The Pediatric Workforce: Recent Data Trends, Questions, and Challenges for the Future

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatrics
• Health Workforce Studies

Background:

• Significant concerns exist regarding the pediatric workforce's capacity to meet growing pediatric population demands.
• Trends show a decline in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DOM) students entering pediatrics, alongside an increase in DOM students and international medical graduates filling pediatric positions.
• Despite an increase in pediatric residency positions, the National Resident Matching Program has seen a rise in unfilled positions over the last four years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze current pediatric workforce data and address concerns about meeting future demands.
• To highlight the need for strategic planning and collaborative efforts to ensure a robust pediatric physician pipeline.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of trends in medical student career choices in pediatrics.
• Examination of National Resident Matching Program data for pediatric positions and fill rates.
• Review of existing literature and dialogue on the pediatric workforce.

Main Results:

• A decrease in the percentage of DOM students pursuing pediatrics.
• An increase in unfilled pediatric residency positions, with some subspecialties having 20-40% fewer applicants than available positions.
• Growing challenges in filling pediatric training positions.

Conclusions:

• The pediatric workforce requires a comprehensive strategic planning process involving multiple organizations across the educational continuum.
• Addressing pediatric workforce data requires careful planning and thoughtful analysis.
• A collaborative effort between pediatric academic and professional organizations is essential for the future of pediatric care.