Increasing Rate of Unfilled Training Positions in the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Match

Studies have highlighted decreasing interest in pediatric careers, including pediatric hematology oncology (PHO). This study defines the annual number of applicants, available training positions, and unfilled training positions for PHO fellowship training. From 2009 to 2025, growth in the annual number of training positions (36.6% increase) exceeded growth in the number of interested applicants (8.3% increase). Accordingly, the annual applicant-to-training position ratio decreased (from 1.01 to 0.80), while the annual rate of unfilled training positions increased over the study period (from 13.4% to 21.6%). Inadequate demand for PHO fellowship training may trigger deleterious health consequences for children with blood and cancer disorders.