Neonatologist
(Neonatology)
Duties and Responsibilities:
Neonatologists are
pediatricians who have received additional, specialized training in the care of
infants. After completing the three-year residency required for all
pediatricians, neonatologists go on to three more years in a neonatal
fellowship, learning to care for distressed infants under the supervision of an
experienced practitioner. As critical-care providers for these youngest
patients, neonatologists bear a range of responsibilities for their diagnosis
and treatment, as well as providing support for the parents and other
physicians.
Salary:
$230,181
Education:
After completing a
four-year Bachelor of Science degree, which may be known as “pre-med,” aspiring
neonatologists enter medical school, which takes another four years. The first
two years teach students the basics, including anatomy, physiology,
biochemistry and pharmacology, while the final two years include rotations in
medical specialties, including pediatric medicine. After completing medical
school, students complete another three-year residency, where they choose a
specialty in pediatrics. Most then complete a fellowship in neonatology for
their final years of studies. All neonatologists need to get a license to
practice medicine in their states. They must also be board-certified
as a pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatrics. They then apply for a
subspecialty in one or more areas of neonatal medicine, including
developmental-behavioral pediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine,
neurodevelopmental disabilities and neonatal-perinatal medicine. Each
subspecialty has its own requirements in terms of testing and experience. To
keep their licenses and certifications current, neonatologists must complete
the number of continuing educations hours dictated by their state licensing
boards.
