83. SETTING COORDINATORS UP FOR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS: A NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF PEDIATRIC FELLOWSHIP COORDINATORS

Background Coordinators have integral roles in the operation and success of training programs. Due to competing responsibilities, lack of time and limited funding, they encounter challenges with career development. Method An online survey was distributed to all fellowship coordinators in a large pediatric department. The survey was a mix of multiple choice, open/close ended questions. The data was analyzed to improve career development among the coordinators, identifying their strengths as well as the gaps and hindrances that keep them from advancing. Results A response rate of 22/27 fellowship coordinators at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital (81%). 90% were female and 59% had postgraduate degrees. 50% had more than 5 years of experience. The majority (63%) oversee 1 fellowship. 82% reported they have additional non-fellowship administrative responsibilities. The most common responsibility being administrative/academic support to non-program leadership faculty as well as the program leadership. Only 50% are aware of the institution's professional development opportunities for coordinators. The majority reported they don't participate because they're unaware of opportunities (47%) or due to time limitations (27%). Although 55% said they have opportunity to attend national meetings, 64% don't attend due to lack of funding. The two most common stressors were, workload and lack of communications with institutions GME office (50%). 77% reported needing extra support during recruitment or the implementation of new systems like MedHub (68%). Many expressed that additional training would be beneficial. Conclusions Coordinators are limited in their ability to obtain opportunities and identified the need for extra support within their own program. This data may be shared with leadership to make them aware of the need to improve professional development and support for career growth and satisfaction. Next Steps Future directions include enhancing the network of coordinators and strengthening the support of coordinators and training programs.