Does a Pediatrician in the Philippines have good career opportunities?

If you love kids and are considering a medical career, becoming a Pediatrician is a good option. Pediatric doctors specialize in the care and treatment of children from birth to adolescence. This rewarding career allows you to make a real difference in the lives of young patients and their families. This article will help you find out more about pediatric specialty and Pediatrician career opportunities in the Philippines.

You will learn about:

  • What is a Pediatrician, and what do they do?
    • What is the importance of Pediatricians in healthcare?
    • How to qualify as a Pediatrician in the Philippines?
  • The benefits and challenges of becoming a Pediatrician
  • Variety of Pediatrician career opportunities in the Philippines
  • What is the average Pediatrician salary in the Philippines?
  • Conclusion

What is a Pediatrician, and what do they do?

As a Pediatrician, you’ll be responsible for diagnosing and treating many medical conditions that affect children. It includes common illnesses like colds and flu to more serious conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and developmental disorders. You’ll work closely with your patients and their families to provide the best care and support.

What is the importance of Pediatricians in healthcare?

Pediatricians are essential in healthcare because they are trained to diagnose and treat various medical conditions that affect children. One of the key roles of a Pediatric doctor is to provide treatment to children when they are sick. It may involve prescribing medications, ordering tests, and providing other forms of medical treatment. Pediatricians are also skilled at performing physical exams and identifying potential health issues in children.

Pediatricians also play a crucial role in promoting children’s overall health and well-being through preventative care measures. Examples are immunizations and regular check-ups. These check-ups allow the Pediatrician to assess a child’s growth and development. Furthermore, they will advise and support parents and caregivers in keeping their children healthy.

Another important aspect of a Pediatrician job is to provide education and support to parents and caregivers. It may involve answering questions about child development, giving advice on feeding and nutrition, and offering guidance on managing common childhood illnesses.

How to qualify as a Pediatrician in the Philippines?

To become a Pediatrician in the Philippines, you’ll need to complete a series of steps. First, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as biology or chemistry. After graduating, you’ll need to take and pass the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) to be accepted into a medical school in the Philippines. Once you’re enrolled in medical school, you’ll need to complete the four-year program and take and pass the licensure examination for medical doctors administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). 

After graduating from medical school, you’ll need to complete a pediatrics residency program, typically lasting for three to four years. Finally, you’ll need to take and pass the Special Professional Licensure Examination for Pediatricians to be licensed to practice as a Pediatric doctor in the Philippines. Becoming a Pediatrician requires a significant commitment of time and effort, but the rewarding career can be well worth it.

The benefits and challenges of becoming a Pediatrician

It is important to carefully consider the potential benefits and challenges of working in pediatrics before deciding. Here are some key benefits and challenges to keep in mind:

Benefits of a career in Pediatrics

  • Ability to work with and help young people. One of the most rewarding aspects of working in pediatrics is the opportunity to impact young people’s lives positively. Pediatricians can provide medical care and support to children and adolescents at a critical stage in their development. They can help to improve their overall health and well-being.
  • Opportunity to specialize. Pediatrics is a broad field and offers many opportunities for specialization. Whether you are interested in working with a specific age group or have a particular interest in a specific medical condition, there is likely to be a specialty within pediatrics that aligns with your interests and goals.
  • A satisfying and rewarding career. Many people who choose to work in pediatrics find the work to be personally fulfilling and rewarding. The ability to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, and to help them to grow and develop, can be a source of great satisfaction.

Challenges of a career in Pediatrics

  • High level of responsibility. Working in pediatrics can be a high-pressure job requiring a great deal of responsibility. Pediatricians must prepare to handle a wide range of medical issues and may need to provide support and guidance to patients and their families in difficult situations.
  • Ongoing education and training. Medical knowledge and technology are constantly evolving, and Pediatricians must be prepared to stay up-to-date with the latest developments to provide the best possible care to their patients. It can require significant time and effort to continue education and training.
  • Emotional challenges. Working with sick or injured children and their families can be emotionally demanding and require great empathy and compassion. Pediatricians may need to provide support and guidance in difficult situations, which can be emotionally taxing.

