Preparing for a Career in Pediatric Hospital Medicine: A Needs Assessment and Recommendations for Individualized Curricula

Abstract

OBJECTIVES The individualized curriculum within residency programs allows residents to tailor their elective time toward future career goals and interests. Our objective was to identify experiences and activities that would foster resident interest and enhance preparation for a career in pediatric hospital medicine (PHM). METHODS Electronic surveys were distributed to pediatric hospitalists, PHM fellowship directors, and graduating PHM fellows. These stakeholders were asked to identify key experiences for residents to explore before entering fellowship or practice. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed on survey responses. RESULTS Forty-six percent of PHM fellows (16 of 35), 42% of pediatric hospitalists (149 of 356), and 58% of fellowship program directors (35 of 60) completed the survey. All 3 groups identified complex care as the most important clinical experience to gain in residency. Other highly valued clinical experiences included pain management, surgical comanagement, and palliative care. Lumbar puncture, electrocardiograph interpretation, and airway management were identified as essential procedural skills. Nonclinical experiences that were deemed important included quality improvement, development of teaching skills, and research methodology. All groups agreed that these recommendations should be supplemented with effective mentorship. CONCLUSIONS Identification of key clinical experiences, nonclinical activities, and mentorship for residents interested in PHM may assist with tailoring the individualized curriculum to personal career goals. Incorporating these suggested experiences can improve preparedness of residents entering PHM.