Pediatricians who specialize in treating infants born with health problems are known as neonatologists. When necessary, they perform diagnostic tests, administer medications, and provide emergency services. To become a neonatologist, a person must first obtain a medical degree, then complete a three-year residency program, followed three years of specialty fellowship training. To become a neonatologist, you must also pass a series of licensing exams throughout your training.
A person who thinks he or she wants to be a neonatologist can enroll in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited four-year university. A student can major in any subject, but premedical studies, biology, or health are typically the most beneficial in preparing for medical school. Individuals nearing the end of a bachelor’s degree program can begin preparing essays, transcripts, and other documents required for consideration for medical school admissions. Furthermore, most countries require students to take and pass national medical college admissions exams in order to be considered for admission.
After being accepted into a medical school, a student can meet with advisors to determine the best path to becoming a neonatologist. A student typically spends the first two years of school learning medical terminology, basic diagnostic and treatment techniques, and ethics in classrooms and laboratories. The final two years are spent gaining hands-on experience through practical internships and research projects. After earning a doctor of medicine degree, a student can apply for pediatric residency programs at hospitals.
Most pediatric residency programs last three years, giving new doctors the chance to work alongside experienced pediatricians. A resident also receives part-time classroom training from practicing doctors in order to gain a thorough understanding of pathology and patient care in the context of treating infants and children. A new doctor can earn a pediatrician license taking a national examination near the end of their residency program.
Many doctors practice general pediatrics after completing residency training, but if you want to be a neonatologist, you’ll need to take additional training in the form of a fellowship. A three-year fellowship program allows a doctor to gain supervised experience working with newborns in intensive care units. When a fellow is not treating patients, he or she is usually required to conduct independent research in order to meet licensing requirements and gain a better understanding of neonatology.
A doctor can take a final licensing examination to become a neonatologist after completing a fellowship. With a license, a physician can work in general hospitals, children’s hospitals, or specialty clinics on their own. In addition, many experienced doctors devote their spare time to clinical research and teaching medical school courses.