Pediatric dermatology workforce shortage: Perspectives from academia

BackgroundThe pediatric dermatology workforce has not been systematically evaluated since recent changes in board certification requirements.ObjectiveTo quantify and characterize the workforce of academic pediatric dermatologists and examine issues related to training, hiring, and retention.MethodsDermatology chairpersons and residency directors in the United States and Canada completed a 30-question survey.ResultsEighty of 132 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.LimitationsSelf-reported data, which may have been reflected by recall bias, and 61% response rate.ConclusionsAt 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.