Single male pediatrician?

[TheIronMan]

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I'm strongly considering pediatrics as a career. Obviously, I eventually want to get married and have kids but right now that isn't looking like its going to happen anytime soon.

My question is - just in case I am in this situation when I get done with residency - in private practice, would parents shy away from bringing their children to an unmarried pediatrician without kids? Would private practices shy away from hiring such people because they may bring in less business? I really like working with kids however this fear is making me nervous about chosing pediatrics.

Anyone who has any insight to provide would be much appreciated. I really love pediatrics but don't want to go through 3 years of residency and then end up with no patients.

 

[oldbearprofessor]

I'm strongly considering pediatrics as a career. Obviously, I eventually want to get married and have kids but right now that isn't looking like its going to happen anytime soon.

My question is - just in case I am in this situation when I get done with residency - in private practice, would parents shy away from bringing their children to an unmarried pediatrician without kids? Would private practices shy away from hiring such people because they may bring in less business? I really like working with kids however this fear is making me nervous about chosing pediatrics.

Anyone who has any insight to provide would be much appreciated. I really love pediatrics but don't want to go through 3 years of residency and then end up with no patients.

It's rare for someone to make it through the gauntlet that is pediatric training as a single male who is looking for a nice girl, but it can happen (I suppose). If so, and if you wanted to join a general pediatric practice, I don't think it would be an issue (assuming this has ever happened 😛). There are a few families that prefer their pediatrician to be someone with children, but even that is relatively uncommon.

Of course, the more likely problem is that you'll be inundated with offers of dates with the sisters, cousins, etc of the parents of your patients.

No worries....🙂

 

[Sweet Tea]

It's rare for someone to make it through the gauntlet that is pediatric training as a single male who is looking for a nice girl, but it can happen (I suppose). If so, and if you wanted to join a general pediatric practice, I don't think it would be an issue (assuming this has ever happened 😛). There are a few families that prefer their pediatrician to be someone with children, but even that is relatively uncommon.

Of course, the more likely problem is that you'll be inundated with offers of dates with the sisters, cousins, etc of the parents of your patients.

No worries....🙂

Ditto this. But also watch out for grandmas. Grandmas will either set you up with their daughters or try to get your for themselves...😉

But seriously, I wouldn't worry about being a single male pediatrician on the job front.

 

[Stitch]

Two words: single moms. You know they put out.

A good friend of mine from residency graduated last year. He's single and in private practice. No difficulties at all finding a job.

Another friend is a 3rd year peds heme/onc fellow, just now getting married. He used the "I work with sick kids and want to treat kids with cancer" line quite a bit and it worked wonders all through residency.

Bottom line: you'll be fine whatever your long term goal is.

 

[BigNavyPedsGuy]

Gotta agree with the others. If you're good at your job, they won't really care if you're married or not.

And all kidding aside, there are a lot of pediatric nurses who shop for husbands in the resident section. Be careful though, I've seen how awkward a bad breakup can be at work.

 

[JMMH]

I will admit I felt a little awkward at first giving advice to parents when I didn't have children of my own, or maybe it was just because I was an intern.

I had my first child during 2nd year of residency, and it does change your perspective a bit, but it shouldn't affect your ability to be an effective pediatrician.

It also should not affect your ability to get a job and have patients.

I will also agree with the other posts that you will certainly have the opportunity to meet plenty of females in pediatric residency, that's for sure.