Pulmonologist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewA pulmonologist is a specialized physician that diagnoses and treats conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. A pulmonologist often is called in to work on treatment teams when a patient suffers from asthma, emphasema, allergies or other respiratory conditions or diseases. A pulmonologist often works with patients both for in and out patient treatment that has a history of pneumonia or other breathing difficulties.
A pulmonologist may run several different types of test to discover how effectively a patient is able to breath. This may include using peak flow meters and teaching patients how to use the meters themselves. A pulmonologist also performs bronchoscopy to diagnosis problems. A bronchoscopy is the insertion of either a flexible or rigid tube that contains a viewing end into the respiratory passage so the pulmonologist can see any problems or blockages in the passageways.
A pulmonologist must have a good understanding of all aspects of internal medicine and how problems with the respiratory can impact on overall patient health. They should need to have above average communication skills as well as a calm demeanor to work with patients that may be very concerned or upset.
A pulmonologist may work in a private practice or may be a salaried specialist working in a hospital or healthcare facility. Pulmonologists may work for managed care organizations or be part of HMO’s. Some on-call or rotation work may be required for those pulmonologist that work for larger hospitals. Private practice pulmonologists may also be called out for emergency treatments for their patients.
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Career RequirementsA pulmonologist must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a Doctor of Medicine. In addition they must complete at least three years of residency specializing in internal medicine. After completion of the residency they are then required to write and pass the Internal Medicine Board Certification Examination.
At this time the physician may then become a pulmonologist and specialize in the treatment of respiratory and lung diseases and conditions. This includes a specialized residency in pulmonary disease and treatment.
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Job OutlookThe demand for pulmonologists continues to increase at approximately the same rate as demand for other physicians. This increasing demand is expected to continue at least until the year 2014.
The demanding training to become a board certified pulmonologist limits the number of individuals that enter into this specialized field. In addition the residency requirements also are very strict so there is always a demand for pulmonologists in hospitals and in private practice settings.
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Career TrackFor a pulmonologists that works for a managed care organization or a hospital or healthcare facility the most obvious career change is to move into a private practice setting. This allows more flexibility in both scheduling and seeing patients and also decreases the rotations required when physicians work in a hospital setting.
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CompensationAs a specialist the average salary of a pulmonologist working for a hospital or healthcare facility is between $166,000 and $200,000 per year. Those pulmonologists in private practices can earn significantly higher salaries although there are more costs involved in having a private practice.
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