University Of South Florid Case Study
History/Description of the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, also known as USF, is a member institution of the State University System of Florida and a public research university located in Tampa, Florida, USA. USF is the fifth largest in the state of Florida, with a total enrollment of 40,111 as of 2013. Some of the original proposed names included "Citrus State University," "Sunshine State University," "The University of the Western Hemisphere," and "The University of Florida at Temple Terrace". It was built on the site of Henderson Air Field, a World War II airstrip. Although located in west-central Florida, at the time of its establishment USF was the southernmost public university in the State of Florida, …show more content…
a geographic situation that lent USF its sometimes confusing name. The University of South Florida System has four institutions: University of South Florida, USF St. Petersburg, USF Sarasota-Manatee and USF Polytechnic. There is also a downtown center in downtown Tampa. A fourth satellite campus, in Fort Myers, was in operation from 1974 until 1997 when campus operations were folded into the new Florida Gulf Coast University. The Fort Myers campus was at the time shared with Edison College, and Edison now controls the entire campus.
Application Materials
Freshman Applicants: To be considered for admission, freshman applicants must submit an SUS Application for Admission, a non-refundable application fee of $20.00, an official high school transcript, official GED scores if applicable, SAT or ACT scores and a TOEFL score if applicable. Although USF has minimum freshman admission requirements, meeting these minimum standards does not guarantee admission. Applicants selected for admission usually exceed the eligibility requirements. However, USF also considers applicants who do not fully meet minimum requirements but who have important attributes, special talents or unique circumstances that may contribute to a representative and diverse student body. These freshman applicants are considered for admission by a faculty committee on the basis of other appropriate evidence of ability to do successful academic work at USF. USF assigns additional weights to grades earned in honors, advanced placement courses and International Baccalaureate courses.
The University normally requires a diploma from a Florida public or a regionally accredited high school or the state-approved General Education Development (GED) diploma. Other minimum requirements are outlined below. * Freshman applicants must submit an official test score from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT).
For freshman applicants earning a high school diploma, the following college preparatory academic units (year-long courses or equivalents) normally offered in grades nine through twelve are required: four units of English (three of the four must incorporate substantial writing requirements); three units of mathematics (algebra I and above); three units of natural sciences (two of the three must incorporate substantial laboratory requirements); three units of social sciences (history, civics, political science, economics, sociology, psychology and geography); two units of the same foreign language; and four additional units of academic electives. Substitution for any high school unit requirement may be provided for applicants who are hearing impaired, visually impaired or who have a specific learning disability.
* Freshman applicants must minimally meet one of the following to be considered for admission in good standing; however, satisfying these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission:
a. At least a "B" average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale), as computed by USF (an SAT or ACT score must be submitted but no minimum is required)
b. A combination of high school GPA (as computed by USF) and admission test scores equivalent to a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and an SAT I verbal and quantitative combined score of 1010 or a comparable composite score on the ACT as indicated below. SAT: 1130 - 1280 (Critical Reading + Math only) Average SAT: 1209 ACT: 25 - 29 Average ACT: 27
c. Appropriate alternative evidence of academic achievement, ability, motivation and responsibility that indicates potential for successful academic work at USF.
A first-time-in-college applicant whose native language is not English must present a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL requirement may be waived on an individual basis when appropriate alternative evidence of English language proficiency is presented in writing. If otherwise qualified, applicants who present TOEFL scores between 500 and 550 may be considered for admission with the condition that they must take a specified sequence of English courses. International citizens (non-resident aliens) must also comply with all requirements for admission of international applicants.
