The pediatric neurosurgical workforce: defining the current supply. Clinical article

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Medicine
• Medical Workforce Analysis

Background:

• The pediatric neurosurgical workforce is critical for treating complex neurological conditions in children.
• Understanding the demographics and practice characteristics of this specialized group is essential for future planning.
• Current estimates of the pediatric neurosurgical workforce size and composition are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the size and characteristics of the current pediatric neurosurgical workforce in the United States.
• To differentiate between pediatric and nonpediatric neurosurgical practitioners based on practice focus.
• To compare demographic and practice patterns between these two groups.

Main Methods:

• Aggregated databases from neurosurgical societies to identify potential pediatric neurosurgical practitioners.
• Administered a 30-question survey to identified practitioners, collecting responses over six months.
• Performed primary analysis comparing pediatric and nonpediatric practitioners, with subgroup analyses on age, sex, and practice setting.

Main Results:

• Identified 158 pediatric practitioners and 92 nonpediatric practitioners from 267 survey respondents (78.1% response rate).
• Pediatric practitioners were more likely to be female, American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery (ABPNS) certified, complete a pediatric fellowship, have fewer operative cases, a more frequent call schedule, and practice in children's hospitals.
• Younger pediatric neurosurgeons were more likely to have completed pediatric fellowships and anticipate retirement earlier, while older practitioners were more likely to be certified by both the American Board of Neurological Surgery and ABPNS.

Conclusions:

• The study estimates fewer than 200 pediatric neurosurgeons are currently practicing in the U.S.
• Unique practice characteristics in pediatric neurosurgery may present challenges for recruiting and retaining future specialists.
• Addressing these practice patterns is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the pediatric neurosurgical workforce.