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US pediatric pulmonology workforce
Christopher Harris1, Julie Katkin2, Mary Cataletto3
1Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Insights
Pediatric pulmonologists are aging, with more women entering the field. Concerns exist about future workforce shortages and funding for pediatric respiratory care specialists.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology Workforce Analysis
- Medical Education Policy
- Healthcare Workforce Trends
Background:
- Pediatric pulmonologists are essential for treating children with respiratory conditions.
- This specialty represents a small fraction of the total pediatric workforce.
- Understanding their practices and career trajectories is crucial for future planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current practices and career plans of pediatric pulmonologists.
- To compare current workforce data with a similar survey from 1997.
- To identify potential challenges and future needs within the pediatric pulmonology workforce.
Main Methods:
- An internet survey was distributed to pediatric pulmonary physicians.
- Survey participants were members of the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Chest Physicians.
- Responses from 485 physicians were analyzed and compared to historical data.
Main Results:
- The workforce shows a demographic shift towards more female physicians compared to 1997.
- Pediatric pulmonologists primarily focus on clinical work, with significant involvement in administration and teaching, but limited basic science research.
- Physicians anticipate a future shortage and express concerns regarding funding and referral complexity.
Conclusions:
- The study reflects the current state of the pediatric pulmonology workforce.
- There is a need for ongoing monitoring of practitioner supply.
- Proactive strategies may be required to address anticipated workforce shortages and ensure adequate care for children with respiratory conditions.
Aim:
Children with respiratory conditions benefit from care provided by pediatric pulmonologists. As these physicians are a small portion of the overall pediatric workforce, it is necessary to understand the practices and career plans of these specialists.
Methods:
An internet survey was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics Division of Workforce and Medical Education Policy and sent to members of the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Chest Physicians who identified as pediatric pulmonary physicians.
Results:
Responses were received from 485 physicians and were compared to the results of a similar survey done in 1997. Of those completing the survey, 63% were male and 37% female, with increased number of females since the earlier poll. The average calculated age was 56 years. They worked 54 h per week, down from 59 h in the prior survey. Pediatric pulmonologists are overwhelmingly clinicians (92%) with major responsibilities for administration (79%), teaching (78%), and research. Basic science research was rarely reported (7%). Pediatric pulmonologists felt that referrals had become more complicated in the recent past. Nearly all planned to maintain Pediatric Pulmonology Sub-board certification, though one third planned to cut back on clinical workload in the next decade. Many were concerned that the number needed in the profession in a decade would be inadequate with significant concerns about funding for those positions.
Conclusion:
Overall, these results reflect the current state of the workforce and the need to monitor the supply of practitioners in the future.
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