Pediatric Housestaff Perceptions of Pediatric Subspecialties

<ns3:p>Introduction Sustaining the pediatric subspecialty workforce is essential to meet the complex healthcare needs of children. Despite steady interest in fellowship training, many subspecialties face ongoing workforce shortages. This study surveyed pediatric residents to assess perceptions of workload, compensation, and work-life balance across various subspecialties. Objectives Evaluate pediatric resident views on pediatric subspecialty careers in the context of a nationally diminishing pool of pediatric subspecialists. Methods A survey was provided to residents during their annual retreat in spring 2024. The survey asked residents their perspectives on various aspects of clinical care, personal support, and professional interest. Results There were 67 total retreat attendees and 54 responses giving a response rate of 80.6%, with 16 males and 38 females. Residents perceived Hospital Medicine as having lower complexity and support but higher patient volumes. Subspecialties such as Cardiology, Critical Care, Gastroenterology, and Neonatology were viewed as more complex and better compensated. Work-life balance and family considerations were the most influential factors in career decisions, while debt and compensation were less significant. Prior clinical experience modestly shaped perceptions, with minimal gender-based differences. Conclusions Pediatric trainees prioritize work-life balance, family, and clinical experience over financial concerns. Interestingly, subspecialties perceived to offer the best work-life balance and with the fewest matched fellowship spots are also among the least compensated, highlighting a potential misalignment between trainee values and workforce incentives.</ns3:p>