Career In Paediatrics Research Articles

Academic paediatric surgery – Why not?…

This article offers a brief overview of academic pediatric surgery in its broadest perspective(s). These include the challenge of the surgeons’ journey in the pursuit of becoming an academic surgeon and acquiring excellence in clinical pediatric surgery to become university faculty leaders. The marriage of these demanding roles serving “two masters” notably clinical hospital services and academic institution(s) requires ‘life skills' training coupled with buckets of resilience. It could be argued an academic pediatric surgical career is not for the ‘faint hearted'. Success is rewarded by personal growth and inspiring those around us every day. Witnessing the birth of new academic pediatric surgeons we are privileged to train is very special. Scientific Discovery and research (clinical and / or basic sciences) are worthy vocational pursuits for surgeons. Good luck on your journey! ….

Peter George Higgins

Peter George Higgins was born in Kettering on 11 July 1926 to a non-medical family. His grandfather was a vicar, and his father was a sales manager in the shoe...

Judith Anne Gillian Wright

Judith Anne Gillian Wright (“Judy”) spent most of her career in community paediatrics in central London, working variously for Kensington and Chelsea, Bloomsbury and Camden, and Parkside health authorities, as...

Value of study groups: Why we should stick together.

Fellowship examinations are a potentially stressful part of clinical training. While they may feel at the time to be a test of academic fortitude and endurance, they also establish the foundation knowledge essential for a career in paediatrics. We reflect on the important role of the study group in this process, and the far-reaching benefits of peer support and sticking together, for the exam and beyond.

University of Utah School of Medicine.

University of Utah School of Medicine.

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine.

Reflections From a Pediatrician Who Went Back to Summer Camp.

They called me “Dr Beck” the last time I was at summer camp. I was not a doctor, nor did I have any medical training past the requisite premedical courses and a lifeguard certification. Still, medical school was in my future, and for my campers and fellow counselors, that seemed to be enough. Lest you worry, I did not use my faux title aside from providing the random Band-Aid or applying a “needed” ice pack, at least not back then. Fast forward 17 summers, and I had the opportunity to return to camp this past summer as an actual doctor to care for 239 campers and 151 staff members. My experience reinforced the positive effect camp can have on campers and staff; it also showed how that effect can and does extend to the camp doctor. Summer camp can be transformative for children and young adults, with proven, lasting effects on “psychosocial development, … peer relationships, independence, leadership, values, and willingness to try new things.”1 During my last summer at camp (the summer before I started medical school), I was responsible for managing ∼10 of my peers and maintaining the safety and happiness of >40 boys aged 11 to 14 years. I was 22 years old at the time, yet that summer job was among the most challenging and rewarding experiences I have ever had. It was also foundational for my career in pediatrics, as I now find myself responsible for managing multidisciplinary teams and maintaining the well-being of my … Address correspondence to Andrew F. Beck, MD, MPH, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, MLC 7035, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229. E-mail: Andrew.Beck1{at}cchmc.org

A Roadmap for the Student Pursuing a Career in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.

IntroductionThree pathways are available to students considering a pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) career: pediatric residency followed by PEM fellowship (Peds-PEM); emergency medicine residency followed by PEM fellowship (EM-PEM); and combined EM and pediatrics residency (EM&Peds). Questions regarding differences between the training pathways are common among medical students. We present a comparative analysis of training pathways highlighting major curricular differences to aid in students’ understanding of these training options.MethodsAll currently credentialed training programs for each pathway with curricula published on their websites were included. We analyzed dedicated educational units (EU) core to all three pathways: emergency department (ED), pediatric-only ED, critical care, and research. Minimum requirements for primary residencies were assumed for fellowship trainees.ResultsOf the 75 Peds-PEM, 34 EM-PEM, and 4 EM&Peds programs screened, 85% of Peds-PEM and EM-PEM and all EM&Peds program curricula were available for analysis. Average Peds-PEM EUs were 20.4 EM, 20.1 pediatric-only EM, 5.8 critical care, and 9.0 research. Average EM-PEM EUs were 33.2 EM, 18.3 pediatric-only EM, 6.5 critical care, and 3.3 research. Average EM&Peds EUs were 26.1 EM, 8.0 pediatric-only EM, 10.0 critical care, and 0.3 research.ConclusionAll three pathways exceed pediatric-focused training required for EM or pediatric residency. Peds-PEM has the most research EUs, EM-PEM the most EM EUs, and EM&Peds the most critical care EUs. All prepare graduates for a pediatric emergency medicine career. Understanding the difference in emphasis between pathways can inform students to select the best pathway for their own careers.

Developing a career in academic paediatrics

Abstract Many trainees think about research towards the end of clinical training, but at that stage, it may be too late to get the most from the limited opportunities that remain. Ideally, trainees should consider research early in their career. For some, a career in academic paediatrics may be attractive, in which case following the clinical academic pathway as outlined by the National Institutes of Health Research may be appropriate. For others, research may be part of a wider clinical training. This article discusses a variety of research opportunities available to trainees, and offers advice on a career in academic paediatrics.

