A typical day for a pediatrician may include appointments with sick children, conducting physicals to assess overall health, prescribing medicine, discussing treatment options with families, coordinating with other medical professionals for diagnosis, dealing with pediatric emergencies, and educating parents about their children’s illness and how to assist in the treatment process. Pediatricians may work during regular business hours or other shifts depending on the needs of their employer; some pediatricians work in private practice, and others work in hospitals and clinics that are open 24 hours a day. Most of this work is performed indoors in a medical setting.

To become a pediatrician, individuals must first get a bachelor’s degree and apply to medical school. Once accepted, they complete four years of medical school and receive the medical degree and begin a residency in their chosen field.