Pediatric training and job market trends: results from the American Academy of Pediatrics third-year resident survey, 1997-2002.

Objectives: To examine trends in pediatric residents' training and job search experiences from 1997-2002.

Methods: Annual national random samples of 500 graduating pediatric residents were surveyed, and responses were compared across survey years to identify trends. The overall response rate was 71%.

Results: From 1997-2002, there were more female residents and US underrepresented minorities and fewer international medical graduates. Each successive group of residents rated higher their preparation for fellowship training, for child advocacy, and for assessing community needs. These increases paralleled an increase in resident exposure to community sites as part of their residency education. Educational debt (in 2002 dollars) for residents increased substantially across survey years from an average of 64 070 dollars in 1997 to 87 539 dollars in 2002. Meanwhile, starting salaries (in 2002 dollars) for residents entering general pediatrics actually decreased. Interest in general pediatrics among residents decreased, whereas interest in subspecialty practice increased during this time period. Fewer residents with general pediatrics as a career goal had a job when surveyed, and fewer obtained their first-choice positions across years.

Conclusions: Experiences of graduating residents over the past 6 years provide insights into changes in pediatric residency education and the pediatric workforce. Efforts by pediatric educators and academic leaders to increase community experiences and child advocacy and to encourage greater interest in pediatric subspecialty careers seem to be succeeding. Unfortunately, demand for general pediatricians is weakening, and residents are experiencing increasing debt burdens.