Training, attitudes, and income profiles of pediatric emergency physicians: The results of a 1993 survey of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Abstract

In late 1993, 562 questionnaires were sent to members of the Emergency Medicine Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics; of the questionnaires sent, 65% (365) were returned. Data were collected on 280 full-time practicing pediatric emergency physicians (PEPs). Eighty-two percent of these full-time PEPs have been practicing pediatric emergency medicine for less than 10 years, and two thirds of them are males. The majority work in pediatric emergency departments, devoting 28.1 clinical hours per week to their specialty. Ninety-nine percent of these full-time PEPs are board certified in pediatrics, and 61.5% are board certified in pediatric emergency medicine, whereas less than one quarter are fellowship trained. Approximately two thirds of these physicians feel that board certification in pediatric emergency medicine is a prerequisite for practicing; only one quarter feel that a fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine is required at this time. Average annual gross income for full-time PEPs was $111,000 per year; 62.8% of these physicians make more than $100,000 per year. PEPs indicated that diversity of their clinical practice and the medical acuity of their patients were the most desirable aspects of pediatric emergency medicine, whereas scheduling and the shift work nature of the profession, along with lack of follow-up in hospital practice, were seen as the least desirable aspects of the subspecialty.