Application Deadlines
January 2: Deadline to be considered for admissions scholarships
March 1 – Deadline to be considered for financial aid
April 15 – Final application deadline
Tuition and Fees
Resident Tuition Rates per Credit Hour (Tampa Campus)
Undergraduate Level (000-4999): $191.06
Graduate Level (5000 & Up): $399.76
Non-Resident Tuition Rates per Credit Hour (Tampa Campus)
Undergraduate Level (000-4999): $497.32
Graduate Level (5000 & Up): $821.06
Academics
Pre-med requirements usually include: * One year of English * Two years of Biology * One semester of college calculus or statistics * One year of physics * Two years of chemistry, including one year of inorganic and one year of organic chemistry
After graduating from four year university, we should take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a standardized multiple-choice test that is required for admission to medical school. The topics covered in the test include physical sciences, biological sciences, and verbal reasoning. Most medical school programs are four years long. During the first two years, we will study broader subjects like physiology, chemistry, human anatomy, and pharmacology. During the second two years, we will narrow down the focus to a specialized field, including family practice, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Once we have graduated from medical school, we will need to complete a three-year pediatric training program at a hospital before we can start our own practice. During this time, we will be given hands-on training and develop our skills in treating and dealing with sick patients. Over the course of the three years, we will be given an increasing amount of responsibilities and learn how to properly interact with patients. We will need to receive and maintain a certification to practice pediatric medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
USF offers several forms of public and private financial aid including scholarships, fellowships, grants, work-study programs and loans. Privately-funded scholarships range from book scholarships of $1,000 per year to scholarships that provide for the full cost of attendance when combined with the recipient’s other awards. NAME | ELIGIBLE | DUE DATE | Harrison and Ruth Kosove Graduate Fellowship | For Graduate students. | January 11, 2013 | Harrison and Ruth Kosove Undergraduate Scholarship | Incoming freshmen and those with 2 undergraduate years remaining.
| December 14, 2012 | Chip Weiner Uncommon Sense Award | For juniors and seniors. | March 15, 2013 | George W. Jenkins Scholarship | For incoming freshmen. | March 1, 2013 | LGBT Alumni Scholarship | For students at all grade levels. | January 31, 2013 | Susan and Robert Abedinger Endowed Scholarship | For incoming freshmen. | March 15,2013 | Pete Peterson Kash n Karry Scholarship | For students at all grade levels. | Marsh 29, 2013 | WLP/Berkman Family Scholarship | Freshmen, currently enrolled, transfer and graduate students. | January 31, 2013 | USF Native American Scholarship | For freshmen, currently enrolled and transfer students. | April 15, 2013 | Town and Gown Scholarship | For students of all grades | January 30, 2013 | USF Latino Scholarship Program | Incoming freshmen | March 20, 2013 | Giovanna Zuppa Memorial Scholarship | For freshmen, current, and transfer students. | April 11, 2013 | Sigma Theta Alpha Chapter Alumni Scholarship | For freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors. | May 19, 2013 | Sweetbay Endowed Scholarship Fund for Excellence | For students at all grades. | January 20, 2013
|
Social Activities
The University of South Florida has many ways for students to get involved on campus. There are over 400 student organizations covering a diverse range of topics; something for every individual. To help us find the organization that best suits our interest, student organizations are placed in the following broad categories: * Academic/Professional * Councils * Governing * Greek * Honors * Multicultural * Political * Programming * Recreation * Religious * Service * Special Interest
Meal Plans
Students who eat in the dining halls generally eat healthier than students who grab food at fast food places or make macaroni and cheese in their residence areas. Grocery shopping and preparing food in a residence hall can be difficult, and students who rely on convenience often don’t consume enough fresh fruit and vegetables.
The dining halls are convenient and always have a salad and fruit bar with plenty of healthy options. The Fresh Food Company, Bulls Den Cafe, Champion's Choice and Juniper Dining offer unlimited choices for one entry price. There are many meal plans to choose from to help us get the most from our investment. The menus constantly change and there is a variety of tastes, including vegan choices and locally grown foods.
The USF dining locations are great places to meet friends, learn about campus events, and participate in the many dining hall parties and nutrition programs offered throughout the semester. Even students who live off campus can benefit from a meal plan. The dining halls offer “take-out” boxes and have convenient hours for commuter students to grab a balanced meal while on campus or to take home with them.
Article about Ranking based on Nursing in USF
USF Nursing advances to top-25 ranking in NIH research funding
February 27, 2012 · 9:26 am
Tampa, FL (Feb. 27, 2012) – The University of South Florida College of Nursing has joined the ranks of the top 25 nursing schools nationwide receiving National Institutes of Health research funding. There are more than 600 colleges of nursing nationwide. The college attracted a record $1.99 million from NIH in 2011* — a 16-percent jump from the $1.71 million received in 2010. That increase propelled USF to a 25th place ranking on the NIH nursing school list, up from its 28th place spot last year.
“With passion for research excellence, creativity, teamwork and perseverance, the USF College of Nursing reached a major goal we strategically set out to attain – a top-25 ranking in NIH funding,” said Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing, and senior associate vice president of USF Health. “I could not be more proud of my outstanding colleagues whose untiring efforts made this success a reality.”
