


Studying to become a paediatrician
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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 - Décines-Charpieu 69
Liberal
4500 - 7000 per month
Décines-Charpieu
Pediatrician jobs - Décines-Charpieu 69 Are you looking for a position as a pediatrician near Décines-Charpieu, in the Rhône department? We've got just what you're looking for: a self-employed position in a modern multidisciplinary health center opening in March 2026. The structure's DNA The health center will open in March 2026 in a new 500 m², two-storey building, offering modern, upscale premises with gardens, terraces for professionals and convivial communal areas. In addition, the layout will feature different-sized practices for specialists, dedicated waiting rooms and an on-site secretariat. The neighborhood is new, dynamic and central, accessible by public transport with the tramway 2 minutes away and fifteen minutes from Lyon, offering a professional and easily accessible living environment. Description and responsibilities You will be part of a multidisciplinary team and participate in the medical project of the health center. Your main tasks will be : - Monitor your pediatric patients - Take charge of unscheduled care and urgent consultations - Perform complementary procedures in line with your practice - Work closely with general practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists and other professionals. Please note: the structure manages the administrative and logistical organization, the secretariat is on site and the diary is managed via Doctolib. Compensation For this position, you will be paid a royalty of between 20% and 30% of your gross sales, depending on your activity. You can also choose to simply rent your practice. Benefits - Full range of medical equipment: ultrasound, ECG, spirometer - New, high-end 500 m² premises with garden and terraces - Dedicated secretariat with 2 on-site secretaries for administrative and logistical support - Multidisciplinary working environment and structured medical project - Use of Doctolib software for appointment management - High patient flow from the outset, with Doctolib slots filled over several weeks - Tramway 2 minutes away, parking available - Financial benefits: €10,000 ZIP bonus, increased consultation fees for the first two years Profile sought 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 : 12060 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 - Longjumeau 91
Liberal
4000 - 8000 per month
Saulx-les-Chartreux
We are recruiting a pediatrician M/F to join a private practice in Longjumeau, Essonne. Structure DNA You will be joining a project to open a 200 m² site, scheduled to open in September 2026. The layout includes five practices of varying sizes (25 m², 20 m², 14 m² x2 and 13 m²), with windows and a water point in each office and the possibility of modularity. Longjumeau, in Essonne, offers a living environment close to the Paris urban area, while remaining local. Description and responsibilities You will be joining a new healthcare center. Your main tasks will be to - Provide pediatric consultations within the practices - Participate in a partnership aimed at relieving hospital overcrowding by referring and managing patients - Work in coordination with other practitioners and paramedical professionals on site Compensation For this position, you will have a rent of 850€ for a 14m² practice or 1000€ for a 25m² practice, including charges. Benefits: - Furniture provided (desk and chair), stamps, prescriptions and small surgical equipment - Modular premises of 200 m², offices with windows and water point - Reception by the founder - Rest room and PRM sanitary facilities - On-site parking and easy access to regional transport - Free access for practitioners outside reception hours 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] Reference: 11941 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. - Contact with 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 - Lambersart 59
Liberal
4000 - 8000 per month
Lambersart
Pediatrician Jobs - Lambersart 59 Are you looking for a position as a pediatrician near Lambersart, in the Nord region of France? We've got just what you're looking for: a liberal opportunity on a lease with option to buy. Structure DNA You'll be part of a new real estate project dedicated to healthcare professionals, located in the greater Lille area. The building will comprise 1,000 m² of new space, including 300 m² already rented and the remaining 600 m² divided into 300 m² on the first floor and 300 m² upstairs. These premises will be accessible to people with reduced mobility and delivered fully equipped. The first floor will be equipped with modular technical trays, and the second floor will be divisible into several offices, all in an environment that can be adapted to the needs of practitioners. The positioning is primarily aimed at specialists, with real estate prices indexed to the local market. Overall, the facility will be ideally located in Lambersart, close to all amenities, in a pleasant and fulfilling environment. Description and responsibilities Your main duties will be : - Provide pediatric consultations and patient follow-up - Coordinate with other specialists and healthcare professionals in the project - Organize your own consultation area in a modular space adapted to your practice - Participate in the structuring of the medical project in order to optimize the care offered to the local population Compensation For this position, you will have an estimated rent of between €1,500 and €2,000/month, including charges (electricity, water, cleaning, waiting area, reception desk) with a possible buy-out option within 3 years. Benefits: - Full technical platform - New premises, large total surface area and turnkey delivery - PMR accessibility and recent finishes - Buy-back option available within 3 years - Located near Lille Profile sought 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: 11873 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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