to the limited number of spaces available, only a small percentage of applicants are admitted.

What to Study

Degree: MBChB degree:

Theoretical training: 5 years.
Student internship: 1 year.
Internship: 2 years
Community Service: 1 year at an approved medical faculty.

Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is mandatory for this occupation. Registration as an Independent Medical Practitioner with the HPCSA will only be permitted once all the necessary criteria have been met.

Specialisation in Paediatrics

To specialise in this area, a number of years of post-graduate study will be required.

Consult the HPCSA website for the most up-to-date information relating to this area of specialization. This information can be found in the various sections under the Professional Board for Medical and Dental (and medical science) professionals.
Refer to the medical faculty of the relevant university for additional information.

Employment

hospitals, community and other health care facilities
universities
government departments
self-employment, in private practice

Further Information

The South African Paediatric Association
Unit 16, Northcliff Office Park
203 Beyers Naude Drive
Northcliff, Johannesburg
Tel: (011) 340-9000
www.paediatrician.co.za

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
(553) of Hamilton and
Madiba Streets,
Arcadia, Pretoria
Tel: (012) 338-9300
www.hpcsa.co.za

Getting Started