Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Pediatrician
What pediatricians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a pediatrician?
See a newborn after discharge. From there, the day usually includes examine newborns and children, track growth and development, and give vaccines. Clinic pediatricians mostly work weekdays with some evening or weekend hours and phone call.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a pediatrician working full time.
- See a newborn after discharge.
- Do a 2-year well-child visit.
- Treat an ear infection.
- Adjust an asthma plan.
- Screen a toddler for autism.
- Do a sports physical.
- Call parents with results.
Where pediatricians work
Pediatricians work in clinics, hospitals, nurseries and community health centers.
Hours and schedule
Clinic pediatricians mostly work weekdays with some evening or weekend hours and phone call.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Examine newborns and children
- Track growth and development
- Give vaccines
- Diagnose and treat illnesses
- Manage chronic conditions like asthma
- Screen for developmental concerns
- Counsel parents
Tools you’ll use every day
- Pediatric exam equipment
- Growth charts
- Vaccine supplies
- Developmental screening tools
- Electronic health records
- Telehealth
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Help children thrive
- Long-term family relationships
- Mostly outpatient hours
- Fun, energetic patients
What’s hard
- Lower pay than many specialties
- Anxious parents
- Vaccine hesitancy conversations
- Child abuse cases
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love working with kids
- I communicate well with parents
- I like prevention
- I’m patient and playful
- I want long-term relationships
- I can commit to medical training
Not sure? Take the free Pediatrician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow vaccine storage and handling rules
- Use infection control
- Recognize and report child abuse
- Use pediatric dosing carefully