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Internal medicine-pediatrics residency training: current program trends and outcomes
John G Frohna1, Thomas Melgar, Caroline Mueller
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, 48109-0368, USA. jfrohna@umich.edu
Summary
Most internal medicine-pediatrics residents complete their training and see both adult and child patients. More graduates pursue subspecialties, while academic career entry remains stable.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Combined internal medicine-pediatrics (med-peds) residency programs have trained physicians since 1967.
- Rapid program growth in the 1990s necessitates updated data on completion rates and career paths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine completion rates of med-peds residency programs.
- To describe the initial career plans of med-peds graduates.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey was sent to U.S. med-peds program directors.
- Data collected on residents completing programs from 1998-2002.
- Certification status analyzed for the 1998 graduating cohort.
Main Results:
- 92% of programs responded, reflecting 1,595 residents.
- 91% of residents graduated from med-peds programs.
- 82% of graduates see both adult and child patients; 22% pursue subspecialties; 21% practice in underserved areas; 25% enter academia.
- For the 1998 cohort, 97% passed ABIM and 96% passed ABP exams, with 79% board certified in both.
Conclusions:
- Med-peds programs show higher completion rates and more graduates treating both adults and children compared to older studies.
- Significant increase in residents entering subspecialty training.
- Proportion of graduates entering academic careers remains consistent.