How to Be Pediatric Pulmonologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 3, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Pediatric Pulmonologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory illnesses in children. The causes of these respiratory illnesses can be varied, from asthma and bronchitis to cystic fibrosis and sleep apnea. By closely examining a child's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and imaging tests, Pediatric Pulmonologists are able to identify the root cause of the respiratory illness and begin to develop a treatment plan.

This treatment plan may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions, depending on the severity and nature of the illness. Pediatric Pulmonologists also work closely with other medical professionals, such as allergists, nutritionists and physical therapists, to ensure that the child receives the best possible care.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Before pursuing a career as a pediatric pulmonologist, you must first earn a bachelor's degree. During the undergraduate years, students should focus on taking the necessary pre-med courses, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). After completing a bachelor's degree program, aspiring pediatric pulmonologists must take the MCAT. This test is required for admission into medical school.
Earn a Medical Degree. Once accepted into medical school, students will spend four years completing a medical degree program. During this time, students will take courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and medical ethics.
Participate in an Internship and Residency Program. After graduating from medical school, pediatric pulmonologists must complete an internship and residency program in pediatrics. This typically lasts for three to four years and includes clinical rotations in pediatrics, respiratory medicine, and other related fields.
Obtain Licensure and Certification. After completing the residency program, pediatric pulmonologists must obtain licensure in order to practice in the United States. Additionally, they may choose to become board certified in pediatric pulmonology by the American Board of Pediatrics.
Complete Continuing Education. Pediatric pulmonologists must complete continuing education courses in order to stay up-to-date with advances in the field. This includes attending conferences and seminars, reading medical journals, and taking online courses.

Pediatric pulmonologists are highly skilled and qualified medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating respiratory illnesses and diseases in children. They are trained to use a variety of methods and tools to diagnose, treat, and manage respiratory diseases, including physical exams, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. They also have an in-depth understanding of the respiratory system and its development in children, so they can provide the best possible care.

Pediatric pulmonologists also collaborate with other medical professionals to create individualized treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each patient. With their specialized knowledge and skills, pediatric pulmonologists are essential to ensuring the health and well-being of children with respiratory illnesses and conditions.

You may want to check Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, and Pediatric Physician Assistant for alternative.

Job Description

Diagnose and treat respiratory illnesses in children, including asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and other diseases of the lungs and airways.
Examine x-rays, CT scans, and other imaging studies to diagnose respiratory conditions.
Prescribe medication and develop breathing exercises as part of treatment plans.
Perform endoscopies, bronchoscopies, and other procedures to assess respiratory health.
Educate patients and families on how to manage respiratory illnesses and the importance of preventative care.
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for patients with complex respiratory illnesses.
Research new treatments and therapies for pediatric pulmonary diseases.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of respiratory physiology and anatomy in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents.
Knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory diseases in children.
Ability to interpret blood gas results, spirometry, and other pulmonary function tests.
Knowledge of pharmacological treatments for pediatric pulmonary disorders.
Ability to perform bronchoscopy, pleural taps and other interventional pulmonary procedures.
Ability to diagnose and treat sleep-related breathing disorders in children.
Knowledge of the principles of critical care and ventilation management in pediatric patients.
Ability to utilize advanced imaging techniques such as CT and MRI to diagnose pediatric pulmonary disorders.
Knowledge of airway management techniques in neonates and children.
Knowledge of the role of genetics in pediatric pulmonary disorders.

Pediatric pulmonologists are vital to the health and wellbeing of children with respiratory issues. Their expertise and specialized skills are essential for treating a variety of respiratory illnesses, from asthma to cystic fibrosis. The most important skill for a pediatric pulmonologist is their ability to diagnose and treat these conditions accurately and effectively.

They must have a strong knowledge of the etiology of pulmonary diseases, be skilled in administering diagnostic tests, and have the necessary experience to develop treatment plans that are tailored to each childs individual needs. they must be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other medical professionals to ensure that the child is receiving the best possible care. Through their dedication and expertise, pediatric pulmonologists can make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families.

Pediatric Rheumatologist, Pediatric Ophthalmologist, and Pediatric Anesthesiologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career as a Pediatric Pulmonologist?
How well do you understand the complexities of pediatric cases?
What techniques do you use to communicate with pediatric patients and their families?
How would you approach a diagnosis of a pulmonary disorder in a pediatric patient?
What strategies do you have for helping pediatric patients manage their breathing problems?
What experience do you have with diagnosing and treating asthma in pediatric patients?
What methods do you use to keep up to date with the latest developments in the field of pediatric pulmonology?
How do you manage competing demands from multiple patients and their families?
How do you handle difficult conversations with parents regarding their child's health outcomes?
What is your experience with performing endoscopic procedures on pediatric patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR). A digital database that records and stores patient medical information. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Spirometry. A test that measures how much air a patient can inhale, exhale, and hold. (e. g. MicroLab spirometer)
Bronchoscopy. A diagnostic procedure that utilizes a small camera to examine the inside of the lungs. (e. g. Olympus bronchoscope)
Chest Imaging. A group of imaging tests used to diagnose a variety of conditions in the lungs and chest. (e. g. X-ray, CT Scan, MRI)
Aerosol Therapy. The delivery of medication or other treatments as an aerosol mist through a device such as a nebulizer. (e. g. PARI LC Plus nebulizer)
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). A series of tests used to measure lung capacity and other measures of pulmonary health. (e. g. Body plethysmography)
Pulse Oximetry. A non-invasive test used to measure the amount of oxygen in a patient's blood. (e. g. Masimo Rad-87 pulse oximeter)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Thoracic Society
American College of Chest Physicians
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Lung Association
European Respiratory Society
Association of Pediatric Pulmonology and Respiratory Care
International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Pulmonology
International Society for Airway Management
International Pediatric Pulmonology Association
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

We also have Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, Pediatric Cardiologist, and Pediatric Intensivist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Asthma. A chronic inflammatory lung disease that can cause wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
Cystic Fibrosis. An inherited disorder that causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus, which can block the airways and lead to recurring infections.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A progressive lung disease characterized by difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, and increased mucus production.
Bronchiolitis. A viral infection of the lower airways that affects primarily infants and young children.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). A virus that causes mild to severe respiratory illness in infants and young children.
Lung Transplantation. A surgery in which an unhealthy lung is replaced with a healthy one from a donor.
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). Tests used to measure how well the lungs are working and how effectively they can move air in and out of the body.
Thoracoscopy. A procedure in which a scope is inserted into the chest to examine the lungs and other organs in the chest cavity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pediatric Pulmonologist?

A Pediatric Pulmonologist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the respiratory system in children.

What type of training does a Pediatric Pulmonologist have?

Pediatric Pulmonologists typically complete a three-year fellowship program after completing medical school and a residency in pediatrics. This fellowship program focuses on training in diagnosis and treatment of lung, airway, and sleep disorders in children.

What types of conditions do Pediatric Pulmonologists treat?

Pediatric Pulmonologists treat a variety of conditions including asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep-disordered breathing, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and rare lung diseases.

What types of treatments do Pediatric Pulmonologists provide?

Pediatric Pulmonologists provide treatments such as medications, breathing exercises, pulmonary rehabilitation, nutrition counseling, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation.

How often should children see a Pediatric Pulmonologist?

The frequency of visits to a Pediatric Pulmonologist will depend on the child's condition and the severity of their symptoms. Generally, it is recommended that children with chronic conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis be seen regularly.