The distribution, practice, and attitudes of maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
OBJECTIVE
This study was carried out to determine the distribution of maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) subspecialists and to profile MFM subspecialists' (1) target patient populations, (2) practice organization, (3) workloads, (4) services provided, and (5) job satisfaction.


METHODS
The membership of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine was compared with birth projections for metropolitan statistical areas. A survey was sent to Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine members.


RESULTS
The national supply of MFM subspecialists was 0.34, with individual census regions ranging from 0.22 to 0.52 per thousand births. MFM subspecialists report spending 64% of their time in clinical pursuits, 9% in research, and 12% in administration. They evaluate an average of 512 patients annually and work a 67-hour week (SD, 15.8 hours). Ninety-four percent perform deliveries and 87% perform targeted ultrasound examinations. Overall job satisfaction averages 7.4 on a 10-point scale.


CONCLUSIONS
The data provide useful bench-marking information for MFM subspecialists exploring options for practice and for health care planners and organizations developing staffing plans. Despite changes in the health care system, MFM subspecialists continue to express a positive attitude toward their work.
Coustan
D R
DR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown Medical School, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, USA.
Schwartz
R M
RM
Gagnon
D E
DE
VanDorsten
J P
JP
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003625:Data Collection; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008511:Medicine; D009774:Obstetrics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011364:Professional Practice; D013038:Specialization; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D000078329:Workforce