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The academic generalist: an endangered species revived
1William T. Grant Foundation, Cornell University, Medical College, New York, New York.
Pediatrics
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Academic general pediatrics is experiencing a resurgence. A fellowship program successfully trained 111 pediatricians, with two-thirds now in academic roles, contributing significantly to research and teaching.
Area of Science:
- Academic Medicine
- Pediatrics
- General Medicine
Background:
- The role of generalists in academic medicine has declined due to subspecialization.
- This decline has created gaps in research and teaching for common health issues, particularly in office settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a fellowship program designed to revitalize academic general pediatrics.
- To evaluate the contributions and career trajectories of fellowship graduates.
Main Methods:
- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded a 10-year fellowship program for academic pediatric generalists.
- Tracked the career paths, publications, and grant funding of 111 fellowship graduates.
Main Results:
- Two-thirds of fellows secured full-time academic positions.
- Graduates published 332 papers and obtained over $20 million in grants by late 1988.
- Many pediatric departments reorganized, renaming divisions to 'general pediatrics' and expanding their scope.
Conclusions:
- The fellowship program has successfully fostered a revival in academic general pediatrics.
- Despite challenges in research funding, the program's outcomes demonstrate a clear need for and the successful rebirth of academic general pediatrics.