How to Become a Pediatrician

Dr. Ross Kopelman had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, a Pediatrician, about her journey to become a Pediatrician. In this video, you will discover tips you need to become a Pediatrician and prepare for residency.

Bio for Dr. Nneka Unachukwu:
Dr. Nneka Unachukwu is a board-certified physician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She received her medical training from the University of Nigeria and completed her pediatric residency at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. At the end of her residency, she relocated to Georgia and initially worked in private practice and then went on to become the founder and CEO of Ivy League Pediatrics.

As CEO, her hard work and dedication to patients have earned Ivy League Pediatrics the Best of Gwinnett award for four years in a row (2015-2018).

Now, she uses her depth of experience and wealth of knowledge to help other physicians build thriving practices through speaking, blogging, and coaching.

Reason Dr. Nneka Unachukwu pursued Pediatrics:
It's a funny reason, actually. I was very passionate about women healthcare when I was in medical school so I wanted to be an Ob/Gyn. When I got through the rotations, I decided the 24-hour on-call life was not for me. To stay connected to the women, I went for Peds. It was a good call though, I love it.

Education:
Medical School - University of Nigeria College of Medicine
Residency - Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, NJ (Pediatrics)

Typical Day in the life of a Pediatrician:
I am the lead pediatrician and CEO of my practice so I have to wear many hats. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically my clinical days. I would see an average of 25 patients a day. It could range from a simple rash to an acutely ill child that needs to be sent to the ED via ambulance. On Wednesdays and Thursdays are my CEO days. I market the practice, create videos, recruit new team members, train my team and do public speaking.

Residency training:
The residency lasts for 3 years. It is grueling with 80-hour work weeks. You will be exposed to many different aspects of general and specialty pediatrics in different settings i.e outpatient and inpatient. It is very hard work but at the end of it, residents leave with the training required to be experts at taking care of children.

What type of advice do you give to those aspiring to be in Pediatrics:
Understand that there is a disruption in the medical industry. Acquire the medical knowledge but also be very open embracing the business of medicine whether you will own your practice or be an employed physician.

3 Things that Excite Dr. Nneka Unachukwu about being a Pediatrician:
1. Partnering with parents to raise healthy kids.
2. Innovation.
3. The business of medicine.

If Dr. Nneka Unachukwu picked another field:
Ob/Gyn