New research using data from AAP Periodic Surveys of Fellows from 2006-’13 shows that 34% of female pediatricians and 9% of male pediatricians reported that they work part time (Cull WL, et al. J Pediatr. 2016;171:294-299, http://bit.ly/1RMHkyp).
Those working part time reported working an average of 24.6 hours per week in direct patient care, while those working full time reported working 38.7 direct patient care hours per week.
The patterns of part-time work across ages were different for male and female pediatricians (see table). For women, the highest percentage of part-time work was among those 40-49 years old, while for men, the highest percentage was for those 60 and older. Within the oldest group, one in five men reported working part time.
Previous research had shown a steady increase in pediatricians working part time. The current study, however, found that since 2006 the overall percentage of those working part time has leveled off at just under one-quarter of all pediatricians (23%). The consistency of part-time work across years was evident for all subgroups of pediatricians examined, including primary care pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, and pediatricians practicing in urban, suburban and rural areas.
The study also analyzed results from AAP Annual Surveys of Graduating Residents from 2006-’13, which showed resident interest in seeking part-time work after graduation also remained steady. A total of 28% of graduating residents reported seeking part-time work during their job search, and roughly half of those residents (13%) accepted a part-time position.
Survey response rates were 57% for all Periodic Surveys combined and 60% for all Annual Surveys of Graduating Residents combined.
Percentage of pediatricians working part time 2006-’13 (n=10,268)
|
Age group |
Female pediatricians |
Male pediatricians |
|
Under 40 years old |
34% |
4% |
|
40-49 years old |
40% |
5% |
|
50-59 years old |
32% |
5% |
|
60 years and older |
32% |
20% |
Source: Cull WL, et al. J Pediatr. 2016;171:294-299.
Resource
For more information about the study, contact William Cull, Ph.D., in the AAP Division of Health Services Research, at 800-433-9016, ext. 7628, or [email protected].
