From the Department Chair

AMSPDC PEDIATRICS WORKFORCE INITIATIVE: WORKGROUP MEMBERS NEEDED

On behalf of Robert J. Vinci, MD and Laura Degnon, CAE; Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs (AMSPDC) Workforce Initiative Co-Leads

The 2024 Match results for pediatrics have reinforced our concerns about attracting medical students to our discipline, which remains a stimulating and dynamic field, with clinical innovations, advances in education, and new research discoveries that have never held greater promise for our children and the adults they will someday become.

At the completion of the initial 2024 Match algorithm, there were 67 categorical pediatric training programs that did not fill, with a total of 251 unfilled positions, representing 8.2% of available categorial pediatric positions. This outcome represents a dramatic change compared to 2022 when there were 81 open positions (2.8%) and 2023 when there were 86 open positions (2.9%). This year also saw a significant decline in the number of US MD seniors who matched into pediatrics, with a total of 1464 US MD seniors in 2024 compared to 1635 US MD seniors in 2023. International medical graduates increased (627 in 2023 vs. 730 in 2024), but not enough relative to the decrease in US MD seniors.

The 251 open positions were entered into the Supplemental Offer Acceptance Program (SOAP), and the formal results of the SOAP process will be available in May. Historically, over 95% of positions placed in SOAP are filled, but the success rate may be lower this year. This year's Match results underscore the importance of our collaborative efforts to attract medical students to pediatrics and strengthen the pediatric workforce. 

Stimulated by the growing shortage of pediatric subspecialists, in February 2020, we held a workforce summit with dozens of stakeholder organizations, which ultimately resulted in the creation of the AMSPDC Pediatrics Workforce Initiative. In the context of the 2024 Match, the Workforce Initiative takes on even greater urgency; therefore, we will be creating new workgroups to be disruptive and innovative:

• Economic Strategy
• Redesign Medical Education
• Supporting the Physician Scientist
• Enhancing Practice Collaboration

All workgroups will work with the AMSPDC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee as well as a Public Awareness Action Team.

We are eager to get pediatric faculty and trainees involved in this important work. We are committed to responding to the current recruitment and workforce challenges that are paramount in pediatrics, and to supporting each other as we work through solutions. We will collaborate with even greater focus, intent, and urgency in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Giardino would like to encourage our faculty members, fellows, and residents to participate where possible. If you are interested in being part of one or more AMSPDC workgroups, please use the link below to volunteer.

> Volunteer to be part of a Pediatrics Workforce Initiative workgroup

> AMSPDC website

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

□ Research Professionals Grand Rounds

Virtually via Zoom, 12–1 p.m.

The Protocol Says WHAT?

Presented by Jamie Dwyer, MD; Associate Dean for Clinical Research; Director, Utah Data Coordinating Center; Medical Director, Clinical Research Support Office, Clinical and Translational Science Institute

> Zoom link

□ Occupational Trauma and Grief Peer Support Group

Virtually via Microsoft Teams, 4–5 p.m.

Each meeting we will take a moment to honor patients who have died in the preceding 2 weeks, and then will be an open forum to discuss a predetermined topic (or whatever people are struggling with at the time). Medical providers of all levels are invited and encouraged to attend. Please remember you do not have to speak to participate; you can come and listen and learn from others.

> Teams link

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

□ Diagnosis and Management of Vascular Anomalies

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Virtually via Zoom, 12–1 p.m.

Physicians from the Vascular Anomalies Clinic are holding a virtual session on the diagnosis and management of vascular anomalies for primary care providers, dermatologists, and any clinicians working with the pediatric population. 

> Register here for Zoom link

□ Pediatrics ECHO

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Virtually via Zoom, 12–1 p.m.

Medical Home

Presented by Eric Christensen, UDHHS

> Pediatrics ECHO Website

> Register here for Zoom link

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

□ Pediatric Grand Rounds

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

PCH 3rd Floor Auditorium, 8–9 a.m.

Broadcast at the Miller Campus in Lehi, 1st Floor, Rooms 1&2

Shared Struggles: Stories from Parents and Pediatricians Caring for Children with Serious Illness - The Grand Rounds Edition

Presented by:

-Barry Markovitz, MD, MPH; Associate Division Chief for Research, Division of Pediatric Critical Care

-Ann Schrooten, JD; Attorney, Founder of The Willow Tree Foundation

> Stream live broadcast

> April Grand Rounds calendar

> primarychildrens.org/grandrounds

□ Schwartz Rounds

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

PCH 3rd Floor Auditorium or Virtually via Zoom, 12–1 p.m.

ECMO Runs: When ECMO Goes from a Sprint to a Marathon

A conversation about how this cutting technology pushes the limit of medical and surgical advancement and how it might challenge our teams in various ways.

Panelists:

-Robyn Cassel, OTR/L

-Anna Maslach-Hubbard, MD

-Elana Vandermolen, RN

Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

> Informational flyer

> Zoom link

FUTURE EVENTS

□ Common Problems in Pediatrics Conference

Tuesday-Wednesday, June 4-5, Virtual Event

10 topics will be presented during this 2 half-day virtual event. Be sure to save the date!