USF’s nursing school has been on a fast track for national research prominence over the last several years. Just four years ago (2008), it ranked 66th in NIH funding. When Dr. Morrison-Beedy arrived at USF in April 2010 the college had started a climb upward and she set the ambitious goal of breaking into the top-25 rank for NIH funding within five years. The college did it in two years.
The impressive climb to the top has been fueled by recruitment of new faculty who joined the leading nurse scientists already at USF and a strong Nursing Center for Research where faculty members craft interdisciplinary grant proposals that have appealed strongly to NIH and allowed the college to remain competitive, even in recent fiscally challenging years.
The latest round of yearly NIH research rankings shows the USF College of Nursing continued to surpass all nursing schools in the Florida State University System. In addition, the college ranked above a significant number of high-profile schools in the American Association of Universities (AAU), comprised of the most prestigious and well known institutions in North America. Grants and contracts from federal sources, including NIH, are considered among the most competitive and coveted funding sources. “Breaking into the NIH top-25 is a remarkable achievement. It’s a credit to the excellence of our faculty in the college as well as the drive for research and innovation at USF Health,” said Stephen Klasko, MD, MBA, CEO of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. “This momentum will not be stopped. The focus of the College of Nursing and USF Health on new scientific discoveries with the potential to transform health care will continue to help lead USF forward as a nationally prominent research institution.”
“We have an amazing faculty, an outstanding Nursing Center for Research, and a focused leadership. All have done their part to achieve this fantastic accomplishment,” said Cindy Munro, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FAAN, ANP, PhD, associate dean for Research and Innovation at the USF College of Nursing. “This ranking epitomizes the USF College of Nursing’s progress as a national leader in nursing research.”
USF Health’s mission is to envision and implement the future of health. It is the partnership of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Biomedical Sciences and the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences; and the USF Physician’s Group. The University of South Florida is a global research university ranked 34th in federal research expenditures for public universities.
History of Pediatrician
Pediatrics (or paediatrics) is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. A medical practitioner who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician, or paediatrician. The word pediatrics and its cognates mean healer of children; they derive from two Greek words: παῖς (pais = child) and ἰατρός (iatros = doctor or healer).
In the United States, a pediatrician (US spelling) is often a primary care physician who specializes in children, whereas in the Commonwealth a paediatrician (British spelling) generally is a medical specialist not in primary general practice. The father of American pediatrics, Abraham Jacobi, championed children's care in both academic and medical spheres. During his life, every medical school in the United States established a department of pediatrics.
Skills, Education and Training
Part One: Education and Credentials 1. Obtain a high school diploma or pass the General Education Development (GED) test. 2. Graduate from a four year university. 3. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) 4. Finish medical school. 5. Complete a residency at a hospital. 6. Get board certified.
Part Two: Other Skills and Preparations 1. Be prepared for the physical and emotional challenges involved. 2. Know what to expect in medical school. 3. Determine whether you enjoy working with children.
Salary/Benefits
2012-2013 Academic Year Program Year | Annual | PGY-1 | $44,302 | PGY-2 | $45,961 | PGY-3 | $47,205 | PGY-4 | $49,111 | PGY-5 | $51,507 | PGY-6 | $53,176 | PGY-7 | $54,971 |
Benefits * Paid Leave * Vacation: 14 working days for PGY 1, 21 working days for PGY 2 and above per contract year * Sick Leave: 12 working days per contract year * Educational Leave: 5 working days per contract year with Program Director Approval * Insurance Programs at No Cost to Resident * Comprehensive medical care plan (Choice of HMO or PPO) * Dental, Disability, Vision, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance and many more.
Personal Statement
Pediatrician mainly deals with the medical care of children. Kids are everyone’s future. They are the one who will bring new ideas and developments to our society in the future. I chose this career because kids build our future, sooner or later. For them to achieve their goals, they need to be healthy and they might not be able to achieve good health without pediatrician. I like working with children, families, medical experts and community members. Another reason is that, Pediatrician is a rewarding career as we help our future generations to work to improve our community. Even if a lot of the patients are younger infants that cry a lot, since the average visit is just 10-15 minutes, we won't have to listen to them cry all day. To be a pediatrician is not an easy job but I think I’ll enjoy being a part of it.
