Paediatric Neurodisability Physician - Career Profile from PaidEmployment.co.uk

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Paediatric Neurodisability Physician - Career Profile

Career Overview

A paediatric neurodisability physician works with children that have neurological disorders and difficulties. These conditions may occur because of injury and trauma such as vehicle and sports accidents, as well as genetic conditions or illness.

A paediatric neurodisability physician works with both brain injuries as well as conditions with the nervous system. Many of the conditions that a paediatric neurodisability physician works with are not curable but rather can be effectively minimized and managed.

The paediatric neurodisability physician may respond in emergency situations and may also see patients in specialised treatment facilities and long-term care facilities. Often the paediatric neurodisability physician works with the family and the child to develop environmental modifications and lifestyle changes that will allow the child to have the best possible quality of life, even if the brain damage is significant or permanent.

The paediatric neurodisability physician must be able to relate very well to both patients and family members to honestly and compassionately discuss the child’s prognosis and treatment options. Usually the paediatric neurodisability physician will work with the same child for many years and may even continue to see them into early adulthood depending on their disability or condition.

Effective communication skills and up-to-date information on the various treatment options available for children that have suffered some form of brain or nervous system is essential. The field of neurodisability treatments have continued to develop and evolve in the last few years as more research and training have been provided to physicians.

Most paediatric neurodisability physicians have regular office hours and see patients on an outpatient basis. Some paediatric neurodisability physicians may also work for specific Trusts or Foundations and may make scheduled appoints with patients in long-term treatment facilities or those that are being cared for at home.

Career Requirements

To become a paediatric neurodisability physician a physician must complete specialist training as approved by the STA or Specialist Training Authority of the Medical Royal Colleges. This specialist position was only created in September of 2003 and is still in the process of being completely developed.

Most paediatric neurodisability physician will also have community health training as well neurology and general paediatric training. Many paediatric neurodisability physicians will also have a MD or PhD if they have completed a research project within their training.

Job Outlook

The demand for paediatric neurodisability physicians will be steady and constant as new facilities are opened and additional research projects are implemented in both the private and public sectors. Since paediatric neurodisability has recently become a recognized specialty there will be an increasing demand for experienced paediatric neurodisability physicians to return to teaching facilities, which will create an increase in demand for new physicians.

Career Track

A paediatric neurodisability physician with significant experience may decide to work in private practise or as a consultant. In addition new training programs will require those paediatric neurodisability physicians with both experience and an ability to teach.

Compensation

A relatively new paediatric neurodisability physician will earn between £28,000 and £35,000 per year, but this salary will quickly increase to over £50,000 within five years. Those paediatric neurodisability physicians in private practise can anticipate earning in excess of £90,000 per year.