The Meanings of "Pediatric Drug Development".

Pediatric drug development (PDD) became an industry goal when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted patent extensions. This was later expanded to obligations for pediatric studies and to the European Medicines Agency's (EMA's) strict pediatric investigation plans (PIPs). Industry now sponsors many often international studies in young patients that are difficult or impossible to recruit. PDD's intellectual foundations characterize children as "therapeutic orphans," allegedly discriminated in drug treatment and development. While toxicities occured in newborns, demanding separate efficacy and safety (E&S) studies in all age groups is wasteful and reflects hidden conflicts of interest. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) successfully procured pediatric research funds; the FDA dislikes pediatric off-label use and envisions labels as instructions for physicians. Pediatricians have continuously improved child health care by careful use of available drugs. Instead of physiologically defining children vis-à-vis drug treatment, the FDA defines children as ≤16 years old, offering convincing pretense for the need for mostly senseless "pediatric" studies in young adults, adolescents, and children. Although these studies may help advance pediatric academic careers, they do not improve pediatric health care. The EMA defines children as <18 years old and demands even more senseless and potentially harmful "pediatric" studies. Young patients need pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and dose finding, but not separate E&S, studies. Institutional review boards and ethics committees should suspend or reject questionable FDA/EMA-demanded "pediatric" studies. Industry and science need repositioning towards "PDD"; US/EU pediatric laws need revision. We hope this will not take decades.

Pediatric Career Choice: Insights From a Novel, Medical School Pathway Program

ObjectiveResearch on how medical students choose a career in pediatrics is either dated or conflated with primary care career choice. Capitalizing on student participation in an innovative, time-variable, competency based pathway program, Education in Pediatrics Across the Continuum (EPAC), the authors explored the process of career decision-making in students at 5 medical schools (including 4 EPAC sites) who begin medical school with an interest in pediatrics. MethodsIndividual, semistructured interviews were conducted with students in 5 groups: Group 1: accepted into EPAC, n = 8; Group 2: accepted into EPAC, opted-out, n = 4; Group 3 applied to EPAC, not accepted, pursued pediatrics, n = 4; Group 4: applied to EPAC, not accepted, did not pursue pediatrics, n = 3; Group 5: pursued pediatrics at a non-EPAC site, n = 6. Data collection and analysis occurred iteratively, with inductive coding of data revealing patterns in data explored in subsequent interviews and refined in the final analysis. ResultsAll students described intrinsic guiding principles, that is, “doing what you love,” that attracted them to pediatrics. They described extrinsic, phase-specific experiences before medical school, before clerkship, and in clerkship that shaped their perceptions of a career in pediatrics and shed light on collective values of different specialties. Student's assessment of how their guiding principles aligned with the collective values of pediatrics, which students encountered in the clerkship phase, was a key to making career decisions. ConclusionsIntrinsic and extrinsic factors do not act alone but interact in clerkships, and influence career choice of students who enter medical school with an interest in pediatrics.

Changes in factors influencing fellowship choices among radiology residents from 2008 to 2018 and methods that may increase interest in the pediatric radiology subspecialty.

Fewer residents are choosing a career in pediatric radiology, which is contributing to an ongoing shortage of pediatric radiologists. To identify potential causes of reduced interest in pediatric radiology as a career given a projected worsening of a nationwide shortage of pediatric radiologists. An online questionnaire using previously published questions was approved and distributed by the Program Directors in Diagnostic Radiology to diagnostic radiology residents on behalf of the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR). Descriptive statistics including means with standard error and independent t-tests were used to compare mean scores between survey years. Nearly all of the 353 respondents (90.9%) planned on pursuing a fellowship. The majority (57.7%) identified their fellowship subspecialty before the 3rd year of residency with only 5.7% selecting pediatric radiology. Overall, 18.2% of survey respondents favored academic practice compared to 40% in the pediatric radiology subgroup. Fellowship choices were most strongly based on area of strong personal interest, marketability and area of strong personal knowledge, while the pediatric radiology subgroup emphasized area of strong personal interest, increased interaction with other physicians and enjoyable residency rotations. The pediatric radiology subgroup believed their impact on patient care was more significant than other subspecialties. Pediatric radiology job opportunities were thought to be more limited, geographically confining, and to have lower salaries than other subspecialties. More flexible job opportunities and higher demand were identified as factors needing to change before a resident would consider a pediatric radiology career. The influence on fellowship selection is multifactorial. By emphasizing the favorable job market and marketability of pediatric radiology in all practice types/geographic locations, correcting perceived salary gaps and stressing the impact on patient care as early as medical school, the number of residents choosing a career in pediatric radiology may grow.