The University of South Florida, also known as USF, is a member institution of the State University System of Florida and a public research university located in Tampa, Florida, USA. USF is the fifth largest in the state of Florida, with a total enrollment of 40,111 as of 2013. Some of the original proposed names included "Citrus State University," "Sunshine State University," "The University of the Western Hemisphere," and "The University of Florida at Temple Terrace". It was built on the site of Henderson Air Field, a World War II airstrip. Although located in west-central Florida, at the time of its establishment USF was the southernmost public university in the State of Florida, …show more content…
a geographic situation that lent USF its sometimes confusing name. The University of South Florida System has four institutions: University of South Florida, USF St. Petersburg, USF Sarasota-Manatee and USF Polytechnic. There is also a downtown center in downtown Tampa. A fourth satellite campus, in Fort Myers, was in operation from 1974 until 1997 when campus operations were folded into the new Florida Gulf Coast University. The Fort Myers campus was at the time shared with Edison College, and Edison now controls the entire campus.
Application Materials
Freshman Applicants: To be considered for admission, freshman applicants must submit an SUS Application for Admission, a non-refundable application fee of $20.00, an official high school transcript, official GED scores if applicable, SAT or ACT scores and a TOEFL score if applicable. Although USF has minimum freshman admission requirements, meeting these minimum standards does not guarantee admission. Applicants selected for admission usually exceed the eligibility requirements. However, USF also considers applicants who do not fully meet minimum requirements but who have important attributes, special talents or unique circumstances that may contribute to a representative and diverse student body. These freshman applicants are considered for admission by a faculty committee on the basis of other appropriate evidence of ability to do successful academic work at USF. USF assigns additional weights to grades earned in honors, advanced placement courses and International Baccalaureate courses.
The University normally requires a diploma from a Florida public or a regionally accredited high school or the state-approved General Education Development (GED) diploma. Other minimum requirements are outlined below. * Freshman applicants must submit an official test score from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT).
For freshman applicants earning a high school diploma, the following college preparatory academic units (year-long courses or equivalents) normally offered in grades nine through twelve are required: four units of English (three of the four must incorporate substantial writing requirements); three units of mathematics (algebra I and above); three units of natural sciences (two of the three must incorporate substantial laboratory requirements); three units of social sciences (history, civics, political science, economics, sociology, psychology and geography); two units of the same foreign language; and four additional units of academic electives. Substitution for any high school unit requirement may be provided for applicants who are hearing impaired, visually impaired or who have a specific learning disability.
* Freshman applicants must minimally meet one of the following to be considered for admission in good standing; however, satisfying these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission:
a. At least a "B" average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale), as computed by USF (an SAT or ACT score must be submitted but no minimum is required)
b. A combination of high school GPA (as computed by USF) and admission test scores equivalent to a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and an SAT I verbal and quantitative combined score of 1010 or a comparable composite score on the ACT as indicated below. SAT: 1130 - 1280 (Critical Reading + Math only) Average SAT: 1209 ACT: 25 - 29 Average ACT: 27
c. Appropriate alternative evidence of academic achievement, ability, motivation and responsibility that indicates potential for successful academic work at USF.
A first-time-in-college applicant whose native language is not English must present a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL requirement may be waived on an individual basis when appropriate alternative evidence of English language proficiency is presented in writing. If otherwise qualified, applicants who present TOEFL scores between 500 and 550 may be considered for admission with the condition that they must take a specified sequence of English courses. International citizens (non-resident aliens) must also comply with all requirements for admission of international applicants.
