Identifying Shifts in the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Job Market

To describe potential differences in pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) hiring practices based on board certification/board eligibility (BC/BE) status.

Following the literature review, an electronic survey was developed by investigators, with feedback from division leaders representing 4 divisions and 3 institutions. The survey was administered nationally to PHM leaders via PHM listservs in the spring of 2023 and inquired about institution demographics, division characteristics, and hiring practices for the 2022 to 2023 recruitment season. Subanalysis was completed by BE status: (1) fellowship trained, (2) practice pathway eligible, and (3) non-BC/BE.

A total of 76 division leaders responded, representing community (41%), university (37%), and combined (22%) sites. Division directors interviewed a median of 5 (IQR, 3-8) physicians to fill a median of 1.9 (IQR, 1-3) available full-time equivalent. There was no difference in interviews extended, jobs offered, or candidates hired based on BE status. BC/BE candidates had lower odds of being hired at community sites (odds ratio [OR], 0.26; P = .01) and higher odds of receiving academic rank (OR, 2.05; P = .01) compared with non-BC/BE candidates. There was no difference in salary, time on teaching services, or time on faculty-only services based on BE status.

Non-BC/BE candidates continue to have a diverse array of job opportunities in PHM. However, some variability in PHM job characteristics has emerged among candidates from different BC/BE pathways. Further study is required to understand how shifting trends in hiring impact learner training, faculty compensation, and academic productivity of PHM divisions.