Dedicated to the well-being of children from birth to the end of puberty, pediatricians work to ensure the health of a fragile, changing and sometimes fearful population. Guardians of youth, these specialists care for a segment of society that has long been ignored. In this article, we take a look at the many particularities of this profession, from the training required to become a paediatrician, to the skills required, to the remuneration criteria.
What is a paediatrician?
As mentioned in the introduction, a paediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of children. This covers the period from birth to the end of puberty. In France, the profession of pediatrician developed throughout the 19th century, under the impetus of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, which redefined the place of the human being in society and, by extension, that of the child. Henceforth considered as a being in the process of somatic and psychic growth and maturation, they became subjects of study. The term "pediatrics", first coined in 1870, literally means "doctor of the child" in ancient Greek.
Pediatrics is an essential specialist, as the infantile period requires a specific approach to care, with regular check-ups, frequent vaccinations and increased surveillance. For centuries, infant mortality remained extremely high, as children were more prone to illness and accidents. It was therefore necessary to define the specific contours of a precise and rigorous medical approach. The role of health professionals working in the field of pediatrics goes far beyond simple medical consultation.
What are the main pathologies treated by a paediatrician?
Pediatricians treat children for specific conditions, most of which are listed below:
- Orthopedic conditions: scoliosis, clubfoot, bone growth problems.
- Respiratory infections: bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma.
- Chronic diseases: juvenile diabetes, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis.
- Infectious diseases: measles, chickenpox, mumps, rubella.
- Digestive pathologies: diarrhea, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux.
- Nutritional problems: malnutrition, obesity, food allergies.
- Dermatological problems: eczema, atopic dermatitis, rashes.
- Neonatal health problems: prematurity, jaundice, congenital anomalies.
- Developmental disorders: growth retardation, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders.
- Psychological disorders: depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders.
The skills needed to become a pediatrician
In order to successfully carry out the above-mentioned missions, the pediatrician must master a number of skills and qualities, such as..:
- Technical skills
- Ability to perform clinical examinations: adapting examination techniques for children of all ages.
- In-depth knowledge of pediatric pathologies: specificities of childhood diseases, including rare diseases.
- Expertise in differential diagnosis: precise identification of underlying causes of similar symptoms.
- Expertise in pediatric intensive care: management of serious or complex cases requiring urgent intervention.
- Medical analysis interpretation: reading and understanding test results specific to children.
- Personal qualities
- Ability to work as part of a team: effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Empathy: understanding and responding to the emotional needs of children and parents.
- Patience: managing stressful or difficult situations with calmness and confidence.
- Observational skills: detecting subtle clinical signs or changes in a child's condition.
- Strong communication skills: explaining diagnoses and treatments in a way that is clear and reassuring to parents and young patients.
Training and career path to become a paediatrician
The academic path to becoming a pediatrician is rigorous and requires the acquisition of advanced medical skills. This specialization includes theoretical studies, practical internships and specific training. The curriculum begins with a first year of studies in the Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS) or Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS), followed by two years of general medical studies to obtain the Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM). A further three years are required to obtain the Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM). After passing the final externat exams (EDN and ECNOS), the future paediatrician specializes in this field as a student intern for four to five years, at the end of which he or she can practice as a qualified paediatrician.
Some paediatricians subsequently choose to specialize further in specific areas such as neonatology, paediatric cardiology, paediatric oncology, paediatric neurology or emergency paediatrics. This additional know-how is a key to better job opportunities in pediatrics.
Career opportunities and prospects
Once they have completed their training as pediatricians, young practitioners can work in a variety of settings and under a variety of statuses:
- Public hospitals: pediatricians working in public hospitals are salaried employees. They enjoy relative job security, benefits and a fixed salary. They are involved in hospital care and pediatric emergencies, and can progress to head of department or department manager. Hospital work often includes on-call duty, with associated bonuses.
- Private clinics: in private clinics, pediatricians can choose between salaried employment or self-employment. As salaried employees, they have an employment contract and fixed remuneration, but less flexibility. In private practice, they rent space within the clinic, set their own fees and bill patients directly, giving them greater autonomy in managing their practice.
- Private practice: pediatricians in private practice are self-employed. They are responsible for the management of their practice, including administrative, financial and logistical aspects. This mode of practice offers great freedom in medical practice, while imposing greater responsibilities.
- Maternal and child protection centers (PMI): pediatricians working in PMI centers are salaried and focus on prevention, monitoring child development and supporting families. This public health-focused framework enables the practice of local medicine with a significant social impact.
If you'd like to find out more, take a look at our pediatrician study sheet.
Pediatrician's salary
A pediatrician's salary depends on a number of factors:
- Experience: pediatricians at the start of their careers earn more modest salaries, but these increase with experience and the loyalty of a regular patient base.
