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?
How are the daily tasks and skills of Dr. Ada Hanlon and Dr. Eric Jones similar and different? Use evidence from the article in your writing.

Answer 1

Evidence Supporting Different Environments for Pediatricians:

The article provides clear evidence that pediatricians can work in various environments. For instance, it describes Dr. Ada Hanlon, who operates in an office setting in South Florida where she sees patients every fifteen minutes and engages directly with families. In contrast, Dr. Eric Jones is a pediatric hospitalist based in Zanesville, Ohio, where his work takes place within a hospital setting, focusing on treating higher-acuity patients such as newborns requiring advanced medical support and children in a pediatric wing. This contrast illustrates the diverse contexts in which pediatricians can practice.

Importance of Patience for Pediatricians:

Patience is crucial for pediatricians for several reasons. Working with children can be unpredictable, as they may struggle to articulate their feelings or cooperate during examinations. As noted by Dr. Hanlon, pediatricians often work with anxious and tired parents, especially those who are new to parenting. Patience allows pediatricians to provide reassurance and clear communication, which is essential for building trust with both children and their families. Additionally, children may require extra time to feel comfortable and express their concerns, demanding a steady and calm approach from the pediatrician.

Similarities and Differences in Daily Tasks and Skills:

Both Dr. Ada Hanlon and Dr. Eric Jones share similarities in that they both care for children and address their health concerns. Both doctors emphasize the importance of rapid recovery among their young patients. Dr. Hanlon enjoys seeing children develop and bounce back from illnesses, and Dr. Jones appreciates the rewarding experience of witnessing a child's recovery. These shared sentiments highlight a common passion among pediatricians for helping children heal and thrive.

However, their daily tasks and skills differ significantly due to their work environments. Dr. Hanlon operates in an outpatient clinic, managing a busy schedule of seeing patients every fifteen minutes, which requires strong time management and observational skills. In contrast, Dr. Jones starts his day in the hospital, examining newborns and making rounds in the pediatric ward, which requires advanced medical knowledge and the ability to work in high-pressure situations like the emergency department. While both pediatricians need people skills, Dr. Hanlon emphasizes the need for patience and calmness with anxious parents, whereas Dr. Jones focuses on the medical expertise and adaptability required in a hospital setting.

In conclusion, while both pediatricians perform similar roles in advocating for children’s health, the environments in which they work and the nature of their tasks highlight the versatility of the pediatric profession.