Clinical informatics subspecialists: characterizing a novel evolving workforce

Abstract

Abstract Background The growing complexity of data systems in health care has precipitated increasing demand for clinical informatics subspecialists. The first board certification exam for the clinical informatics subspecialty was offered in 2013. Characterizing trends in this novel workforce is important to inform its development. Methods We conducted an exploratory analysis of American Board of Medical Specialties data on individuals certified in clinical informatics from 2013 to 2019 to review trends and demographic characteristics of current subspecialists. Results 2018 physicians were certified in clinical informatics from 2013 to 2019. The annual number of awarded certifications declined after 2016. The majority of primary certifications held by clinical informaticians were in broad-based medical specialties relative to primarily procedural specialties. Conclusions Disparities may exist within the clinical informatics physician workforce with respect to primary specialty certifications and geographic distribution. There remains a need for the creation of fellowship programs to sustain the growth of this workforce.