Pediatric Rheumatology Workforce Shortages Save
Two recent analyses from the USA and Canada point to a significant unmet need with regard to pediatric rheumatologists.
The 2015 pediatric rheumatology workforce in the US was evaluated by the American College of Rheumatology, estimating the Pediatric rheumatology supply and demand projected through 2030.
As of 2015 the pediatric rheumatology workforce was estimated at 287 FTEs (300 providers), with an estimated excess demand was 95 (33%). Provided no changes in training trends, it was estimated the demand will increase almost 100% (n = 230) by 2030.
This study projects the current deficit of US pediatric rheumatologists will continue to worsen significantly, and by 2030 the demand for pediatric rheumatologists will be twice the supply.
The Journal of Rheumatology has also reported this month the results of a study of Pediatric Rheumatology Workforce across Canada.
The majority of Pediatric rheumatologists (91%) practiced in academic centers, with median of 3 rheumatologists per center. They calculated the clinical FTE (cFTE) available per 75,000 (recommended benchmark) and 300,000 (adjusted) children using 2019 census data. They found a national deficit of 80 cFTEs, but using the adjusted benchmark, there was no national deficit. Yet a significant regional maldistribution of rheumatologists was noted. Most of these rheumatologists work in multidisciplinary teams, using a median of 4 allied health professionals (AHPs), but median FTE for AHPs was ≤ 1.
Both studies suggest a need for innovative strategies to increase and meet the workforce needed in pediatric rheumatology for the future.
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There has always been a shortage! When I was in training in NYC from 1975-1978, and for several years after that, there was ONE pediatric rheumatologist in the entire city-all five boroughs! That was Jerry Jacobs.
I should add that those of us who trained with Jerry did do some pediatric rheumatology, but after about 9 years when my son was born I felt very uncomfortable treating kids like my kid, so when I moved to NJ I stopped taking care of children.
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