Variety of Pediatrician career opportunities in the Philippines

The specific Pediatrician career and requirements in the Philippines may vary depending on several factors, including the exact location and the individual’s education and experience. Pediatricians in the Philippines may work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, or other healthcare facilities. Some pediatricians also have subspecialties, such as pediatric cardiology, pediatric neurology, or pediatric oncology. Below are several career options for pediatricians:

Private practice

Many pediatricians work in private practice, either as solo practitioners or as part of a group practice. In private practice, pediatricians are responsible for managing their patients and may have the flexibility to set their schedules.

Hospital setting

Some pediatricians work in hospitals, providing care to hospitalized children or requiring specialized medical treatment. They may also work in emergency departments, treating children with acute illnesses or injuries.

Research

Pediatricians may also work in research, studying various topics related to children’s health and development. It can involve conducting clinical trials, analyzing data, and publishing findings in scientific journals.

Teaching

Some pediatricians work as teachers at medical schools or as part of continuing education programs for other healthcare professionals. They may also mentor medical students or resident doctors training to become pediatricians.

Advocacy

Pediatricians may also be involved in advocacy, working to improve the health and well-being of children in their communities or on a national level. It could involve working with policymakers, community organizations, or other stakeholders to address issues such as access to healthcare, child safety, and public health.

What is the average Pediatrician salary in the Philippines?

The salary of a Pediatrician can vary depending on many factors. Some factors that can affect a Pediatrician’s salary include their experience level, the location where they practice, and the type of facility they work in. Generally, a Pediatrician practicing in the Philippines can get a payment from 45,300 PHP to 157,000 PHP.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being a Pediatrician can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those who are dedicated and committed to the field. It offers the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children and their families, as well as the potential for a good salary and job security. However, it is also a challenging and demanding career that requires significant time and effort. Pediatricians in the Philippines may also face challenges such as long work hours and high levels of responsibility. If you are ready to take on the challenge, we can help you to find the role that fits!

Are you a Pediatrician looking for a new role in the healthcare industry? Here at Doctor Jobs Today, we provide the most reliable and well-curated vacancies from the best medical institutions in the Philippines. You can also access various recommendations and guidelines to help you stay on track. Get your CV ready and find your future career in Doctor Jobs Today, now!

About Doctor Jobs Today

Doctor Jobs Today is the first job-seeking platform in Southeast Asia dedicated to serving the job-searching needs of healthcare professionals. We have created a space to connect employers and medical job seekers seamlessly. As part of the healthcare community, we aim to cater to medical doctors for their vacancy inquiries better than traditional job portals. With Docquity, you will only get job options that are relevant to you, sourced from the prestigious healthcare institutions in the country, because we are just as picky as you are!

Doctor Jobs Today has all the suitable vacancies you’re dreamed about: a higher general practitioner salary, a better-equipped hospital for your specialization, or even a career shift from patient care.

About Docquity

If your educational and professional experience has not been sufficient to make your CV pop, expanding the network to other healthcare professionals to practice peer-to-peer learning might be the answer. One way to do it is by joining a social platform for healthcare professionals, such as Docquity

Docquity is an AI-based state-of-the-art private & secure continual learning network of verified doctors, bringing you real-time knowledge from thousands of doctors worldwide. Today, Docquity has over 300,000 doctors spread across six countries in Asia. 

Meet experts and trusted peers across Asia where you can safely discuss clinical cases, get up-to-date insights from webinars and research journals, and earn CME/CPD credits through certified courses. All with the ease of a mobile app available on Android & iOS platforms!

dr. Patrick Indradjaja

Medical Doctor, Master of Research in stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
Manager of Growth Docquity Indonesia