Pediatric Surgeons
Pediatric surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in performing operations on babies, children, and teenagers to fix birth defects, treat injuries, and cure diseases. They use advanced surgical tools and techniques to help young patients, working closely with teams of nurses, specialists, and other doctors to provide the best care possible. These surgeons also spend time talking with families to explain procedures and conducting research to develop better surgical methods. To become a pediatric surgeon, you need to complete medical school, a general surgery residency, and additional specialized training in pediatric surgery.
Did you know?
Becoming a pediatric surgeon requires 11+ years of post-undergraduate training including medical school, general surgery residency, and fellowship, often resulting in substantial student loan debt exceeding $200,000.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$89,500 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Things to consider
High Emotional and Psychological Demands
The profession requires exceptional emotional resilience to handle life-threatening cases involving children and provide compassionate communication with distressed families during critical situations.
Competitive Specialization and Limited Positions
Pediatric surgery fellowships are among the most competitive in medicine with very few positions available annually, requiring exceptional academic performance and research experience for acceptance.
Key responsibilities
Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
Examine fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents, and diagnose health issues to determine need for intervention, such as surgery.
Prepare case histories.
Interpret results of preoperative tests and physical examinations.
Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.