Application Deadlines
January 2: Deadline to be considered for admissions scholarships
March 1 – Deadline to be considered for financial aid
April 15 – Final application deadline
Tuition and Fees
Resident Tuition Rates per Credit Hour (Tampa Campus)
Undergraduate Level (000-4999): $191.06
Graduate Level (5000 & Up): $399.76
Non-Resident Tuition Rates per Credit Hour (Tampa Campus)
Undergraduate Level (000-4999): $497.32
Graduate Level (5000 & Up): $821.06
Academics
Pre-med requirements usually include: * One year of English * Two years of Biology * One semester of college calculus or statistics * One year of physics * Two years of chemistry, including one year of inorganic and one year of organic chemistry
After graduating from four year university, we should take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a standardized multiple-choice test that is required for admission to medical school. The topics covered in the test include physical sciences, biological sciences, and verbal reasoning. Most medical school programs are four years long. During the first two years, we will study broader subjects like physiology, chemistry, human anatomy, and pharmacology. During the second two years, we will narrow down the focus to a specialized field, including family practice, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Once we have graduated from medical school, we will need to complete a three-year pediatric training program at a hospital before we can start our own practice. During this time, we will be given hands-on training and develop our skills in treating and dealing with sick patients. Over the course of the three years, we will be given an increasing amount of responsibilities and learn how to properly interact with patients. We will need to receive and maintain a certification to practice pediatric medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
USF offers several forms of public and private financial aid including scholarships, fellowships, grants, work-study programs and loans. Privately-funded scholarships range from book scholarships of $1,000 per year to scholarships that provide for the full cost of attendance when combined with the recipient’s other awards. NAME | ELIGIBLE | DUE DATE | Harrison and Ruth Kosove Graduate Fellowship | For Graduate students. | January 11, 2013 | Harrison and Ruth Kosove Undergraduate Scholarship | Incoming freshmen and those with 2 undergraduate years remaining.
| December 14, 2012 | Chip Weiner Uncommon Sense Award | For juniors and seniors. | March 15, 2013 | George W. Jenkins Scholarship | For incoming freshmen. | March 1, 2013 | LGBT Alumni Scholarship | For students at all grade levels. | January 31, 2013 | Susan and Robert Abedinger Endowed Scholarship | For incoming freshmen. | March 15,2013 | Pete Peterson Kash n Karry Scholarship | For students at all grade levels. | Marsh 29, 2013 | WLP/Berkman Family Scholarship | Freshmen, currently enrolled, transfer and graduate students. | January 31, 2013 | USF Native American Scholarship | For freshmen, currently enrolled and transfer students. | April 15, 2013 | Town and Gown Scholarship | For students of all grades | January 30, 2013 | USF Latino Scholarship Program | Incoming freshmen | March 20, 2013 | Giovanna Zuppa Memorial Scholarship | For freshmen, current, and transfer students. | April 11, 2013 | Sigma Theta Alpha Chapter Alumni Scholarship | For freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors. | May 19, 2013 | Sweetbay Endowed Scholarship Fund for Excellence | For students at all grades. | January 20, 2013
|
Social Activities
The University of South Florida has many ways for students to get involved on campus. There are over 400 student organizations covering a diverse range of topics; something for every individual. To help us find the organization that best suits our interest, student organizations are placed in the following broad categories: * Academic/Professional * Councils * Governing * Greek * Honors * Multicultural * Political * Programming * Recreation * Religious * Service * Special Interest
Meal Plans
Students who eat in the dining halls generally eat healthier than students who grab food at fast food places or make macaroni and cheese in their residence areas. Grocery shopping and preparing food in a residence hall can be difficult, and students who rely on convenience often don’t consume enough fresh fruit and vegetables.
The dining halls are convenient and always have a salad and fruit bar with plenty of healthy options. The Fresh Food Company, Bulls Den Cafe, Champion's Choice and Juniper Dining offer unlimited choices for one entry price. There are many meal plans to choose from to help us get the most from our investment. The menus constantly change and there is a variety of tastes, including vegan choices and locally grown foods.
The USF dining locations are great places to meet friends, learn about campus events, and participate in the many dining hall parties and nutrition programs offered throughout the semester. Even students who live off campus can benefit from a meal plan. The dining halls offer “take-out” boxes and have convenient hours for commuter students to grab a balanced meal while on campus or to take home with them.
Article about Ranking based on Nursing in USF
USF Nursing advances to top-25 ranking in NIH research funding
February 27, 2012 · 9:26 am
Tampa, FL (Feb. 27, 2012) – The University of South Florida College of Nursing has joined the ranks of the top 25 nursing schools nationwide receiving National Institutes of Health research funding. There are more than 600 colleges of nursing nationwide. The college attracted a record $1.99 million from NIH in 2011* — a 16-percent jump from the $1.71 million received in 2010. That increase propelled USF to a 25th place ranking on the NIH nursing school list, up from its 28th place spot last year.
“With passion for research excellence, creativity, teamwork and perseverance, the USF College of Nursing reached a major goal we strategically set out to attain – a top-25 ranking in NIH funding,” said Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing, and senior associate vice president of USF Health. “I could not be more proud of my outstanding colleagues whose untiring efforts made this success a reality.”
