Practice of Pediatric Otolaryngology: Results of the Future of Pediatric Education II Project

Objectives To define the practice of pediatric otolaryngology compared with general otolaryngology and to estimate pediatric otolaryngology workforce utilization and needs. Methods Survey of members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Otolaryngology and Bronchoesophagology and the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology and of a random sample of the membership of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Results Pediatric otolaryngologists were more likely to practice in urban and/or academic settings than were general otolaryngologists. Children (age Conclusions Most children receiving otolaryngologic care in the United States receive such care from general otolaryngologists. The patient profile and practice setting of the subspecialty of pediatric otolaryngology differ from those of general otolaryngology. The demand for pediatric otolaryngologists appears to be increasing, but many general otolaryngologists do not believe there is an increased need.