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A longitudinal analysis of the pediatric surgeon workforce
J A O'Neill1, S Gautam, J D Geiger
1Section of Surgical Sciences and Department of Preventive Medicine (Biostatistics), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2730, USA. james.o'neill@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
Annals of Surgery
|September 6, 2000
Summary
The pediatric surgeon workforce is growing faster than the pediatric population, with trainee output increasing significantly. This trend ensures adequate pediatric surgical care, but requires monitoring of practice changes.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Workforce Analysis
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Education Planning
Background:
- The Study on U.S. Surgical Services (SOSSUS) provided a model for workforce analysis.
- Longitudinal studies have tracked the pediatric surgeon workforce every 5 years since 1975.
- The goal is to determine pediatric surgeon supply, need, and training requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze 25-year trends in the pediatric surgeon workforce.
- To provide data for graduate medical education planning.
- To assess the balance between pediatric surgeon supply and population needs.
Main Methods:
- Surveys sent to pediatric surgeons in major U.S. metropolitan areas.
- Predictive modeling used population data, surgeon demographics, and retirement rates.
- Analysis included workforce growth, trainee output, and comparison with previous projections.
Main Results:
- The pediatric population is growing, and the pediatric surgeon workforce is growing faster.
- Current workforce growth is 50% higher than projected pediatric age group increase.
- Trainee output has significantly increased over the last decade.
Conclusions:
- The pediatric surgeon workforce growth outpaces pediatric population growth.
- Increased trainee output is meeting projected needs.
- The field is adapting to changes in reimbursement and surgical practice.