ANALYSIS OF THE WORKFORCE CRISIS IN CHILD NEUROLOGY IN THE UNITED STATES

Objectives: Child Neurology in the United States is experiencing a workforce crisis. The Child Neurology Society (CNS) commenced a workforce study to identify needs for the Specialty. Information was forwarded to the U.S. Congress through the Senate Appropriations Committee to undertake further studies and correct this problem.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 1051 members of the CNS. Practice, economics, training, career satisfaction, research, administrative activity, referral patterns, and wait times were analyzed. Data were forwarded to Congress requesting funds in the Appropriations Bill directing the Health Services Resources Administration (HRSA) to officially evaluate the issues via a grant to the CNS.

Results: Analysis of 604 respondents' questionnaires revealed there will be no growth of child neurologists per 100,000 children through 2002; retirements will exceed new entrants in child neurology in 2012. The average age of U.S. child neurologists is 51 years; most are male and board certified. Child neurologists spend 67% of their time in patient care, 10% in teaching, 4–6% in basic research. Wait times for new patients average 49 days; return patients 41 days. Career satisfaction exceeds that of adult neurologists; income is less than adult neurologists. The results were presented to the Appropriations Committee and led to earmarking of funds through HRSA to the CNS to address the manpower shortage.

Conclusion: This is unique model by which a medical specialty recognized a current workforce crisis and persuaded the U.S. Congress to appropriate earmarked funds to evaluate the issues and make specific recommendations.