Transplant Infectious Diseases Work Standards-Results From a Mid-Atlantic Regional Survey

As transplantation and cellular therapy expand, so must the transplant infectious diseases (TID) workforce; yet little is known about regional or national TID work standards for the existing workforce. This survey of TID clinicians in the mid-Atlantic region seeks to outline current work standards used to define a 1.0 FTE practice.

This is a cross-sectional study evaluating the current compensation structure for TID providers, conducted July-October 2025 via REDCap survey distributed to the Mid-Atlantic Transplant Infectious Diseases Society (MATIDS). The survey consisted of 18 multiple-choice questions with ranges for quantitative answers. Data were analyzed in Excel and R and descriptive statistics were used.

Approximately one-third of eligible members responded, the majority being from academic medical centers. At least eight regional medical groups were represented. Physicians reported a mix of RVU and time-based models for defining their work standards. For a 1.0 FTE, most reported 26-30 weeks of inpatient service in academic centers and 31-35 for all respondents. Among those with set RVU targets, most were < 2000-5000. Nearly all physicians receive subsidized cFTE support, averaging 0.6 for academic faculty and 0.7 across all practice settings. Non-billable work supporting the transplant program was ubiquitous.

TID work standards are often identical to those of general ID colleagues, despite substantial differences in patient population and consultation volume/practices, as well as non-billable work for the transplant program. To fairly compensate TID work, retain physicians, and attract new specialists to this increasingly complex field, we must define work standards tailored to TID.