OCCUPATION: PEDIATRICIAN

Name: Dr. M. Dev

Practice: Independent practitioner on staff at Martin Luther Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and St. Jude Medical Center.

Job description: Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in caring for infants and children. There are numerous sub-specialties in the field, including caring for premature infants and for children with cancer, heart conditions and other maladies.

Thumbs up: “I am one of the few pediatricians in the area who accepts Medi-Cal patients in addition to those who pay cash or are covered by other forms of health insurance. By doing this I know that I am filling a need. I am very happy in my work and sleep with a clear conscience because I use my skills to help children who would otherwise be neglected.”

Thumbs down: “This kind of practice takes a lot out of you sometimes. It is very frustrating and sad to see pregnant teens and very poor people with no health insurance trying to cope with sick children. But a person who is down will not be down forever if we can offer them a bit of help. The more we neglect them, the less hope they will have. I have seen people in very difficult circumstances turn their lives around, and I am always trying to think of ways to help them raise healthy children.”

Next step: “I am trying to extend my office hours into the evening to make it more convenient for working parents to bring their children in for care.”

Advice: “It is increasingly difficult to be an independent practitioner, especially with all the changes in the health-care system. I would advise someone considering becoming a pediatrician to go where doctors are needed most and to do whatever they can to make their practice very personal and caring.”

Salary range: In Orange County pediatricians earn between $80,000 to $200,000 a year.

Hours: “I am always on call and work nearly every weekend. When I need to take time off, another pediatrician fills in for me, and I do the same for him.”

Educational and training requirements: After finishing medical school, a pediatrician is required to complete three years of pediatrics study, followed by a three-year fellowship in neonatology, neurology or another pediatric sub-specialty.

Major employers: Health maintenance organizations and independent medical practices.

For more information: Contact the Orange County Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics at (714) 978-2415.

Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times