Two-thirds of graduating pediatric residents made their decision to become a pediatrician while they were in medical school, and 36% decided before medical school, according to the AAP 2024 Annual Survey of Graduating Residents.
Fifty-seven percent of residents decided to pursue a career in pediatrics during the clinical phase and 7% during the preclinical phase of medical school. Residents with a subspecialty care career goal at residency graduation were more likely than those with a primary care goal to report they decided on pediatrics during the clinical phase of medical school (61% vs. 49%; see figure).
Nearly all residents were satisfied with their pediatric residency, with 92% reporting that they would do a pediatrics residency again.
The survey also gathered data on what factors are most important to pediatricians in selecting their first primary care position. Six in 10 graduating pediatric residents reported that geographic location (63%) and spouse and family considerations (61%) were essential in selecting their first position. Four in 10 reported control over work hours and acceptable income were essential.
Few (1%) residents with a primary care position reported they had considerable difficulty in their search for a job.
Since 1997, the Annual Survey of Graduating Residents has been sent to a national random sample of residents graduating from U.S. pediatric programs to measure their training experiences, career choice and job search experiences. The 2024 survey was sent to 1,200 graduating residents with a 44% response rate.
Resources
- The AAP Section on Early Career Physicians offers resources and support for pediatric physicians who are within 10 years of their residency or fellowship graduation. For more information about the section and to join, visit www.aap.org/soecp or contact Elisha Ferguson at [email protected].
- For more information on the Annual Survey of Graduating Residents, visit aap.org/grs or contact Liz Gottschlich at [email protected].
