Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Home :: More Career Profiles
Pediatric Pulmonologist |
Career OverviewA pediatric pulmonologist treats children from infants up to the age of twenty-one years of age that have lung problems, lung disease or breathing problems. They train pediatric pulmonologists to not only examine and diagnose children but also treat children suffering from serious lung and breathing conditions.
The family doctor or pediatrician may refer a patient to a pediatric pulmonologist when they are suffering from breathing problems. Some of the many problems that a pulmonologist treat children for are:
- Premature infants – When a baby is born prematurely, they sometimes have chronic or acute lung conditions that needs monitoring and treatment by a pediatric pulmonologist.
- Cystic fibrosis – This is one of the most common congenital diseases and the cause is a defect in a single gene. Often genetic, this disease has nutritional and pulmonary symptoms. Very thick mucus clogs the child’s lungs, pancreas and intestines and so far, there is no known cure for cystic fibrosis.
- Chronic coughing or noisy breathing.
- Apnea – a child stops breathing for a prolonged time.
- Recurring pneumonia and lung infections – These are respiratory diseases, disorders or illnesses often characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma and congestion. Sometimes bacteria, irritants or viruses are the cause.
- Conditions or diseases that make it necessary for children to have special equipment to help them breath or monitor their breathing at home.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Asthma – This is a respiratory disorder characterized by chronically inflamed airways and wheezing. An allergen often triggers asthma.
|
Career RequirementsA pediatric pulmonologist’s formal training and education is long and very demanding. After completing four years of medical school a student enters into another three years of pediatric residency training followed by a minimum of three years training in pediatric pulmonology. The American Board of Pediatrics then certifies them in pediatric pulmonology and pediatrics.
|
Advertisement
|
Job OutlookAs the population continues to grow, the demand for pediatric pulmonologists also continues to increase. Their vocation is specialized and the need for certified and experienced individuals is high, especially in large medical centers and hospitals.
They project the employment of surgeons and physicians, including pediatric pulmonologists, to increase faster than average through the year 2014 due to the increasing growth of the health care industry. As physicians retire, job opening will result in additional employment jobs.
|
Career TrackThe opportunities for career advancement and changes for a pediatric pulmonologist are very positive. Once a pulmonologist has several years of experience, often in large community hospitals, children’s hospitals or pediatric clinics, they may choose to enter into management positions, head up various treatment teams or become senior staff members. Others choose to enter into research, teach at universities and colleges or enter into private practice.
|
CompensationPediatric pulmonologists are highly competent and educated professionals that provide useful and necessary services in children’s hospitals, laboratories, hospitals and other health facilities.
A pulmonologist’s wage varies depending on their years of experience, location and other elements. Across the United States, the average annual wage for a pediatric pulmonologist ranges from approximately $208,000 to over $282,000.
|
|