Match Day fills 61.5% of pediatric rheumatology fellowship slots, continuing decline
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Key takeaways:
- Matches in pediatric programs have been declining since 2021.
- ACR is working to promote combined pediatrics and rheumatology amid a workforce shortage projected to worsen.
Pediatric rheumatology fellowship programs filled just 61.5% of available slots for 2024 in the National Resident Matching Program, while nearly all adult program slots were filled, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
A total of 32 applicants filled 52 pediatric rheumatology positions, Bethany A. Marston, MD, chair of the ACR’s committee on training and workforce issues, said in a press release. Matches to pediatric rheumatology programs have been declining as the field faces a workforce shortage that is projected to worsen. Approximately 69% of available slots were filled for the 2022 appointment year, while 62.8% — just 27 applicants for 43 available positions — were filled in 2023.
“Pediatric rheumatology continues to lack sufficient applicants to address the current and anticipated workforce need, despite some recent gains including funding of loan reimbursement programs and an increase in training positions,” Marston said. “Thought leaders in pediatric rheumatology, along with the ACR’s Workforce Solutions Committee, continue to work toward innovative solutions to better disseminate exposure to the specialty and its appeal to potential applicants.”
The ACR said that it is working to increase exposure to rheumatology earlier in training, as well as identifying barriers to training in combined internal medicine and pediatrics rheumatology.
Meanwhile, adult rheumatology fellowship programs saw 98.9% of their slots filled. Interest in adult rheumatology exceeded the supply of available positions, with 348 applicants and only 276 positions to go around, according to a report from the National Resident Matching Program.
“There is clearly a demand for additional training positions in adult rheumatology,” Marston said. “Efforts to increase funding for rheumatology training and support for new and threatened fellowship programs, particularly in geographically underserved areas, will be important for the future of rheumatology care in the U.S.”
Reference:
Match Results Statistics, Medicine and Pediatric Specialties – 2023. https://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-MPSM-Match-Results-Statistics-Report.pdf. Accessed Dec. 8, 2023.
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