As a medical student, do you ever wonder what it’s like to specialize in pediatrics? Here’s your chance to find out.
Meet Carol Berkowitz, MD, a pediatrician and featured physician in AMA Wire’s “Shadow Me” Specialty Series, which offers advice directly from physicians about life in their specialties.
Read Dr. Berkowitz’s insights to help determine whether a career in pediatrics is a good fit for you.
“Shadowing” Dr. Berkowitz
Specialty: Pediatrics
A typical week: I work in academic pediatrics in a university affiliated county hospital [for] five days with weekend call. I attend in three clinics a week and do six weeks on the pediatric in-patient service. I also cover for our child abuse team.
The most challenging aspect of caring for patients in pediatrics: Child abuse is difficult because it is hard to see children injured by their parents, [but ] intervening is very rewarding.
Three adjectives to describe the typical pediatrician: Caring. Likes children. Optimistic.
My lifestyle in pediatrics has allowed me to: Have regular hours and raise a family.
The main skill every physician should have for pediatrics but won’t be tested for on the board exam is: Good communication skills.
One question every physician in training should ask themselves before pursuing pediatrics: What makes you happy and professionally satisfied?
One thing students considering pediatrics should remember: If you don’t like kids and don’t find them uplifting, don’t choose pediatrics.
My two mantras as a pediatrician are: “Even on your worst day, a hug from a child can light up the sky,” and “becoming a pediatrician is an iterative process.”
If my life in pediatrics were a song, it’d be: “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden” by Lynn Anderson.
