Neonatologist

Duties and responsibilities: A neonatologist is a pediatrician who specializes in treating newborn infants. Physicians refer their patients to a neonatologist for complex and high-risk births. When babies are born prematurely, with a birth defect or with a serious illness, a neonatologist may assist with the delivery and attend to the newborn’s medical needs. Neonatologists consult with obstetricians if pre-natal sonograms suggest the possibility of a birth defect or disease.

Salary: $168,650

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.

Reflection: I would not like to have this career because I plan on doing something else.