Anyone made the move into Peds?

[familygal]

Here is what I love about our profession:

 

You can move specialties even after you've spent time in another one.

 

This is what I've been giving some thought to doing when my husband and I relocate for his job. As a PA student, Peds was my very first rotation and I was determined to go into it after graduation. Well, through the year of rotations, I ended up enjoying all of my rotations and happily took a job in an IM specialty because I really liked the doc who was hiring me. That worked out great and all, but now 5 years later, I really think working in peds is my...calling...(I admit, I cringe using that word, but it is what it is). I currently work with very, very sick adults and we have a relatively high mortality rate compared to almost all other specialties. Of course, I've taken care of some kids here and there through the years, but its mostly been adults. It wasn't until a few months back that I did some school physicals that I was reminded how much I LOVE working with only kids. I remember why I liked the specialty in the first place. So, it is going to be a big change for me and possibly a pay cut, but I think I'm ready to switch it up.

 

Anyone else out there work with adults for a while then decide to switch to peds? I'd love to hear how the transition was.

[zepoPA]

Have you considered working Family Practice? There is usually a good amount of peds of all ages on a daily basis. Flu season and allergy season brings in tons of little ones, and prior to school starts, we find ourselves doing a lot of physical exams, immunizations, etc. you may want to request to be the provider in charge of such physicals, as well as the local schools usually require Sports Physicals prior to each Sport (football season, basketball season, volleyball, etc) Also, Some FP practices actually have more pediatric patients compared to adults. It's easy to find out which one just by speaking to the front desk person. If you land a job at a FP practice, you could "ease" yourself into pediatrics. Re-learn the ins and outs of pediatrics, while you can also practice the medicine you are so accustomed to treat.

 

The reason why I suggest this for you to consider, is because with 5 years of IM experience, you could certainly be a great asset to FP practice because we do see adults and elderly as well. At the end of the day, you become an expert in pediatrics and could chose to concentrate in the pediatric population of the practice. This way, it will be easier for you to transition into a solely Ped practice if you so choose. The pediatrician SP will be more inclined to hire a PA who is experienced seeing children.

 

Ah, the beauty of Family Medicine.

[Guest Paula]

Agree with zepoPA. Family Medicine is quite diverse. I see lots of kids along with complicated chronic medical conditions in adults.

[Hemegroup]

I work in a FM/IM practice that sees 50% peds. The owner SP is a Board Certified Pediatrician of 35 years. A love of children is important in peds work as is also the ability to tell parents off ;) (I mean, tell them things they might not necessarily like to hear). Shop around, look for a similar situation.

[peaceloveandPA]

I so badly want to make the move into peds! I'm Fam practice but only have 1 year of experience. I was told I would be able to see mostly peds in the practice I am in, but that hasn't really rang true. Having a hard time getting into the peds door.... And am even considering contacting offices to see if they would take me as a volunteer once or twice a week, in addition to my job.

 

The one huge peds practice I contacted is weary about hiring me because of my little experience, and they are seeing 60ish pts a day.

 

 

Let food be thy medicine

[Derbingle]

My experience, After working neurosurg for my first job I moved out of state. I took temp employment at busy peds out patient job while waiting for hopsital credentialing for ER. I have to say, I have never cracked up, laughed, was in a good more on a daily basis and so pleasatly surprised as I was with peds. (I disliked PAscool rotations.) The babies are so sarn cute, the kids r smart and funny and at least 2-3 x a day a 3-5 yr aged child imparted some comical wisdom and logic regarding their own medical consition. I was alwaysnlookimg stuff up, but its simple. One-system disease/problems vs comorbid stuff. Easy peasy. Sure cold/flu season was a pain but they arent all sick. i didnt think Parents were near as much of a problem as people like to say. What I saw is if they trusted you, they didnt really bother/argue. Education/infomration was the key for parents. Ive decided if I ever just cant do "all this" anymore, im going to peds...for the sheer laughter factor. My boss and cohorts were great too. Good luck if you do it.

[Derbingle]

Ps istarted at 10 a day for 3 days, easy to go to 15-18 by week two. 20 end of month one, then up to 30 was a very busy day. Attending saw 30-35 herself. Other very experienced PAs 27-30 and 35 on a busy day. But the visits are quick, not like adults. And the MAs are (can be) amazing and expeditie you bigtime! they did everything that was time consuming. (hb, immunizations, admin nebulozers, IM and po medications, obtained most urine etc) ok...done

[CaseaCakes PA-C]

Thank you Derbingle for your insight. I'll be starting my PA program this June & had an idea that Peds is where I'll end up. I've worked as a developmental specialist for children for years and seem to have experienced similar joys you have had working with children (i.e. contagious laughter). What are your thoughts of working in a Pediatric Urgent Care?