Pediatricians wear many hats. These doctors are medical detectives. They use science and observation to help kids and teens stay healthy. Pediatricians are caregivers, too. They use patience and creativity to put little ones (and parents) at ease. Here, two of these magicians of medicine discuss the ups and downs of their jobs. They also share how caring for young patients comes with big rewards.

Question

What comes to mind when you think of a pediatrician? It might be the doctor you see for your yearly checkups. Or the doctor who examines your throat when you're feeling sick. Dr. Ada Hanlon is one of these physicians. She cares for children of all ages in her office in South Florida. Other pediatricians, like Dr. Eric Jones, work solely in hospitals. He's a pediatric hospitalist in Zanesville, Ohio. Jones treats kids who need advanced care.

Both doctors manage a whirlwind of activity on any given workday. Hanlon sees patients every fifteen minutes. That amounts to more than 20 patients a day. She must also check lab results and answer calls from parents. Hanlon says she enjoys caring for kids of all ages. However, she gets the most satisfaction from seeing newborns and helping first-time parents. Hanlon said new parents are often anxious and tired. She aims to simplify information and offer encouragement, all while carefully monitoring the baby's development.

Jones usually begins his workday by examining the newborn babies at the hospital. Next he heads to the special-care nursery, where he treats babies who need extra medical support. Then, Jones typically makes his rounds on the hospital's pediatric wing. There, he cares for kids of all ages with everything from injuries to illnesses. Sometimes he helps other doctors in the emergency department. Talk about a busy day!

So, why did Hanlon and Jones choose to become pediatricians? Both doctors remarked that kids bounce back easily. "Children can get sick fast, but [they] can also heal quickly," Hanlon observed. Jones echoed that claim. He discussed the reward that comes from seeing a child recover from an illness and go back to being a lively kid.

What does it take to be a good pediatrician? Jones said pediatricians must remember that each child is unique. He also said that treating a two-year-old is much different than treating an eight-year-old or a sixteen-year-old. Hanlon talked about the "people skills" she needs for her job. "I believe a pediatrician needs to be…a good listener and observer," she said. Hanlon also said pediatricians must know how to stay calm. They work with children and parents who have different dispositions.

A pediatrician's job is a highly skilled balancing act. In this role, every day brings its share of surprises, struggles, and smiles. What is the most enjoyable part of Hanlon's job? "Hearing that I have made a difference in a child or family's life," she said. "It is a wonderful feeling, and it is what keeps me going."

Think about and discuss these questions:
What evidence from the article supports the idea that pediatricians can work in different kinds of environments?
Why do you think it is important for pediatricians to have patience?
Question 2


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Think about the article. How are Dr. Ada Hanlon and Dr. Eric Jones different?

Dr. Ada Hanlon only does yearly checkups, while Dr. Eric Jones only does sick visits.
Dr. Ada Hanlon only does sick visits, while Dr. Eric Jones only does yearly checkups.
Dr. Ada Hanlon works at a pediatric office, while Dr. Eric Jones works solely in hospitals.
Dr. Ada Hanlon works solely in hospitals, while Dr. Eric Jones works at a pediatric office.

Answer 1

1. What evidence from the article supports the idea that pediatricians can work in different kinds of environments?
   The article provides evidence of the different environments in which pediatricians work by mentioning Dr. Ada Hanlon, who cares for children in her office in South Florida, and Dr. Eric Jones, who works as a pediatric hospitalist in a hospital in Zanesville, Ohio. This contrast illustrates how pediatricians can practice in both outpatient settings, like pediatric offices, and inpatient settings, like hospitals.

2. Why do you think it is important for pediatricians to have patience?
   Patience is crucial for pediatricians because they often work with children and their parents, who may be anxious or stressed about health concerns. A pediatrician must be able to calmly engage with children, who may be scared or uncooperative during examinations, and offer reassurance to parents who might feel overwhelmed. Patience helps pediatricians to effectively communicate, observe, and respond to the needs of both young patients and their families.

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Question 2: How are Dr. Ada Hanlon and Dr. Eric Jones different?
The correct answer is: Dr. Ada Hanlon works at a pediatric office, while Dr. Eric Jones works solely in hospitals.