Paediatrics: sick children and their parents, many acute cases, plus rare and congenital conditions. Parents are almost always there, and infection waves come with the seasons.
Training in Germany (model regulations)
• Training 60 months, including 6 in paediatric intensive care
No answers yet
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Rate only how much you would like the situation.
Core task
Examining small children
They scream, resist and can’t say where it hurts. You still examine calmly and carefully.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Core task
Working with parents
Parents are co-patients: they have fears, expectations and sometimes conflicts with you or with each other.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Acute cases in waves
Fever, bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis. In winter the ward is often full, in summer much quieter.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Newborns and preterm babies
Neonatology, first care in the delivery room and newborn resuscitation.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Core task
Rare and congenital conditions
Metabolism, genetics, developmental assessment. You search for the diagnosis in children who don’t fit the pattern.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Child protection
Suspected abuse or neglect, conversations with child services and documentation that must hold up in court.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Severe illness in children
Cancer, severe disability, the death of a child. You bear it and support the family.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Small cannulas and blood draws
IV cannulas in infants are a technique of their own that you need to practise.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Watching children grow
Many illnesses heal completely. You follow families over years and see children get well.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
This test is a structured self-assessment, not a validated psychometric instrument. The specialty profiles are informed estimates. Use the result as a starting point for conversations and check it with shadowing days and talks with specialists. Training information applies to Germany; the binding rules are those of the relevant state medical chamber. Specialty preferences often change during medical school, so retake the test after new rotations.
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