Satisfaction, Salaries, and Sustainability: Results of a National Survey of Pediatric Program Directors

Abstract Objectives Describe the career and work environment of pediatric program directors (PDs) and associated factors, including salary disparities and long-term career plans. Methods A national, anonymous, electronic survey was sent to all categorical residency PD members of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors (APPD). Surveys assessed PD demographics, characteristics of the residency program and the PDs' positions (including salary), and measures of satisfaction. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze results. Results 149 PDs (74%) responded. Significantly more men earned $250,000 or more annually (26.9% versus 6.1% of women), and gender remained a significant independent predictor of salary after controlling for age, academic rank and subspecialty. Satisfaction was high for most measures, although 20% or more reported low satisfaction with pay (38.9%), administrative workload (32.1%), managing accreditation and ACGME expectations (31.9%), resources (27.9%), work/life balance (24.1%), and being valued by administration (20.0%). Only 34.3% saw the PD position as an end goal, and 29.5% stated they would be in their current position in 5 years. Satisfaction with the PD career, with faculty relationships, with resident performance, and with administrative workload were associated with plans to remain. Conclusions Most Pediatric Program Directors did not view the position of PD as their long-term career goal, and many identified administrative duties and work/life balance contributing to significant dissatisfaction. Without changes to address these issues, PD turnover may be high, with potential negative implications for the success of training programs.