Neonatal and Prenatal Medicine Physician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewFor a person that is interested in the health care of an infant that occurs before the infant’s birth or affecting the newborn during the several weeks after the birth is a good candidate for a career as a neonatal and prenatal medicine physician.
A career as a neonatal and prenatal medicine physician is very challenging and fulfilling. A neonatal and prenatal medicine physician is very highly respected within the medical community. They are knowledgeable in identifying the fetal well-being and newborns healths issues and work with other health professionals in prenatal diagnosis and newborn care.
A neonatal and prenatal medicine physician handles the very high-risk and complex health problems such as premature babies, birth defects and serious illness and is involved in the care of the newborn. They often work with an obstetrician if problems arise during the pregnancy.
Other care that a neonatal and prenatal medicine physician provides is:
- Treating infections, breathing disorders and birth defects
- Coordinating and managing medical care for premature babies, critically ill or those in need of surgery
- Proper nutrition for growth and healing
- Dealing with medical problems before an infant is born
- Stabilize newborns with life threatening problems
- Consult with pediatricians, obstetricians and family physicians
Neonatal and prenatal medicine physician usually work in intensive care units or special care nurseries of hospitals. Once discharged, a neonatal and prenatal medicine physician provides short-term follow up when needed. They also coordinate any health care required for the newborn baby.
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Career RequirementsTo become a neonatal and prenatal medicine physician involves four years of university or college to earn a BA or BS degree with an emphasis on sciences such as chemistry, biology and physics.
They earn their doctor of medicine degree or MD after completing four years of medical school and now enter a residency program. The MD now spends from three to seven plus years in residency training. To become a neonatal and prenatal medicine physician is an additional three years of subspecialty training.
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Job OutlookAs the birthrate continues to rise and with advanced technology and diagnostic testing recognizing medical problems earlier than ever, the demand for neonatal and prenatal medicine physician continues to grow along with the need for all surgeons and physicians.
There will also be a need for neonatal and prenatal medicine physician to replace those retiring over the next eight to ten years. They expect opportunities for neonatal and prenatal medicine physician to continue rising in smaller hospitals in rural settings and large medical facilities as they continue to grow.
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Career TrackFor a neonatal and prenatal medicine physician there are many options for advancement once they have gained the necessary experience and expertise. Many neonatal and prenatal medicine physicians enter into team management positions, teaching or in the research field as consultants.
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CompensationThe median average salary for a neonatal and prenatal medicine physician ranges from approximately $191,000, for a non-experienced physician, to well over $273,000 depending on the years of experience, location along with other considerations.
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