Best Medical Schools for Pediatrics

August 18


Table of Contents

A career in Pediatrics is immensely grueling and requires a lot of time and effort. This medical profession takes at least seven years post-undergraduate and more if you decide to take specializations. 

However, it is a very fulfilling career since you work with children of various ages. And you have a great responsibility to take care of children in their most critical period of life. 

If you are considering this medical profession, we will help you decide on the best medical school you can get into to proceed with Pediatrics. 

The article will give you information on the well-respected and highly recognized medical institutions in the country that offer exceptional Pediatric programs.

What is a Pediatrician? 

Pediatrics is a branch of medicine that concerns the diseases and illnesses affecting infants, children, adolescents, and young adults (until 18 years of age). In addition, it deals with the mental and social health of these specific age groups.

Moreover, this specialization also involves the different biological, social, and environmental influences affecting the development of children, which may result in diseases, and genetic defects that can disrupt the development of children. 

Pediatricians are medical doctors that specialize in this field of medicine. They are the ones who conduct examinations to monitor children's physical growth and development milestones. They are advocates of healthy lifestyles and help children grow healthy in alignment with the proper development growth with their age. 

In addition, they also prescribe medications to treat different diseases and administer immunizations when needed. Thus, reducing infant and child mortality rates and controlling infectious diseases as early as possible through these medical interventions. 

Also, a pediatrician can have various sub-specializations, including critical care, adolescent medicine, oncology, endocrinology, neonatology, cardiology, and more. 

It allows these specialists to diagnose thoroughly and treat different illnesses commonly encountered by children, ranging from chronic and acute to rare conditions. 

Below are the common pediatric diseases and illnesses:

  • Common Colds
  • Bronchitis and Bronchiolitis
  • Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)
  • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Diseases (HFMD)
  • Febrile Seizures
  • Chickenpox
  • Eczema
  • Asthma
  • Allergic Rhinitis (Allergies)
  • Constipation
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Conjunctivitis… and more.

How Much Do Pediatricians Earn?

The salaries of Pediatricians significantly vary in terms of employers, geographic location, education, and one’s level of expertise. Aside from the basic wage, these medical specialists may also receive monetary benefits depending on years of experience and the employer's choice. 

Pediatricians in the USA can earn an average income of USD 214,643 annually. And the starting salary for those at the junior level is around USD 161,888 to USD 187,028.

In addition, the average rate of senior Pediatricians is USD 294,791.

Pediatricians in the United Kingdom have an average yearly wage of GBP 61,042. And the entry-level salary of Pediatricians in the UK is GBP 40,000. At the same time, those at the senior level can earn up to GBP 121,000

Pediatricians based in Canada have a median salary of CAD 157,486.

Additionally, senior medical professionals in this field can earn around CAD 343,000 a year. 

For Pediatricians working in India, the average salary of these medical specialists is INR 1,196,920. And a junior level Pediatrician's income range is around INR 306,000, while the highest possible income for a senior level is INR 3,000,000

Pediatricians employed in Australia have an average yearly income of AUD 288,432. While those at the junior level can earn an average of AUD 200,000 up to AUD 250,000

Summary Table: Average Salary Rate of Pediatricians in Different Countries

Country

Average Salary Rate

United States

USD 214,643

United Kingdom

GBP 61,042

Canada

CAD 157,486

India

INR 1,196,920

Australia

AUD 288, 432

What are the Best Medical Schools for Pediatricians?  

Pediatricians undergo extensive education programs and rigorous medical training. Also, pediatricians should learn various techniques for handling children, and these can be acquired through internships and fellowship programs in different hospitals. 

And considering the big challenge that comes with this specialization, it is always good to consider what medical school you will choose to study. We present to you the top and most sought-after medical schools in the country that offers excellent Pediatric programs.

1. The University of Pennsylvania 

UPenn, or the University of Pennsylvania, is one of the outstanding educational institutions in the country. It is also known for its highly diverse environment and world-class faculty. 

Furthermore, the school is widely known for its academic excellence, learning opportunities, and impressive training programs for its students.

Why Study Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania?

The Perelman School of Medicine is also globally known for its reputation when it comes to medical education. It consistently ranks as one of the top-performing medical schools in the country.

Moreover, the school is recognized as the best medical school for Pediatrics and is associated with The Children’s Hospital of Philadephia (CHOP). The residents are highly trained and focused on giving the utmost patient care. 

It is also accredited by the Accreditation  Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) with a certification in General Pediatrics issued by the American Board of Pediatrics

The curriculum and residency program is equally focused on general pediatrics while allowing its residents to explore the other subspecialties in this field. It is dedicated to giving its future pediatricians unique training and fellowship experience. 

In addition, the program is a combination of categorical training instructions, mentoring, research opportunities, and primary care. It also centers on mastering basic medical skills and developing the professional values of each student. 

