The current state of pediatric hospital medicine fellowships: A survey of program directors

Neha H. Shah, Hai Jung H. Rhim, Jennifer Maniscalco, Karen Wilson, Caroline Rassbach

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) fellowship programs have grown rapidly over the last 20 years and have varied in duration and content. In an effort to standardize training in the absence of a single accrediting body, PHM fellowship directors now meet annually to discuss strategies for standardizing and enhancing training. OBJECTIVES: To explore similarities and differences in curricular structure among PHM fellowship programs in an effort to inform future curriculum standardization efforts. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed by e-mail to all PHM fellowship directors in April 2014. The survey consisted of 30 multiple-choice and short-answer questions focused on various curricular aspects of training developed by the authors. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 31 fellowship programs (87%) responded to the survey. Duration of most programs was 2 years (63%), with 6, 1-year programs (22%) and 4 (15%) 3-year programs making up the remainder. The average amount of clinical time among programs was 50% (range approximately 20%-65%). In addition to general inpatient pediatric service time, most programs require other clinical rotations. The majority of programs allow fellows to bill independently for their services. Most programs offer certificate courses, courses for credit or noncredit courses, with 11 programs offering masters' degrees. Twenty-one (81%) programs provide a scholarship oversight committee for their fellows. Current fellows' primary areas of research are varied. CONCLUSION: Though variability exists regarding program length, clinical composition, and nonclinical offerings, several common themes emerged that may help inform the development of a standard curriculum for use across all programs. This information provides a useful starting point if pediatric hospital medicine obtains formal subspecialty status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)324-328
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of hospital medicine
Volume11
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Fundamentals and skills
  • Care Planning
  • Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Health Policy
  • Leadership and Management
  • Internal Medicine

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