Providing optimal care for active youth in Canada

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Sports Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Youth sports participation offers benefits but leads to frequent injuries, causing significant healthcare utilization.
• A majority of injuries in Canadian adolescents stem from sports, highlighting a critical public health concern.
• Practicing pediatricians often lack confidence in managing sport-related injuries due to insufficient training and clinical experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify deficits in musculoskeletal (MSK) and sport and exercise medicine (SEM) training within North American pediatric residency programs.
• To advocate for enhanced MSK/SEM training and clinical exposure in Canadian pediatric residency programs.
• To propose the development of a standardized national curriculum for MSK/SEM to improve pediatrician preparedness.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on pediatric residency training in MSK and SEM.
• Analysis of identified training gaps in North American pediatric programs, with a focus on Canada.
• Formulation of recommendations for curriculum enhancement and increased clinical exposure.

Main Results:

• Numerous studies indicate significant deficiencies in MSK and SEM training across North American pediatric residencies.
• Canadian pediatric residency programs exhibit these documented training deficits.
• A lack of adequate preparation leaves pediatricians ill-equipped to manage common youth sports injuries.

Conclusions:

• Canadian pediatric residency programs require substantial improvements in musculoskeletal and sport and exercise medicine education.
• Implementing a standardized national curriculum is essential for equipping pediatricians to effectively manage injuries in active youth.
• Enhanced training will ensure Canadian pediatricians are better prepared to address the health needs of young athletes.