Pre-requisites to become a Paediatrician?

[melanie.l]

What are the subjects needed that will allow me to go towards the path of becoming a paediatrician?

I am currently taking Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computing, Religious Education: Text and Traditions (compulsory at my school) and English.

Are these subjects okay? Which subject should I drop for next year? I am pretty sure I am not allowed three sciences in year 12 and I can't drop religion. I'm extremely weak with physics but if it's a pre-requisite then I'll put more work into it.

Thanks

[pi]

You'll need to get into a medical degree. These include the Monash MBBS (which is largely undergraduate-entry, using ATAR + UMAT + interview) or the UoM MD (which is graduate-entry, using GPA (of an undergraduate degree) + GAMSAT + interview). Monash takes 5 years all up, the UoM path takes at least 7 years. After your medical degree, you do your intern year as a doctor (yay!), then apply for the paediatric physician training program, and then move up from there.

In terms of VCE subjects, assuming you'd prefer undergraduate-entry at Monash, you'll need English and Chemistry. With that in mind, it might be advantageous for the GAMSAT (used for graduate-entry) to know physics. The other subjects are up to you; taking three sciences in year 12 is allowed by VCAA. You'd ideally like an ATAR above 99.

If you're set on medicine, I'd advise you apply broadly and look at interstate unis and make sure you've applied for them via their versions of VTAC. Some unis have their own paperwork too (eg. JCU), so make sure you stay on top of all the due dates etc.

[heart]

Note Paediatrics itself does have specialties all noted here http://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/Types/Specialist-Registration/Medical-Specialties-and-Specialty-Fields.aspx . As pi said though you pretty much need to get into medical school first.

[Tomw2]

After your medical degree, you do your intern year as a doctor (yay!), then apply for the paediatric physician training program, and then move up from there.

I'd also add that while intern year is the theoretical minimum requirement, most will have completed more years (and often additional qualifications) than just intern year before they get accepted to basic paeds training.

[pi]

I'd also add that while intern year is the theoretical minimum requirement, most will have completed more years (and often additional qualifications) than just intern year before they get accepted to basic paeds training.

Of course Paeds BPT is quite competitive and many candidates have done a year or two of residency before entering the program. I was simplifying things heavily, my bad haha