Part-time residency in pediatrics: description of current practice.
OBJECTIVE
To determine current national utilization levels of part-time pediatric residency and to identify reasons for pursuing training on a part-time basis.


METHODS
Data were obtained through (1) a survey regarding part-time residency mailed to all accredited pediatric residency programs, (2) the American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Interactive Electronic Database, and (3) the American Academy of Pediatrics postgraduate level 3 survey, 2003.


RESULTS
Of the 190 accredited pediatric residency programs surveyed, 156 (82%) responded; 18 (12%) of these programs had >or=1 part-time resident during academic years 2000-2003. Nationally, 43 of 6609 residents represented in the survey (0.7%) undertook some of their training on a part-time basis. All programs prorated salaries in proportion to time percentage, 10 (71%) continued full benefits for part-time residents, and 15 (88%) used a reduced call schedule. Although multiple reasons were given for part-time status, including travel (16%), research (14%), advanced degrees (9%), personal illness (9%), and family illness (5%), 67% cited child care as 1 reason. Length of residency was extended by an average of 15 months (range: 4-36 months). Analysis of the American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Interactive Electronic Database showed that 45 (24%) of 190 programs advertise part-time slots.


CONCLUSIONS
Although numerous pediatric programs advertise part-time positions, few residents actually held such positions during a 3-year period. There is variability among programs in how benefits and call schedules are managed. Part-time positions are chosen for multiple reasons, but the most common reason is to care for children. Pediatric residency programs can use this information to meet resident needs.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Children's Hospital at Strong, Rochester, New York 14642, USA. alison_holmes@urmc.rochester.edu
Alison Volpe
AV
Holmes
William L
WL
Cull
Rebecca R
RR
Socolar
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D014481:United States