Pediatric Endocrinology: Perspectives of Pediatric Endocrinologists Regarding Career Choice and Recruitment of Trainees

Objectives: To examine main factors that influence the decision to choose pediatric endocrinology as a career among pediatric endocrinologists and assess their work satisfaction or stress level and suggested strategies to increase interest in subspecialty training in pediatric endocrinology. Methods: A workforce survey was distributed among 1470 members of the Pediatric Endocrine Society. Results: The response rate was 37.4%, with 550 members responding. The most common reasons for the respondents choosing pediatric endocrinology were intellectual stimulation (79%), exposure to endocrinology during residency (57%) or medical school (43%), and ability to establish relationships with patients with chronic disorders (54%). Of the respondents, 97% considered intellectual stimulation as the most favorable aspect of the specialty, and 84% considered financial compensation as the most unfavorable aspect of pediatric endocrinology. Majority (77%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their work environment. The mean work-related stress score (0 [none] to 10 [worst]) was 5.7, standard deviation was 2.1, and median was 6 (Q1, Q3: 4, 7). Increased financial compensation for the services and loan payment or forgiveness option were the top strategies suggested to enhance interest among residents for training in the subspecialty. One third (37%) felt that reducing the duration of the fellowship to 2 years would increase interest in training in pediatric endocrinology. Conclusion: The pediatric endocrinologists reported overall excellent career satisfaction, indicating the potential to attract high-quality doctors to the specialty. Improving reimbursement and loan forgiveness were the top strategies suggested for increasing interest in subspecialty training in pediatric endocrinology. (C) 2020 AACE. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study revealed that the main factors influencing the decision to choose pediatric endocrinology as a career include intellectual stimulation, exposure to endocrinology, and the ability to establish relationships with patients with chronic disorders. Most pediatric endocrinologists were satisfied with the intellectual stimulation in their specialty, but dissatisfaction with financial compensation. Majority of them were satisfied with their work environment, but reported a relatively high level of work-related stress.