Challenges of pediatric residency training in Taiwan.
A crisis in pediatric residency training today has raised serious concerns about the healthcare quality for children in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to document the problems and to propose possible solutions for improvement. The problems include: 1) manpower shortage due to the difficulty of recruiting pediatric residents; 2) heavy workload that hinders learning; 3) lack of assessment and poor program planning; and 4) inadequate institutional and financial support. As a result, physicians' competencies are not guaranteed at the end of residency training, even with the pediatric board certification. Possible solutions may include: 1) conducting research on physician manpower statistics, work hours and environment; 2) establishing a Residency Program Review Committee and provision of standards for accreditation; 3) defining the competencies mandated as a general pediatrician and developing a set of measurable qualitative standards; 4) encouraging new programs with flexibility (e.g., primary care); and 5) pursuing adequate institutional and financial supports.
Tsai
Tsuen-Chiuan
TC
Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. tsaitc2003@yahoo.com.tw
Harasym
Peter H
PH
D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D013624:Taiwan