The education path to becoming a neonatologist is very tedious and intense. This includes four years of high school, a four-year college degree, four years of medical school, a pediatric internship and residency for three years, and finally a neonatology fellowship for three years. What many fail to realize is that they are not simply sitting in a classroom for the whole eighteen years. Following the second year of medical school, they get the chance to interact in a hands-on approach with patients under supervision. After graduating from medical school, an "M.D." degree is received. Although, this does not mean that they are certified to handle babies on their own. "Before becoming a neonatologist, you must first learn to be a general pediatrician. The pediatric training …show more content…
One must be dedicated if they wish to be successful. Throughout the residency and fellowship, there are multiple required exams called "Boards." This is simply short for "Medical Board Examinations." Following the first set of exams during the pediatric internship, the student is qualified to treat patients in their state. After the pediatric residency comes to an end, another exam is taken. After completion, he or she is officially a pediatric specialist. The last and final set of exams is taken subsequent to the neonatology fellowship. "When you pass these exams, you are certified as a subspecialist in neonatal-perinatal medicine." (Neonatology on the Web) Residency and fellowship is where people truly get a glimpse into the job of a neonatologist. This is when the final decision is made as to whether or not this is a suitable career path for