The US pediatric nephrology workforce: a report commissioned by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The US pediatric nephrology workforce is poorly characterized. This report describes clinical and nonclinical activities, motivations and disincentives to a career in pediatric nephrology, future workforce needs, trainee recruitment, and possible explanations for personnel shortages. An e-mail survey was sent in 2013 to all identified US-trained or -practicing pediatric nephrologists. Of 504 respondents, 51% are men, 66% are US graduates, and 73% work in an academic setting. About 20% of trained pediatric nephrologists no longer practice pediatric nephrology. Among the 384 respondents practicing pediatric nephrology full or part-time in the United States, the mean work week was 56.1±14.3 hours, with time divided between patient care (59%), administration (13%), teaching (10%), clinical research (9%), basic research (6%), and other medical activities (3%). Most (>85%) care for dialysis and transplantation patients. The median number of weeks annually on call is 16, and 29% work with one or no partner. One-third of US pediatric nephrologists (n=126) plan to reduce or stop clinical nephrology practice in the next 5 years, and 53% plan to fully or partially retire. Almost half the division chiefs (47%) report inadequate physician staffing. Ongoing efforts to monitor and address pediatric nephrology workforce issues are needed.
William A
WA
Primack
Kevin E
KE
Meyers
Suzanne J
SJ
Kirkwood
Holly S
HS
Ruch-Ross
Carrie L
CL
Radabaugh
Larry A
LA
Greenbaum
D000047:Academies and Institutes; D000288:Administrative Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D004465:Economic Competition; D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009398:Nephrology; D010372:Pediatrics; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012179:Retirement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); Pediatric nephrology; fellows; fellowship training; health care worker maldistribution; health services needs; medical career; physician motivation; physician shortage; staffing adequacy; work-life balance; workforce; workload