Assessing the Factors Affecting Recruitment to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Programs

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Education
• Physician Workforce

Background:

• Recruitment challenges exist for child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) fellowships.
• Understanding factors influencing career choice is crucial for addressing shortages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing recruitment into child and adolescent psychiatry fellowships.
• To assess the perspectives of early career psychiatrists, fellows, residents, and medical students.

Main Methods:

• A 25-item questionnaire was distributed to program directors, coordinators, and trainees across the US.
• Dissemination also occurred via social media professional groups and student interest groups.

Main Results:

• 315 evaluable responses were collected, with half being CAP fellows or early career CAP.
• Most participants chose child psychiatry during medical school, citing rewarding and intellectually stimulating work.
• High educational debt ($200,000+) was reported by 43%; a shorter fellowship and higher income could attract more trainees.

Conclusions:

• Early exposure to child psychiatry and altruistic motivations are primary recruitment drivers.
• Strategies to improve recruitment include addressing physician debt, offering incentives for underserved areas, and increasing compensation.