- Location: when setting up a practice, a paediatrician must take into account a number of factors that influence his or her income, such as the local standard of living, the rates charged by his or her colleagues, and population density.
- Types of practice: as mentioned above, the type of practice also influences remuneration. A self-employed pediatrician, with independent management of his or her practice, will often earn more than a salaried pediatrician in a public or private structure, although the latter enjoys the security of a stable income.
The advantages and disadvantages of being a paediatrician
There are several significant advantages tobeing a paediatrician. One of the most important is the personal satisfaction of contributing directly to the well-being and development of children. Working with children helps build long-term, trusting relationships with both young patients and their families. What's more, paediatrics offers a wide range of responsibilities. What's more, pediatricians have the opportunity to work in a wide variety of settings, renewing the appeal of their careers and ensuring long-term fulfillment.
On the other hand, the discipline brings with it a number of challenges. The emotional burden, for example, can be particularly heavy, especially when dealing with serious cases or difficult family situations. Working hours can also be demanding, with night shifts and on-call duty, especially in hospitals. Last but not least, training is long and demanding, requiring very specific skills.
In short, a paediatrician's career is rich and fulfilling. In contact with young people, these specialists work for the future of humanity, caring for and accompanying the world of tomorrow. Stimulated by the carefree spirit of the patients in their care, pediatricians ensure a stimulating day-to-day life that is a constant source of pride.
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Pediatrician M/F - Villeneuve la Garenne 92
Liberal
4000 - 8000 per month
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As part of the development of its activity, a multidisciplinary medical establishment in Villeneuve-la-Garenne, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, is looking for a new pediatrician (M/F) in private practice. Terms and conditions - Private practice - Free organization according to availability - Opening hours: 8am to midnight weekdays and 8:30am to 5pm weekends) The structure This is a new-generation multidisciplinary medical center offering a comprehensive range of services, including specialized medicine, unscheduled medicine, sleep medicine and women's medicine. The 400 m² center features dedicated areas for consultations, technical procedures and rest, plus an on-site secretariat. In addition, accessibility is facilitated by its proximity to major roads and the presence of a parking lot. Remuneration - Up to 70% gross of sales Duties - Specialized pediatric consultations and development monitoring - Handle unscheduled consultations and moderate pediatric emergencies - Perform and interpret examinations compatible with the specialty on the technical platform - Multidisciplinary coordination with other practitioners and paramedical staff - Participation in the development of a specific activity within the establishment - Contribute to the quality and organization of patient care The benefits - Modern, spacious 400 m² center - On-site secretarial and administrative services - Dedicated medical assistants for pre-consultation and examination support - High-performance software for seamless practice - High patient flow and diversity of activities - Easy access via main roads and parking lot - Professional civil liability and professional association fees covered Our equipment - ECG - Ultrasound - ECG and blood pressure Holter - Spirometer - Stress test - Biological examination platform (BU, ECBU) A little something extra The center is located on the banks of the Seine, in the immediate vicinity of Paris and the business district, offering quick access to transport and opportunities for riverside walks for your moments of relaxation. Profile required Pediatrician qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Ad reference: 12543 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Pediatrician M/F - Aigre 16
Liberal
4500 - 7000 per month
Saint-Fraigne
Pediatrician Job - Aigre 16 As part of the development of its activity, a health center project in Aigre, Charente, is looking for a pediatrician M/F for a private practice. Terms and conditions - Private practice - Full-time or part-time to be defined - Premises to open in 2026 The structure A 500 m² health center project is currently underway in Aigre, Charente. The premises will be entirely renovated and divided into 20-30 m² practices, with dedicated spaces for 4 dental practices, 4 GP practices and 3 specialist practices, a waiting room and a parking area with around 20 spaces. The project is led by a local player, with the aim of eventually creating a health center. Remuneration - Free rent for the first 5 years, then €500/month Missions - Provide outpatient pediatric consultations and peri- and post-natal care - Care for children's growth, development and health check-ups - Carry out and monitor vaccinations in accordance with current recommendations - Manage acute pathologies and monitor chronic pediatric pathologies - Coordination with independent professionals and local healthcare structures - Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and in the development of the center The benefits - Renovated and fitted-out premises, 20-30 m² practices - Free rent for 5 years, then low rent of around €500 per month - 50,000€ start-up grant and ZFRR tax exemption for 5 years - Twenty parking spaces and local shops - Support from institutional partners (ARS, CPAM) and municipal support for equipment investment and temporary accommodation The little extra Aigre enjoys a rural setting, yet is close to the services of a neighboring town like Ruffec. The town organizes markets and offers local shops, making it easy for professionals to settle in and get on with their day-to-day business. Profile required Pediatrician qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12105 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Pediatrician M/F - Dunkerque 59
Employee
4500 - 7000 per month
Dunkerque
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