In this post, we dive into why fewer doctors are choosing careers in pediatric subspecialties due to poor compensation.
Medicine is full of paradoxes, but one of the most striking lies in pediatrics. Pediatric subspecialists dedicate their lives to caring for some of the most vulnerable among us—children. Their work is vital, challenging, and often heartbreaking. Yet, they are among the lowest-compensated physicians in the medical field.
How does such a disconnect exist in a system that professes to value the health of children above all else? Today, let’s explore why fewer physicians are choosing this path, and what it means for the future of pediatric care—and for those who still feel called to the field.
Why Do Pediatric Specialists Earn Less?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: money. According to the 2024 Doximity Physician Compensation Report, the pediatric subspecialties are at the bottom of the compensation ladder. Pediatric endocrinologists, for instance, earn an average of $217,875 annually, compared to their adult-focused counterparts who bring in $291,481. Ouch.
So, why the pay gap? It comes down to economics.
- Smaller Patient Pool: Kids make up a fraction of the population compared to adults, which translates to fewer patients and less demand for pediatric subspecialists.
- Medicaid Reimbursement: Much of pediatric care is funded by Medicaid, which reimburses less than Medicare. While Medicaid ensures access to healthcare for millions of children, it leaves specialists with slimmer margins.
In essence, the very system that ensures care for children inadvertently undercompensates the doctors who provide it. And that leads us to the training paradox.
Training More, Earning Less: The Pediatric Specialist’s Dilemma
Becoming a pediatric subspecialist isn’t just a job—it’s a journey. After medical school, aspiring specialists slog through a pediatric residency and an additional fellowship, racking up years of delayed earnings and increasing debt. Yet, when the dust settles, they often earn less than general pediatricians or family medicine doctors who didn’t pursue extra training.
Imagine this scenario: You’re a newly minted pediatric rheumatologist, working in a major city where the cost of living is astronomical. Your paycheck? It might not even stretch far enough to cover the mortgage, let alone student loans, childcare, and the myriad expenses of urban life.
It’s a cruel irony: The more training you complete, the less financial reward you may see. And that disparity is causing many young doctors to ask themselves whether the sacrifices are worth it.
The Ripple Effect: What Happens When Fewer Doctors Choose Pediatrics?
This financial reality is more than a personal problem—it’s a systemic one. Pediatric fellowships often do not fill all of their available training spots, leaving gaps in the pipeline for future subspecialists. When fewer doctors enter the field, the entire healthcare system feels the strain.
Parents may face longer wait times to see a specialist, or in some areas, there might be no access at all. The consequences ripple outward, affecting not just individual families but the broader healthcare infrastructure.
Altruism vs. Financial Stability: A Balancing Act
Pursuing a career in pediatric subspecialties often feels like standing at a crossroads. On one hand, the work is undeniably meaningful. What could be more fulfilling than helping a sick child thrive? On the other hand, financial realities weigh heavily, especially for physicians with families of their own.
For those grappling with this dilemma, it’s worth remembering that there are ways to bridge the gap between passion and financial security. And this is where creative solutions—like real estate investing—come into play.
Building Financial Freedom Beyond Medicine
I get it: Talking about real estate might feel out of place in a discussion about pediatrics. But hear me out. As a physician myself, I’ve faced the same pressures—student loans, high costs of living, and the pull between professional passion and personal financial goals.
Real estate investment has been a game-changer for me, and it could be for you too.
Although I’ve specialized in active real estate investing, I realized that this isn’t a possibility for the majority of physicians due to competing responsibilities. That’s why I started Cereus Real Estate!
Through Cereus Real Estate, we help doctors invest in multifamily properties to create passive income streams. With this approach, you don’t have to rely solely on your salary to secure your financial future. Instead, you can let your investments do some of the heavy lifting.
By diversifying your income, you can continue to do the work you love—without sacrificing your financial well-being.
The Path Forward: Advocacy and Individual Action
Solving the broader issues facing pediatric subspecialties will require systemic changes, including increased Medicaid funding. But while those changes are slow to materialize, individual physicians can still take proactive steps to secure their futures.
Whether it’s real estate, entrepreneurship, or another avenue, the goal is the same: To ensure that you can answer your calling without financial compromise.
A Better Future for Pediatric Subspecialists
Pediatric subspecialists are among the unsung heroes of medicine, and they deserve better. While systemic advocacy is critical, so too is individual action. By taking steps to secure your financial future, you can protect both your passion for pediatrics and your personal peace of mind.
Remember: Financial freedom isn’t a dream—it’s a decision. Let’s get there together.
Daniel Shin, MD
The Darwinian Doctor
Want to learn more about how real estate can transform your financial future? Visit Cereus Real Estate to see how we’re helping physicians achieve passive income and financial independence.
Experience the financial benefits of real estate without dealing with the headache!
Want to support the blog?
- Join our investor club at Cereus Real Estate
- Visit my Recommendations page
- Check out my wife’s food blog: Eat Dessert First
- Stay at our luxury short term rentals
- Check out my TikTok channel
- Follow me on Instagram
- Follow me on YouTube
- Contact me with questions
