Vision, Value, and Vices: The Roles, Responsibilities, and Resources of the Vice Chair of Education in Pediatrics

The last decade has seen an increase in the number of Pediatric Vice Chairs of Education (VCEs), yet their roles and resources remain unclear.

We distributed a survey to Pediatric VCEs in the United States in March 2023 that focused on roles, responsibilities, and resources, such as dedicated time. We used descriptive and inferential statistical methods for data analysis.

Forty-four of 65 (68%) VCE's responded. Most had a written job description (64%), yet only 25% described their responsibilities as very clear. Most VCEs defined themselves as leaders in graduate medical education (64%) and educational research (59%). Fewer led faculty development (36%), curricular development (36%), continuing medical education (32%), or undergraduate medical education (UME; 34%). VCEs reported a mean of 0.25 (SD 0.22) full-time equivalent (FTE) protected time for their VCE role but believed they needed 0.36 FTE (SD 0.29; P < 0.001). Dedicated time for the VCE role positively correlated with the number of categorical pediatric residents, UME leadership, and their perceived ability to make a positive difference. Respondents who were also residency program directors reported less dedicated time for their VCE role and were less likely to report an ability to make a positive difference. Over half of VCEs had not been offered role specific professional development.

The roles and responsibilities of VCEs vary between institutions. To enhance the effectiveness of VCEs an increase in dedicated time, resources, and professional development are important.