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.