Profile of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Workforce in 2015

Abstract

Background: Almost 20 years have elapsed since the last workforce survey of pediatric infectious disease (PID) subspecialists was conducted in 1997-1998. The American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Infectious Diseases in collaboration with the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society sought to assess the status of the current PID workforce.

Methods: A Web-based survey conducted in 2015 collected data on demographics, practice patterns, and job satisfaction among the PID workforce, and identified factors related to job placement among recent fellowship graduates.

Results: Of 946 respondents (48% response rate), 50% were female. The average age was 51 years (range, 29-88 years); 63% were employed by an academic center/hospital, and 85% provided direct patient care; and 18% were not current PID practitioners. Of the 138 (21%) respondents who had completed a PID fellowship within the previous 5 years, 83% applied for <5 PID positions; 43% reported that their first position was created specifically for them; 47% had 1 job offer, and 41% had 2 or 3 job offers; 82% were employed within 6 months; and 74% remained at the institution of their first job. Respondents who were practicing PID full-time or part-time (n = 778) indicated desiring more focused training in immunodeficiencies (31%), transplant-related care (31%), and travel/tropical medicine (28%). Overall, 70% of the respondents would "definitely" or "probably" choose PID again.

Conclusions: Most respondents were satisfied with their career choice in PID. Most of the recent fellowship graduates were employed within 6 months after training. We identified potential areas in which the PID community can focus efforts to maintain the pipeline and improve satisfaction among its physicians.

Keywords: job market; pediatric infectious diseases; pediatric subspecialist; workforce; work–life balance.