Current trends in pediatric residency training.
A spreading gap has developed between available pediatric level 1 positions and those filled through the National Resident Matching Program. To define which variables enhance a program's ability to match, we surveyed program directors of all categorical pediatric training programs. An 82% response rate showed that ability to match was positively associated with larger program size and offering of shared residency positions. A negative association was found between many benefits and ability to match. The call schedule and number of call-free elective months had no measurable effect. Factors that we were unable to investigate, such as geographic location and academic reputation, may also play a role. Our results emphasize the irrelevance of enhancing benefits as a way of making programs competitive. Our energies need to be directed at attracting junior medical students to a career in pediatrics rather than competing for fourth-year students applying to pediatric programs.
Carraccio
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Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore 21201.
Ackerman
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D002321:Career Choice; D004465:Economic Competition; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States