Survey of medicine/pediatrics residency training programs

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Internal Medicine Training
• Pediatric Residency Programs

Background:

• Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics residency programs were established in 1967.
• These four-year programs provide 24 months of training in each specialty.
• Curricula details are not widely known due to the absence of a dedicated review committee.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structure, curriculum, and outcomes of combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics residency programs.
• To assess the perceived quality of residents and the performance of graduates on board examinations.

Main Methods:

• A mail survey was sent to directors of 65 combined medicine/pediatrics residency programs.
• Fifty-seven program directors (88% response rate) provided data on program operations and graduate performance.
• Survey questions covered program establishment, resident quality, curriculum structure, and board pass rates.

Main Results:

• Over half of the surveyed programs were established after 1980.
• Graduates demonstrated success on both Internal Medicine (40 passed) and Pediatrics (48 passed) Board examinations.
• Most programs utilized a six-month rotation schedule between specialties.
• Program directors rated combined program residents as equal to or slightly better than those in non-combined programs.

Conclusions:

• Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics residencies are a successful and vital training pathway.
• These programs effectively train generalists for diverse careers in academic and non-academic settings, including primary and specialty care.