Pediatric Medical Genetics Physician

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Pediatric Medical Genetics Physician - Career Profile

Career Overview

Pediatric medical genetics physicians work with infants from or before birth through the teenage years. Most children are born perfectly healthy but unfortunately, others are born with differences in body chemistry, body structure and brain development.

This often leads to problems with development, social interaction, health, and sometimes problems in school. They train pediatric medical genetics physicians to not only identify these disorders but also understand their natural progression. They prescribe tests and recommend treatment and care.

A genetics physician assists the family of a patient to understand hereditary conditions caused by genetics. Some family members choose testing to see if they carry the gene of a hereditary condition before they have children of their own.

Pediatric medical genetics physicians work with the patients diagnosing their problems and counseling the families when needed. Some of the problems they diagnose and treat are:

Birth defects and conditions such as Williams syndrome, achondroplasia, which is an inherited disorder of the spine starting before birth resulting in dwarfism and down syndrome.

Children that are outside the normal height range such as very short or very tall stature.

Fragile X syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and other conditions that often cause problems and disabilities.

Hereditary problems and problems familiar in families such as hypercholesterolemia which is an abnormal amount of cholesterol in the plasma and cells of the blood associated with atherosclerosis and congenital heart disease.

Sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria and other inborn metabolism problems.

Health problems caused by birth defects.

Pediatric medical genetics physicians have the knowledge and expertise to answer any questions the family may have regarding genetics and supply them with requested information and advice. The pediatric medical genetics physician explains any tests he or she orders and the results of those tests so the patient and family understand.

Career Requirements

Pediatric medical genetics physicians complete four years of medical school. They require an additional four years of training with two of those years in residency training in pediatrics and two years of specialty training in genetics.

Job Outlook

The employment outlook for pediatric medical genetics physicians appears exceedingly promising, as there is a need for additional experienced physicians and surgeons. As the life expectancy of men and women increases along with the population, they expect the need for medical professionals keep growing through 2014.

The new technology available today allows a physician to diagnose problems earlier and faster, which creates new job openings. Many physicians choose to work in large cities so the need for pediatric medical genetics physicians remains high in rural areas. Opportunities for pediatric medical genetics physicians have increased and they expect continued growth.

Career Track

There are several options for advancement and career changes for a pediatric medical genetics physician. Many teach in universities or colleges while others choose to move into private practice. In addition, some physicians choose to enter research-based careers.

Compensation

Pediatric medical genetics physicians are highly trained professionals and provide necessary and valuable services in hospitals and other medical facilities. Depending on their location and years of experience, their annual wages vary. In the United States, average salaries range from approximately $133,000 to over $300,000.