Concerns regarding the pediatric workforce: what are we missing?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatrics
• Health Workforce Studies

Background:

• Concerns regarding the adequacy of the pediatric physician workforce are growing.
• Current solutions often overlook critical underlying issues influencing specialty choice.
• The emphasis on financial compensation may not be the primary deterrent for entering pediatrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge assumptions about pediatric workforce shortages, particularly the focus on financial compensation.
• To advocate for a broader, evidence-based exploration of factors influencing pediatric specialty and subspecialty selection.
• To investigate the reasons why medical students and residents choose *not* to pursue pediatrics or its subspecialties.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of factors influencing specialty and subspecialty choice beyond financial compensation.
• Focus on understanding the perspectives of those who did not choose pediatrics.
• Examination of the impact of the growing gender imbalance on workforce adequacy.

Main Results:

• Economic disparities exist but may not be the sole or primary factor in specialty selection.
• Other influences significantly impact medical students' and residents' choices.
• Understanding non-pediatrician choices is key to making pediatrics more attractive.
• The gender imbalance in pediatrics requires attention for workforce adequacy.

Conclusions:

• Longer-term trends in workforce adequacy are more informative than yearly fluctuations.
• Investigating why individuals do not choose pediatrics is essential for recruitment strategies.
• Addressing both modifiable and non-modifiable factors that make pediatrics less attractive is necessary.
• Proactive workforce goal setting and addressing the gender imbalance are critical for the future of pediatrics.