Also, the department offers flexible schedules, such as tracks and pathways, that best suit its students' needs.

2. Harvard University 

Harvard is a world-class educational institution in the country. Also, most students consider Harvard University one of their top choices to attend for higher education. 

Even with the school's reputation as one of the most challenging schools to get into, it does not hinder students from choosing the institution. Unsurprisingly, Harvard always produces globally competitive and exceptional professionals.

Why Study Pediatrics at Harvard?

The Harvard Medical School delivers quality training and residency programs in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Plus, it fosters active learning and builds up critical thinking skills through diverse clinical experience and research development for these specializations.

Also, the department offers a four-year residency program for Pediatrics. Residents are exposed to and trained to handle various ambulatory cases and clinic immersion training as part of its curriculum. 

Wherein residents can check and see multiple age groups in every clinic session and outpatient rotation. The medical students can also work in MICU, NICU, and pediatric wards of their affiliate medical centers and hospitals. 

These experiences allow them to familiarize themselves with the different services of the department and, at the same time, build their confidence in handling patients. 

Med-Peds residents will also get a hands-on experience in simulation labs and the different equipment for various medical procedures. 

In addition, the residents will also experience handling standard medical procedures for pediatric patients, such as abdominal paracentesis and IV placement, bladder catheterization, splint and cast replacement, intubation, and more.

Educational Institution

Harvard University

Pediatrics Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

5%

Tuition Fee:

USD 67,610

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

519 to 520 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

3.9

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

Internal-Offered By Harvard Medical School (HMS)

Dean’s REACH Scholarship Award Program

General Restricted Scholarships

Resident Tutor Policy

MD-PhD Funding


Private Scholarships Coordination with Harvard Medical School (HMS)

Joseph Collins Foundation Scholarship

National Medical Fellowships (NMF)

F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs (AFHP SP)

Veterans Affairs Health Professions Scholarship Programs (VAHP SP)

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program


Loans (Institutional)

Harvard Medical School Revolving Loan (HMSRL)

HMS Wolfson Loan

3. University of Cincinnati

UC or the University of Cincinnati is the second largest university in Ohio. It was established in 1819 and was known as Cincinnati College. 

Moreover, the university is classified as an R1: Doctoral Universities, which indicates that it met the benchmarks of high research activities in the institution. 

Aside from this, the institution’s College of Medicine is highly recognized because of its excellent training programs, competitive medical research, and world-class curriculum.

Why Study Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati?

The UC College of Medicine provides challenging and competitive residency and fellowship programs, especially in Pediatrics. The curriculum is highly focused on extensive primary and tertiary medical care. 

Also, the college has an excellent and cutting-edge learning environment for its students. In addition, it offers rehabilitation medicine and pediatrics, which gives its residents a great background in treating a wide range of physical and cognitive impairments in pediatrics. 

Moreover, they can experience rotations in hospitals that provide a good experience for meeting children with disabilities and chronic health conditions. 

After graduation, residents are eligible for pediatric rehabilitation medicine, making them exceptional from other medical specialists.

Educational Institution

University of Cincinnati

Pediatrics Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

51.8%

Tuition Fee:

USD 32,980 (In-State Applicants/Students)

USD 51,244 (Out-of-State Applicants/Students)

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

504 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

3.75

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

Federal Financial Aid Programs/Loans

Direct Loan Program

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan


Private Educational Loans

FASTChoice (Great Lakes Educational Loan Services)


College of Medicine Merit Scholarships & Loans

College of Medicine Need-Based Scholarships

Schiff Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund in Primary Care

University of Cincinnati Long-Term Loans

The IvaDean Medical Student Scholarship Fund

Lucy Oxley, M.D., African American Medical Student Scholarship Endowment Fund

Named Endowment

Dean’s Named Scholarship


Service Commitment Scholarships


National Health Service Corps Scholarships Program


Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program

Air Force

Navy

Army


Other Resources Available


Applying for Aid

FAFSA

Federal Loans - Promissory Notes

National Health Service Corps

Army Reserves Medical School Stipend Program


Financial Wellness Aid Program

AAMC FIRST for Medical Students

AAMC Financial Wellness Program

Free Credit Report

NerdWallet

Bankrate

Identity Theft

BrokerCheck

Loan Forgiveness & Repayment Assistance

AAMC Loan Repayment/Forgiveness & Scholarship Database

NHSC Students to Service Program

NIH Loan Repayment Programs

Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program

Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

4. Johns Hopkins University

John Hopkins University, a distinguished educational institution, is one of the best universities in the United States. And is the leading university in medical education and is also devoted to transforming the healthcare system through diverse and top medical research. 

In addition, the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is highly innovative and offers intensive medical programs in different specializations.

Why Study Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins?

The Harriet Lane Pediatric Residency Program at Johns Hopkins is one of the oldest medical schools that offer such a program in the country. 

