Projected societal needs in pediatric otolaryngology.

Abstract

With the recent increase in pediatric otolaryngology fellowship training programs, fellows are being trained in record numbers and there is concern about the possibility that the supply of these physicians will soon exceed societal needs. This study was conducted to determine the number of fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologists that would meet the needs of society and when this need will be met. Information was collected from national organizations and from a survey of fellowship training programs. A hospital-based practitioner model was used to predict societal needs based on the anticipated changes in patient care, mainly managed-care capitated systems. The projected societal need is 382 pediatric otolaryngologists. If current fellowship training levels continue, this need will be met in just over 7 years.