Pediatrics vs. Geriatrics: Which Medical Specialization Has a Better Career Scope?
Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that is entirely dedicated to the health and medical care of infants, children and young adults, up until the age of eighteen. The term ‘Pediatrics derives from the Greek words, pais, which means ‘child’ and iatros, which means ‘healer’. Hence, combining the two Greek words gives us the meaning of the word ‘Pediatrics’ which is, Healer of Children. This branch of medicine is vast, as it encompasses a wide range of medical care, ranging from preventive health measures, to the diagnosis, as well as, treatment of various diseases that the young generation may suffer from.
On the other hand, Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that is dedicated or focused on the healthcare of older adults. The term ‘Geriatrics’ derives from the Greek words, geron, which means ‘old man’, and iatros, which means ‘healer’. Hence, combining the two Greek words gives us the meaning of the word ‘Geriatrics’, which is, Healer of old adults. The primary aim of geriatrics is to promote healthcare amongst the older population, by preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases that can be found within the older population.
Pediatrics: Course Highlights
The key aspects of Pediatrics course is provided below:
| EVENT |
DESCRIPTION |
| Course Name |
MD in Pediatrics |
| Course Level |
Postgraduate |
| Course Duration |
Three years |
| Eligibility |
MBBS degree from a recognized university |
| Admission Process |
Entrance Exam and Counseling Round |
| Entrance Exam |
NEET PG |
| Career Opportunities |
Pediatrician, Pediatric Surgeon, Child Psychologist, Pediatric Oncologist, Pediatric Cardiologist |
| Average Salary |
INR 10 lakhs - INR 30 lakhs per year |
Geriatrics: Course Highlights
| EVENT |
DESCRIPTION |
| Course Name |
MD in Geriatrics |
| Course Level |
Postgraduate |
| Course Duration |
Three Years |
| Eligibility |
MBBS degree from a recognized university |
| Admission Process |
Entrance Exam and Counseling Round |
| Entrance Exam |
NEET PG |
| Career Opportunities |
Geriatrician, Gerontologist, Healthcare Administrator, Palliative Care Specialist and so on. |
| Average Salary |
INR 5 lakhs - INR 20 lakhs per year |
Demographic Trends in Pediatrics and Geriatrics
Before comparing the specializations, we must be aware of the fact that both specializations offer unique challenges, as well as opportunities. While one may have a better scope than the other during a particular time, it can also change as the scope is thoroughly influenced by the need of the hour, i.e., demographic trends and healthcare needs.
- Pediatrics: The branch of medicine which is dedicated to the treatment of infants, as well as young adults, i.e., the pediatric population is stable because as long as humans are alive, the phenomenon of reproduction won't cease to exist. Therefore, infants will be born every year, by the second. But there has been some noticeable changes in the birth rate of certain regions, the birth rate of countries such as South Korea is terribly declining. This may affect the need of pediatricians in different regions.
- Geriatrics: The branch of medicine which is dedicated to the treatment of the older population, i.e., the geriatric population is only increasing with time and actually it is rapidly increasing, due to modern lifestyle techniques. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by the year 2060, the number of people aged sixty and more, will outnumber the number of children aged five. Therefore, this tremendous growth further demands for geriatric specialists.
Career Opportunities
- Pediatrics: The specialization of Pediatrics offers a diverse range of career opportunities, along with varied employment roles. Graduates can find opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and schools as well. Some pediatricians can also open their private practices. Pediatricians can also specialize in various subspecialities, such as, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Oncology, Neonatology. Some key job roles within the field of pediatrics are as follows:
- Pediatrician
- Pediatric Cardiologist
- Neonatologist
- Pediatric Intensivist
- Pediatric Endocrinologist
- Pediatric Oncologist.
- Geriatrics: The specialization of Geriatrics also offers a wide range of career paths to choose from, with various employment roles. The demand for geriatricians is expected to grow significantly as the older population is rapidly on the rise. Some key job roles within the field of Geriatrics are as follows:
- Geriatrician
- Geriatic Nurse
- Healthcare Administrator
- Gerontologist
- Geriatric Social Worker
- Geriatric Pharmacist
Salary and Work Environment
The average salary for pediatricians in India ranges from INR 1 lakh to INR 13 lakhs per year, depending upon job roles and experiences.
On the other hand, the average salary for geriatricians in India ranges from INR 5 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs per year.
If we were to compare the differences in the working environment of Pediatricians, and Geriatricians, we will find considerable differences. Pediatricians work with children, hence, their working environment is more dynamic. Children with acute illnesses are comparatively more healthier than the older population, who may suffer from serious diseases. Therefore, the working environment for pediatricians is less stressful.
On the other hand, Geriatricians deal with patients who suffer from serious illnesses and multiple chronic conditions that require comprehensive management techniques. Therefore, this can lead to a more complex lifestyle for Geriatricians.
There is another point to consider, pediatrics are required to be more patient and cooperate as compared to geriatrics, because children might not cooperate with pediatricians fully and hence delicate care is very necessary in pediatrics. While, geriatricians are not at much risk to this factor because the older population cooperates with geriatrics as they understand the criticality of their illnesses.
Scope
Currently, the need for pediatrics is steady but as we are already aware of the declining birth rate in certain regions, we cannot say for sure that this phenomenon won’t serve as a major problem in the upcoming years. But, for Geriatrics, it is already predicted that the number of older people will outnumber the number of children by the year 2060, therefore, the demand for skilled Geriatrics will only increase with time.
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