The curriculum also includes courses in oncology, hematology, adolescent medicine, developmental pediatrics, neurology, and more. 

Also, the program offers different particular training pathways, including combined training in pediatrics and medical genetics. As well as in combined training programs in pediatrics and anesthesia. It also includes a one-year preliminary training in pediatrics leading to residency in psychiatry and child psychiatry. 

Furthermore, it is dedicated to honing the clinical skills of future pediatricians by exposing them to internships and hospital rotations in general pediatric wards. The residents are actively involved in patient care and are fully guided by mentors and faculty. 

Educational Institution

Johns Hopkins University

Pediatrics Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

11%

Tuition Fee:

USD 58,000

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

521 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

3.94

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans - Unsubsidized

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

School of Medicine University Loans


Financial Literacy Resources

StudentAid.gov

Direct Loan Consolidation

ECSI

Federal Student Aid Information

NSLDS for Students

Student Loans Office at Johns Hopkins

Budgeting - AAMC’s First for Medical Education Fact Sheets

AAMC Education Debt Manager for Matriculating Students

Budgeting Worksheet for Students

AmeriCorps Program

Central Scholarship Bureau

Heartland ECSI


Some Outside Scholarships

American Medical Association (AMA)

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

Baltimore City Medical Society Foundation

Chinese American Physicians Society

Cook/Rutledge Fellowship Program

Dr. Frank and Florence Marino Scholarship Fund

Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program

FastWeb

Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarships

Howard G. Lapsley Memorial Scholarship Fund for Medical Education

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program

Joanna F. Reed Memorial Scholarship

Joseph Collins Foundation

Kaiser Permanente Medical Student Scholarships

Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship

National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Program

P.E.O. Foundation Scholar Award

Worcester District Medical Society

5. The University of California - San Francisco 

The UC San Francisco is a well-respected public university and consistently tops as one of the best universities in the nation. In addition, the university is multicultural and with highly diverse programs, which attracts students from around the world. 

The UCSF Medical School is affiliated with the UCSF Medical Center, the university's teaching hospital, which is also highly recognized for its excellence in various medical specializations.

Why Study Pediatrics at the University of California?

The medical school is globally recognized as a pioneer in pediatric research and treatments. In addition, the UCSF Department of Pediatrics provides world-class medical education and an inclusive learning environment. 

Also, the medical students are given opportunities for clinical immersion as part of its pediatric curriculum. They will have rotations in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric and Medical Genetics, and Pediatric Urology. 

The program also delivers excellent and enhanced mentorship with faculty. Also, it focuses on pediatric patient care and helps residents develop their interpersonal skills and professionalism.

Educational Institution

 University of California - San Francisco

Pediatrics Program/Institution Ranking:

Acceptance rate:

2.6 %

Tuition Fee:

USD 43,633 (California Residents)

USD 55,878 (California Non-Residents)

Average MCAT Score Requirement:

518 Points

Average GPA Score Requirement:

2.94

Financial Aid/Scholarships Offered: 

University Grants & Scholarships


Need-Based Grants


UCSF Scholarships

Regents Scholarships

Professional School Scholarships and Other Campus Scholarships


Outside Scholarships


Service Scholarships

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Professionals Scholarship Program (HPSP)

Indian Health Service Scholarship Program

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

NURSE Corps Scholarship Program 


Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs

Army HPSP

Navy HPSP

Air Force HPSP


Segal AmeriCorps Education Award


Common Outside Scholarships

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing

The Delta Dental Award

The Kaiser Permanente Scholarship

The Kaiser Permanente Deloras Jones RN Scholarships

The Santa Barbara Scholarship Program


Loans


Federal Student Loans

Federal Direct (Stafford) Loan

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan


Campus-Based Loans

University Loan

Health Professions Student Loan

Loan for Disadvantaged Students

Nursing Student Loan

California DREAM Loan


Primary Care Loan

Private Education Loan

CA Medical Association Foundation (CMAF) Loan for Medical Students

Emergency Loan

Summary Table: Best Medical Schools for Pediatrics

Educational Institution 

Pediatrics Program/Institution Ranking

Acceptance Rate

Tuition Fee

Average MCAT/BMAT Score Requirement

Average GPA Score Requirement

University of Pennsylvania

9%

USD 98,783

521.7 Points

3.92

Harvard University

5%

USD 67,610

519 to 520 Points

3.9

University of Cincinnati

51.8%

USD 32,980 (In-State Applicants/Students)


USD 51,244 (Out-of-State Applicants/Students)

504 Points

3.75

Johns Hopkins University

11%

USD 58,000

521 Points

3.94

University of California - San Francisco

2.6%

USD 43,633 (California Residents)

USD 55,878 (California Non-Residents)

518 Points

2.94

Additional Reading – Best Medical Schools:

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