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by Dr. Robert Edinger
Helping Applicants Since 1995 
drrobertedinger@gmail.com

As a fourth-year Med-Peds chief resident, I am excited to share with you one of my favorite topics: Med-Peds. The term "Med-Peds" refers to doctors trained in both internal medicine and pediatrics, allowing them to care for patients across the lifespan from birth to late adulthood. Today, I will provide an overview of what Med-Peds entails, the training process, subspecialties, elective opportunities, and the outlook for Med-Peds trainees.

 

Med-Peds doctors are versatile medical professionals who have expertise in treating patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Their training equips them to diagnose complex medical conditions through extensive exposure to critical care and inpatient services. This unique combination of skills makes Med-Peds doctors well-suited to address a wide range of health issues.

 

To become a Med-Peds doctor, one must first complete medical school, which typically takes four years. After medical school, candidates match into a four-year Med-Peds residency, which is longer than many other specialties. Once the residency is completed, individuals are eligible for dual certification in pediatrics and internal medicine, although they can choose to practice in one specialty if desired.

 

Med-Peds doctors are eligible for a wide range of subspecialty training programs on both the pediatric and internal medicine sides. Some common combined subspecialties include outpatient/inpatient services, nephrology, and endocrinology. There are up to 31 subspecialties available, providing ample opportunities for diverse career paths.

 

Electives allow Med-Peds residents to explore their specific interests further. These elective opportunities are flexible, and residents can choose to focus on any medical discipline that piques their curiosity. Early exposure to a preferred elective is encouraged to foster a deeper understanding and potential career path exploration.

 

Med-Peds residency comes with its challenges and rewards. Second-year residents often experience the most intense workload due to heavy inpatient responsibilities. Additionally, the short duration of training compared to single-specialty residencies means that Med-Peds residents may sometimes face unique learning curve challenges. However, the variety of patient acuity and pathologies encountered during training significantly contributes to becoming a well-rounded and adaptable physician.

 

Med-Peds doctors excel in teamwork and continuity of care. Their training enables them to bridge the gap between pediatric and adult healthcare, particularly for patients with chronic or congenital conditions. While they do not perform surgical procedures, their comprehensive training in both specialties allows them to offer seamless and comprehensive care.

 

The outlook for Med-Peds doctors is promising and diverse. Graduates have various career options, including combining inpatient and outpatient services, pursuing fellowships, or even holding leadership roles within healthcare systems. Med-Peds is not a "growing" field; it has existed since the late 1960s. However, its uniqueness and wide-ranging potential make it a rewarding choice for those who are passionate about caring for patients of all ages and advocating for continuity of care.

 

Med-Peds is a compelling medical pathway that offers an extensive and unique skill set for healthcare professionals. Combining expertise in internal medicine and pediatrics, Med-Peds doctors can provide exceptional care to patients throughout their lives. The training process, subspecialty options, and elective opportunities open doors to various fulfilling career paths. For those who thrive on teamwork, adaptability, and diverse patient interactions, Med-Peds offers a gratifying and impactful journey as a physician.