Background:

Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) has grown rapidly over the last 15 years. There is little information about the characteristics of the PHM workforce. Our objective was to describe the PHM workforce and note implications for the future.

Methods:

The AAP is conducting workforce surveys of its member sections to identify trends and issues. Over the winter of 2012‐13 a PHM specific workforce survey was sent to the 1260 members of SOHM. Responses were analyzed for trends and descriptors.

Results:

There were 534 total response (42%) representing the largest cohort of pediatric hospitalists surveyed to date. Respondents were mostly female (64%), non‐Hispanic (96%), and Caucasian race (85%) Nearly half (58%) reported additional training beyond residency (23% chief, 9% some fellowship, 5% non ACGME fellowship, 3% PHM fellowship, 12% other degree). Many claimed specific training in leadership (31%), QI (24%), education (21%), or research (9 %). Almost all (79%) see PHM as a career, with only 2% stating it was an interim spot. Half have practiced PHM at least 5 years and 60% are at least 3 years in their present place. Although almost 60% work in a children’s hospital setting, over 25% work in a community site where the majority have limited or no pediatric subspecialty services. Competition from others is still prevalent (43%) and has resulted in increases in hours (36%), research or administrative duties (37%), and hiring of physicians (59%) and midlevel providers (35%). Over half employ moonlighters.

Conclusions:

This survey which is the largest to date of pediatric hospitalists strongly suggests the PHM workforce is maturing, with significant numbers choosing PHM as a career path. Most have additional training beyond residency, however specific training in core PHM activities of leadership, QI, and education are lacking and research training is rare. This should inform development of post‐residency training programs and aid division directors and employers in identifying career development needs. Community site program growth and workforce diversity are issues which deserve specific attention.