A study to access the hemoglobin level and sociodemographic profile of underfive children having Pica

Introduction: Pica is a disorder that occurs when children persistently eat one or more non-food substances over the course of at least one month. Pica may result in serious medical problems, such as intestinal blockage, poisoning, parasitic infection, and sometimes death. The typical non-food substances that children with pica ingest tend to vary with age. Method: This prospective study was undertaken at a pediatric outdoor department Career Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow since Jan 2019 to Mar 2019. All the under five years children visiting pediatric clinic with direct or indirect history of pica were enrolled for the study. The mothers were interviewed in depth regarding their sociodemographic profile and Hemoglobin level of all the children done. Results: In our study most of the children belongs to the age group 12-24 months 66(36.67%). Most of the parents were educated upto secondary education only and belong to joint families.Children belongs to rural area 111(61.6%) were more in number and Only 87(48.33%) of the children were exclusive breast fed. In our study only 20.56% children have normal hemoglobin level while 79.44% children have hemoglobin level below 12.0gm/dl and classified as anemic children, out of which 35.56% children have mild anemia, 25.00% children have moderate anemia and 18.89% children had severe anemia. Conclusion: Pica is mostly related with micronutrient deficiencies. Because of lower breastfeeding rate and delayed starting of complementary feeding the children are prone for micronutrient deficiencies leading to pica behavior in children. Knowledge of pica is the key for prevention.

Academic Careers in Pediatric Pharmacy: Part 2—Academic Advancement

An increasing number of pediatric clinical pharmacists are pursuing careers in academia. Once in an academic position, questions, challenges and benefits related to the processes of academic evaluation and advancement unique to pediatric academia often arise. This is the second article in a 2-part series that attempts to demystify pediatric faculty positions and address gaps in the literature regarding careers in pediatric-focused academic positions. The purpose of this article is to review key aspects pertaining to academic evaluation and the preparation for and process of academic advancement/promotion. A question and answer format is used to discuss common questions related to these processes and tips for success are provided. This article is primarily intended to be used as a helpful guide for junior faculty members as well as mid-level individuals seeking advancement; however, it will also benefit students, trainees, and practicing pharmacists seeking increased knowledge of pediatric academic career paths.

A career in paediatrics.

If you have a good sense of humour, attention to detail, and can build rapport with patients and their families, then paediatrics might be for you

Developing a Career in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.

This article presents an overview of the Career Development session at the 17th Annual St. Jude/PIDS Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Conference. This annual conference discusses key academic skills, such as grant writing and negotiating for protected time for research and academic endeavors, as well as highlighting the many career options available in infectious disease. This year's session included discussions about basic science, public health, health outcomes research, and private practice pediatric infectious disease careers. The combination of practical career advice, mentoring, and inspiration offered in the career-development track talks at the St. Jude/PIDS Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Conference this and every year helps trainees to faculty navigate the path to building a satisfying career in pediatric infectious disease.

Pediatricians and Global Health: Opportunities and Considerations for Meaningful Engagement.

Pediatric practitioners whose expertise is primarily focused on the care of children within health settings in the United States are increasingly engaged in global child health (GCH). The wide spectrum of this involvement may include incorporating short-term or longer-term GCH commitments in clinical care, teaching and training, mentoring, collaborative research, health policy, and advocacy into a pediatric career. We provide an overview of routes of engagement, identify resources, and describe important considerations for and challenges to better equipping US pediatric practitioners to participate in meaningful GCH experiences. This article is part of a series on GCH describing critical issues relevant to caring for children from an international perspective.

Future career intentions of higher specialist trainees in general Paediatrics

A survey of paediatric higher specialist trainees was carried out in 2002 assessing career intentions and perception of training. Fourteen years later, with increased numbers of trainees and a national model of care and a tertiary paediatric hospital on the horizon, we re-evaluated the career intentions of the current trainee workforce. To assess the career intentions of the current paediatric higher specialist trainees. A 28-item questionnaire was developed based on a previously validated instrument and distributed online using the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland trainee database. We distributed the questionnaire to 118 eligible trainees and received responses from 92 (78%). Seventy-nine (86%) respondents desire a consultant post in Ireland. Seventy-five (82%) indicated that their preferred consultant post location was in a tertiary paediatric centre. Sixty-two trainees (67%) intend to become subspecialists with 25 (27%) planning a career in general paediatrics. This contrasts with the 2002 survey when 76% wished to work in urban centres and 61% of trainees planned a career in general paediatrics. There appears to be a mismatch between the career goals of the future paediatric consultant workforce and the requirements for staffing paediatric units nationally. This has the potential to complicate the proposed expansion of general paediatricians in regional centres and result in a significant proportion of current trainees failing to secure a post in their desired location.

Madan Mohan Gupta

Madan Mohan Gupta was born in Arrah, Bihar. He was one of six children. His father was a high school headmaster and his mother a homemaker. His early education took...

Pediatric Psychologists' Career Satisfaction: 2015 Society of Pediatric Psychology Workforce Survey Results.

This study suggests that overall, pediatric psychologists are highly satisfied with their employment. However, there may be some important aspects of their work that could be more satisfying. The findings have implications for identifying professional development strategies that can maintain or enhance satisfaction.