Pediatric dermatology workforce shortage: Perspectives from academia

Background: The Pediatric dermatology workforce has not been systematically evaluated since recent changes in board certification requirements. Objective: To quantify, and characterize the workforce of academic pediatric: dermatologists and examine issue, related to training, hiring, and retention. Methods: Dermatology chairpersons and residency directors in the United States and Canada completed a 30-question Survey. Results: Eighty of 732 programs (61%) responded to the Survey. More than two thirds of programs (56/80) employed a pediatric dermatologist, and 34 programs were recruiting a pediatric dermatologist. The number of residents that pursue careers in pediatric dermatology is significantly associated with the number of pediatric dermatologists on faculty at their institution. Limitations: Self-reported data, which may have been reflected by recall bias, and 61% response rate. Conclusions: At a majority of academic centers, the current pool of pediatric dermatology faculty is neither adequate to meet academic nor clinical demands. Methods to increase exposure to pediatric dermatology among medical students and residents must be sought. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;59:986-9.)