Career profile Β· live from the Careermash careers engine
Career profile

Paediatrician

In South Africa, paediatricians are crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of children and adolescents. The healthcare system is diverse, with both public and private sectors offering various opportunities for paediatricians. The demand for skilled paediatricians is high, making it a rewarding career choice for those passionate about child health. As a paediatrician, you will have the chance to work in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, contributing to the improvement of child health outcomes across the country.
Degree usually required
AI impact: low££££ payUni route
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AI impact
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Ottalie Β· your guide
Curious about being a paediatrician? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.

What you'd actually do

As a paediatrician in South Africa, your primary responsibility will be to diagnose and treat various health issues affecting children. This includes conducting routine health assessments, managing chronic conditions, and providing vaccinations. You will also play a key role in educating families about health, nutrition, and developmental milestones. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is essential, as you will often work in multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic care. The focus on community health means that you will also engage with public health initiatives aimed at improving child health outcomes across the country.
1Performing regular health assessments and developmental screenings.
2Diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses in children.
3Providing health education and resources to families.

Career progression & pay

01
Getting in

Junior Paediatrician

R600,000
MBChB or equivalent degree
In this entry-level position, you will work under the guidance of experienced paediatricians, gaining valuable clinical experience.
02
Building up

Mid-Level Paediatrician

R1,200,000
3-5 years of experience
You will manage your own patient caseload and may begin to specialise in areas of interest within paediatrics.
03
At the top

Senior Paediatrician

R2,000,000+
Extensive experience and board certification
In this senior role, you will lead clinical teams, mentor junior staff, and may also engage in research or teaching.

Degrees that lead here via Medicine and Dentistry

Apprenticeships that lead here

No apprenticeship standard maps directly yet - the university or college route is the main way in.

Organisations in this field

NHS
The National Health Service provides comprehensive healthcare services across the UK.
Great Ormond Street Hospital
A leading children's hospital known for its specialist care.
Barts Health NHS Trust
One of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, offering a range of paediatric services.

How to get in - your routes

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Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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