 > Save the Date flyer

□ Sip and SIP (Scholarship in Progress)

Thursday, April 25, Eccles Alumni House, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Calling all educators and scholars within the Department of Pediatrics! 

Join us for an evening to connect and network with fellow educators.

Highlights:

• Med Ed Opportunity Fair: Get connected with education and scholarship opportunities at our interactive fair featuring programs and initiatives from the Department of Pediatrics and the University of Utah
• Keynote address by Dr. Wendy Hobson-Rohrer
• Educational Grant Awardee Presentations

Please RSVP by using the QR code on the flyer or click here to access the form, first signing in with your UofU email address.

Please, e-mail Cheryl Yang and Kathleen Timme with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!

> Informational flyer

> RSVP here

Clinical Enterprise Updates

MEDICAID DATA BREACH - REMINDER

A breach of provider personal information occurred at Colorado Medicaid, Health First Colorado, Child Health Plan Plus and other affiliated health care programs. All relevant personnel are aware of the breach and the necessary steps to take in response. Below is a reference letter detailing the breach and providing further guidance.

> Colorado Medicaid breach letter

Announcements

PASSING OF DALE JOHNSON, MD

RECYCLING AT ECCLES OUTPATIENT BUILDING (4TH FLOOR)

Recycling bins at individual desks/offices in the Eccles Outpatient Building are not emptied by the EVS team and need to be emptied by the individual into the large central recycling bins located in the mail/copy room on the 4th floor.

Individual trash bins will continue to be emptied by the EVS team. Please do not place any items in trash bins at your desk that you do not want to be thrown out.

Battery recycling bins are also available in the 4th floor mail/copy room.

Questions can be directed to Ruby Roller.

PEDIATRICS INTRANET LAUNCH - REMINDER

The Department is excited to announce the redesigned Pediatrics Intranet will be going live on Monday, April 15. More details to come on launch day!

DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP - REMINDER

Pediatrics investigators at any level who are currently writing a grant are welcome to attend the Grant Writing Workshop. The workshop will be held from April 19-21, 2024 at the Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah. During the workshop you will work on your application with review by senior investigators.

Attendance is limited; please contact Michelle Wilcox for registration information.

ACADEMIC ASSOCIATES "BLUE COAT" PROGRAM - REMINDER

Dear PIs and Study Coordinators,

The Pediatric Research Education Office is accepting new research studies for its Academic Associates "blue coat" program. The Academic Associates Program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of clinical research and to conduct "real time" clinical research through consenting patients and their families into studies in the PCH Emergency Room (and other clinics at PCH and the U of U hospital).  

Our mission is to provide this opportunity to students while supporting the research of the clinician scientists in our department. We are able to provide research support to PIs and study coordinators in the clinical setting as well as give opportunities for them to participate in didactic and mentoring sessions for the students.  

If you or someone you know might be interested in utilizing the Academic Associates program for their research, please contact the Program Coordinator, Hadlee Young, for more information

> Program website

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND INNOVATION EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES - REMINDER

Are you a faculty member, resident, or fellow interested in medical education scholarship? Whether you are developing an innovative curriculum or seeking educational research collaborations, the Educational Scholarship and Innovation leadership team is here to support you.  

Below are upcoming events, how to connect with our leadership team, and funding opportunities to advance your educational and scholarly pursuits.

Upcoming Event

Sip & SIP (Scholarship in Progress), Dept of Peds Educators Networking Event

Calling all educators and scholars within the Department of Pediatrics! Join us for an evening to connect and network with fellow educators at the Eccles Alumni House on Thursday, April 25th, 5:30-8:00 PM.

> RSVP here!

> Informational flyer

One-on-One Support

• If you are in an educational project's planning, development, implementation, or dissemination phase and want advice or support, we are happy to meet with you. 
• E-mail Cheryl Yang, MD and Kathleen Timme, MD, MEd to set up a consultation.  

Department of Pediatrics Educational Grant

•  Next cycle: Late Spring 2024
• Application details are coming soon.

We hope to see you at our upcoming events or to connect one-on-one! Please reach out to Drs. Cheryl Yang and Kathleen Timme with any questions or suggestions.

Kristen Ameel, MD - Pulmonology

"Dr. Ameel took a lot of time to listen to our concerns and talk about all the possibilities. I did not feel like she was rushed and patiently waiting. She answered all my questions."

Russ Butterfield, MD - Neurology

"Dr. Butterfield is always so prepared and thoughtful and kind. He's amazing."

John Colquitt, MD - Cardiology

"Dr. Colquitt took the time to explain and address my concerns. And he took the time to engage with my young child."

Steve Guthery, MD - Gastroenterology

"Dr. Guthery is very attentive and tries hard to make everything work out as smoothly as possible."

Mark Hamaker, MD - Endocrinology

"Dr. Hamacker [sic] is great! He is patient and kind, and he is wonderful with my son. He is knowledgeable and helpful."

Hannah Saltzman, MD - Rheumatology (Fellow)

"Dr. Hannah Saltzman is so amazing. She is smart and kind. She made me feel hopeful for the future. She made us feel heard and really cared about my son. That doesn't usually happen."