COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Pediatricians Entering the Pediatric Workforce

OBJECTIVE: Determine extent of impact of coronavirus dis-ease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on career choice and employment of pediatricians entering pediatric workforce.METHODS: A national, cross-sectional electronic survey of pediatricians registering for the 2021 American Board of Pediatrics initial general certifying examination on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 3 aspects of career (career choice, employment search, employment offers) was performed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to determine factors asso-ciated with the pandemic's impact on career. Thematic analy-sis was used to generate themes for open-ended survey questions.RESULTS: Over half (52.3%, 1767 of 3380) of pediatricians responded. Overall, 29.1% reported that the pandemic impacted their career (career choice [10.4%], employment search [15.6%], or employment offers [19.0%]); applicants to general pediatrics (GP) (52.9%) or pediatric hospitalist (PH) positions (49.3%) were most affected. Multivariate logistic regression modeling found those applying to GP (odds ratio [OR]: 3.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.22-6.60), PH (OR: 9.02, 95% CI: 5.60-14.52), and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.39-2.59) most likely to experience any career impact.CONCLUSIONS: Almost one third of pediatricians registering for the initial general pediatrics certifying examination reported their careers were impacted by the COVID-19 pan-demic, with 10% of respondents reporting the pandemic impacted their career choice. Half of new pediatricians seeking employment reported being impacted by the pandemic, partic-ularly IMGs. As the pandemic evolves, career advising will continue to be critical to support trainees in their career choices and employment.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on career choice and employment of pediatricians entering the workforce. The survey found that over half of the pediatricians reported being impacted by the pandemic, including career choice, employment search, and job offers. Applicants to general pediatrics and pediatric hospitalist positions, especially international medical graduates, were most likely to experience career impact.