Why choose neonatology

We're bringing you female physicians sharing WHY they chose their specialty. Today's post is on why Dr. Kate chose neonatology and why it is a great field. I've known that I wanted to be a doctor for my entire life. After years of working towards a career in pediatrics, my third year rotation in obstetrics and gynecology gave me pause. I loved the atmosphere of the delivery room and wondered if it could be the specialty for me.

Neonatology is a subspecialty of Pediatrics, with board certification maintained by the American Board of Pediatrics. To become a Neonatologist, one must:. When she is on service, her day starts at about 8 am with rounds with the entire NICU team, which typically take the entire morning. In the afternoon, she sees patients and counsels families. She presides over emergencies as they arise and may even attend complicated deliveries if necessary.

Her day may end at 5 pm or run into the night. Prospective Students. Toggle navigation. Outreach and Recruitment Events Contact Us. Our team sees critically ill children with complex birth defects and other serious, sometimes life-threatening, conditions every day. Our services are offered throughout the CHOP Newborn Care Network so that you can find care at a location that is most convenient for your family. Children's Hospital offers the full complement of surgical approaches for newborns and infants including laparoscopic, robotic and open surgical procedures.

Our experience, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, obstetric and surgical expertise, and facilities allow us to provide families with an accurate diagnosis and full range of treatment options. Beth Greenwood is an RN and has been a writer since She specializes in medical and health topics, as well as career articles about health care professions. Greenwood holds an Associate of Science in nursing from Shasta College.

By Beth Greenwood. Training, Licensing and Certification All neonatologists are licensed physicians who spend approximately 12 years in college, medical school and a pediatric residency. Other Skills and Qualities Other important skills for a neonatologist include leadership, the ability to work in a high-pressure, stressful environment, and knowledge of all medical specialties, not just neonatology, according to a May article in the British Medical Journal.