We touched briefly on pediatricstudies in our pediatrician job description. Since this is such an important part of the profession, it was only natural that we should devote an entire article to it. In it, you'll find all the steps you need to take before you can claim the title of Doctor of Pediatrics.
What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in children's health, from birth to adolescence. They monitor the health of young patients, diagnose and treat illnesses, and oversee their physical, mental and emotional development. They also play a key role in prevention, advising parents on nutrition, vaccination and child development.
What training do I need to become a paediatrician?
To become a pediatrician, you need to follow a long university course in medicine. First of all, you'll need to pass a scientific baccalaureate, giving you the necessary grounding to succeed in your studies.
Once this stage has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between two options:
- The Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Those who pass can go on to study in the health sector.
- Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor before, if they so wish, trying their luck again.
- The PASS approach reduces the pressure of the former PACES exam, while diversifying students' skills.
- The Licence with Health Access (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of training courses available in health studies, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, favoring skills and reorientation.
General medical studies
After the PASS or L.AS (see above), general medical studies are divided into two parts:
- The Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : a three-year course (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) comprising theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical placements in hospitals.
- Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM): a direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study incorporating specialist courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.
Examen Classant National (ECN)
After six years' study to become a pediatrician, students in the health field take part in a national competitive examination for all medical students. At the end of the examination, students choose their specialty. The order of priority is determined by ranking.
Specialization in dermatology
On completion of general medical studies , students specializing in pediatrics enter a five-year residency program. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:
- theoreticaltraining: interns follow theoretical courses covering the various aspects of dermatology. They attend seminars and conferences to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
- Practicaltraining : pediatric interns participate in the work of various health departments.
In addition, pediatric interns must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. On completion of this specialization, the intern obtains the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Pédiatrie (DES). They can now apply for positions as pediatricians.
Skills and qualities of pediatricians
Technical skills
Pediatricians need to master a wide range of medical and technical skills. They must be able to :
- diagnose and treat diseases specific to children,
- monitor the psychomotor and physical development of young patients,
- perform clinical examinations and interpret test results,
- manage paediatric emergencies,
- prescribe and adapt treatments according to the child's age and needs.
Human and interpersonal skills
In addition to their technical skills, pediatricians must possess the human qualities essential to establishing a relationship of trust with children and their parents. These qualities include
- empathy and patience in responding to families' concerns,
- the ability to communicate with young patients, sometimes unable to verbalize their symptoms,
- adaptability to a variety of medical situations,
- the ability to listen and reassure children and parents.
Jobs and career prospects for paediatricians
Different types of facility
Once they have completed theirtraining as pediatricians, new practitioners can work in a variety of settings and under different statutes:
- Public hospitals: pediatricians working in public hospitals are salaried employees. This status offers them job security, benefits and stable remuneration. They are involved in hospital care, pediatric emergencies and may progress to management positions, such as head of department. Hospital work frequently includes on-call duty, often compensated by bonuses.
- Private clinics: in this type of establishment, paediatricians can opt for either salaried or self-employed status. As salaried employees, they benefit from an employment contract with a fixed salary, but less flexibility. In private practice, they rent space within the clinic, set their own fees and bill their patients directly, giving them greater autonomy in managing their practice.
- Private practice: pediatricians in private practice are independent and responsible for the complete management of their practice, including administrative and financial aspects. This mode of practice offers great freedom in the organization of their practice, but also requires them to assume full responsibility for the management of the practice.
- Maternal and child protection centers (PMI): pediatricians working in PMI centers are salaried and focus on prevention, monitoring child development and supporting families. Working in this public health setting enables them to practice local medicine with a strong social impact.
Career development and specializations
A pediatrician's career can lead to positions of responsibility, such as head of department or medical director. There are also specializations in pediatrics, enabling doctors to focus on specific areas such as :
- neonatology (care of premature newborns),
- emergency pediatrics
- pediatric oncology,
- pediatric cardiology.
Pediatrician remuneration
In France, the average remuneration of a pediatrician varies according to practice location, experience and specialization. It also largely depends on their contractual status:
- Salaried: a salaried paediatrician earns an average of 40% of gross monthly sales.
- Self-employed: a self-employed or independent paediatrician will generally receive between 70 and 100% of gross monthly sales. In many cases, a fixed rent is also payable.
To sum up, becoming a paediatrician is a difficult and demandingcareer. Nevertheless, it offers a rich and varied career, with remuneration commensurate with the expertise acquired.
Did you enjoy this article and would you like to read more? Take a look, for example, at our orthodontist salary sheet or any of our other job sheets.
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Pediatrician M/F - Villeneuve la Garenne 92
Liberal
4000 - 8000 per month
Villeneuve-la-Garenne
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
Job Pediatrician M/F - Dunkerque 59 As part of the development of its activities, an intercommunal health center located in Dunkirk, in the Nord region of France, is looking for a new pediatrician for a salaried position. Terms and conditions - Salaried (public administrative establishment) - Full or part-time - Monday to Friday - 9am - 1.15pm / 2.15pm - 6.30pm - Saturday 8:30am - 12:30pm The structure This is a local authority project to create an intercommunal health center in the heart of Dunkirk, designed to meet a major regional need, with almost 22,000 inhabitants without a regular doctor. The center will be housed in 630 m² of space dedicated to care and support functions. The organization is geared towards face-to-face consultations, home visits and a multidisciplinary approach including doctors, nurses, midwives and psychologists. Remuneration - To be defined at the time of interview, according to profile and experience Duties - Provide pediatric consultations for children and teenagers - Participate in the organization and deployment of the territorial health project - Carry out home visits as part of patient follow-up - Collaborate with the center's paramedical and medical professionals on care paths - Contribute to the follow-up of pediatric mental health issues in conjunction with the team - Participate in local prevention initiatives (obesity, diabetes, screening) - Participate in coordination meetings and in drawing up care protocols The benefits - Large, well-equipped premises with enhanced accessibility - Multidisciplinary medical and paramedical team - HR management provided by the local authority, guaranteeing security of employment - Vehicle available for home visits - 5 weeks paid vacation and 21 days RTT - Luncheon vouchers and local government benefits - Access to TER/TGV rail links and nearby public parking lot Equipment - 6 medical offices equipped with water points and examination tables - Possibility of communicating offices - Rail-mounted patient lift - Scales adapted up to 300 kg - Dedicated rest room - Sanitary facilities and showers - Administrative areas and coordination office A little something extra Dunkirk offers a unique maritime lifestyle with its beaches and harbor, as well as a well-known festive tradition thanks to the famous Dunkirk Carnival. The city has excellent regional accessibility, with Lille only 30 minutes away by TER and Paris around 2 hours away by TGV, making it easy to get to and from work. 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 : 12458 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.
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