Global comparison of pediatric surgery workforce and training

Abstract Introduction The number of pediatric surgeons and their distribution vary greatly throughout the world. The purpose of this study is to examine potential influential factors including the length of education and training, pediatric population, birth rate, and gross domestic product (GDP) pe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of pediatric surgery 2015-07, Vol.50 (7), p.1180-1183
Main Authors: Lalchandani, Priti, Dunn, James C.Y
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child
Fellowships and Scholarships - statistics & numerical data
Female
Global Health - manpower
Global Health - statistics & numerical data
Gross Domestic Product
Humans
Internet
Male
Pediatric surgery education
Pediatric surgery training
Pediatric surgery workforce
Pediatrics
Pediatrics - education
Pediatrics - statistics & numerical data
Surgeons - education
Surgeons - supply & distribution
Surgery
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Summary:Abstract Introduction The number of pediatric surgeons and their distribution vary greatly throughout the world. The purpose of this study is to examine potential influential factors including the length of education and training, pediatric population, birth rate, and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Methods An internet search was conducted to determine the duration of education from grade school to pediatric surgery fellowship, number of pediatric surgeons, birth rate, GDP, and population under 15 years of age in 15 countries. The number of pediatric surgeons per million children was correlated with these factors. Results The number of pediatric surgeons per million children varied from 0.51 to 29.3. The total length of education from grade school to completion of pediatric surgery training ranged from 23 to 29 years. There was no correlation between pediatric surgeons per million children with the duration of training. The number of pediatric surgeon per million children was inversely correlated with the birth rate. There was a positive correlation between the GDP per capita and pediatric surgeons per million children. Conclusion There is a tremendous variability in pediatric surgeons around the world. There appears to be a significant shortage of pediatric surgeons in countries with a high birth rate and low GDP per capita.
ISSN:0022-3468
1531-5037
DOI:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2014.11.032