Current Roles and Perceived Needs of Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship Graduates

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric hospitalists report the need for additional training in clinical and nonclinical domains. Pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) fellowships seek to provide this training and produce leaders in the field. Our objective is to describe current roles and perceived training needs of PHM fellowship graduates.

METHODS: In 2014, all PHM fellowship graduates were asked to complete a Web-based survey. Survey questions addressed demographics, past training, current roles, and training needs in clinical care, research, education, and administration. Associations between fellowship experiences and outcomes were examined.

RESULTS: Fifty-one of 61 eligible individuals completed the survey. Average duration as a pediatric hospitalist was 5 years. Ninety percent completed pediatric categorical residency, whereas 10% completed an Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency. Most respondents completed a 1- (38%) or 2-year (46%) fellowship program. Ninety-six percent of respondents currently work in academic environments. The perceived need for additional clinical training was low, except procedures (44%). Nearly all teach medical students and pediatric residents, reporting adequate training in variety of teaching strategies. The majority of respondents conduct research, most commonly quality improvement (QI; 67%) and education (52%). Two-thirds are first authors on at least 1 peer-reviewed article. Research training needs include QI methodology (44%), biostatistics (43%), and obtaining funding (54%). A considerable number of respondents have academic leadership positions.

CONCLUSIONS: PHM fellowship graduates are academic hospitalists with diverse responsibilities. Despite a short average career span, many have achieved leadership roles and been academically productive. Future curriculum development should focus on procedures, QI, and research training.