USF’s nursing school has been on a fast track for national research prominence over the last several years. Just four years ago (2008), it ranked 66th in NIH funding. When Dr. Morrison-Beedy arrived at USF in April 2010 the college had started a climb upward and she set the ambitious goal of breaking into the top-25 rank for NIH funding within five years. The college did it in two years.
The impressive climb to the top has been fueled by recruitment of new faculty who joined the leading nurse scientists already at USF and a strong Nursing Center for Research where faculty members craft interdisciplinary grant proposals that have appealed strongly to NIH and allowed the college to remain competitive, even in recent fiscally challenging years.
The latest round of yearly NIH research rankings shows the USF College of Nursing continued to surpass all nursing schools in the Florida State University System. In addition, the college ranked above a significant number of high-profile schools in the American Association of Universities (AAU), comprised of the most prestigious and well known institutions in North America. Grants and contracts from federal sources, including NIH, are considered among the most competitive and coveted funding sources. “Breaking into the NIH top-25 is a remarkable achievement. It’s a credit to the excellence of our faculty in the college as well as the drive for research and innovation at USF Health,” said Stephen Klasko, MD, MBA, CEO of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine. “This momentum will not be stopped. The focus of the College of Nursing and USF Health on new scientific discoveries with the potential to transform health care will continue to help lead USF forward as a nationally prominent research institution.”
“We have an amazing faculty, an outstanding Nursing Center for Research, and a focused leadership. All have done their part to achieve this fantastic accomplishment,” said Cindy Munro, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FAAN, ANP, PhD, associate dean for Research and Innovation at the USF College of Nursing. “This ranking epitomizes the USF College of Nursing’s progress as a national leader in nursing research.”
USF Health’s mission is to envision and implement the future of health. It is the partnership of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Public Health, the College of Pharmacy, the School of Biomedical Sciences and the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences; and the USF Physician’s Group. The University of South Florida is a global research university ranked 34th in federal research expenditures for public universities.
History of Pediatrician
Pediatrics (or paediatrics) is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. A medical practitioner who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician, or paediatrician. The word pediatrics and its cognates mean healer of children; they derive from two Greek words: παῖς (pais = child) and ἰατρός (iatros = doctor or healer).
In the United States, a pediatrician (US spelling) is often a primary care physician who specializes in children, whereas in the Commonwealth a paediatrician (British spelling) generally is a medical specialist not in primary general practice. The father of American pediatrics, Abraham Jacobi, championed children's care in both academic and medical spheres. During his life, every medical school in the United States established a department of pediatrics.
Skills, Education and Training
Part One: Education and Credentials 1. Obtain a high school diploma or pass the General Education Development (GED) test. 2. Graduate from a four year university. 3. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) 4. Finish medical school. 5. Complete a residency at a hospital. 6. Get board certified.
Part Two: Other Skills and Preparations 1. Be prepared for the physical and emotional challenges involved. 2. Know what to expect in medical school. 3. Determine whether you enjoy working with children.
Salary/Benefits
2012-2013 Academic Year Program Year | Annual | PGY-1 | $44,302 | PGY-2 | $45,961 | PGY-3 | $47,205 | PGY-4 | $49,111 | PGY-5 | $51,507 | PGY-6 | $53,176 | PGY-7 | $54,971 |
Benefits * Paid Leave * Vacation: 14 working days for PGY 1, 21 working days for PGY 2 and above per contract year * Sick Leave: 12 working days per contract year * Educational Leave: 5 working days per contract year with Program Director Approval * Insurance Programs at No Cost to Resident * Comprehensive medical care plan (Choice of HMO or PPO) * Dental, Disability, Vision, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance and many more.
Personal Statement
Pediatrician mainly deals with the medical care of children. Kids are everyone’s future. They are the one who will bring new ideas and developments to our society in the future. I chose this career because kids build our future, sooner or later. For them to achieve their goals, they need to be healthy and they might not be able to achieve good health without pediatrician. I like working with children, families, medical experts and community members. Another reason is that, Pediatrician is a rewarding career as we help our future generations to work to improve our community. Even if a lot of the patients are younger infants that cry a lot, since the average visit is just 10-15 minutes, we won't have to listen to them cry all day. To be a pediatrician is not an easy job but I think I’ll enjoy being a part of it.