The Canadian Pediatric Surgery Workforce: A 10-year Prospective Assessment

Background: The Canadian Association of Paediatric Surgeons launched a 10-year prospective assessment of the Canadian pediatric surgery workforce and training environment, beginning in 2013. The results of the first 5 years (2013-2017) were previously published. Here, we present the results of the last 5 years (2018-2022), and the cumulative results of the past decade.

Methods: With IRB approval, a web-based survey was sent to all pediatric surgery division chiefs in Canada each year (2013-2022). The survey gathered workforce data on pediatric surgery practices, as well as data regarding fellowship graduates from Canadian training programs.

Results: Complete responses were received from all 18 divisions (100% response rate). Over the decade studied, the number of pediatric surgeons and full-time equivalent positions increased from 73 to 81, and 65 to 82, respectively. Thirty positions were vacated (15 retirement, 6 new Canadian practice, 8 leaving Canada, 1 other), and 38 were filled (20 new Canadian fellowship graduates, 8 Canadian surgeons moving from other sites in Canada, 10 surgeons coming from outside Canada). Seventy-five fellows completed training eligible for North American certification, including 34 Canadians, 31 Americans, and 10 non-North American foreign nationals (9 of whom left North America after training). The proportion of Canadian graduates who desired, but could not find, a Canadian position improved from 44% in the first 5 years to 20% in the second 5 years.

Conclusions: The Canadian pediatric surgery workforce has experienced a modest increase over a decade. A mismatch still exists between Canadian pediatric surgery graduates and attending staff positions, but the situation has improved during the last 5 years.

Type of study: Survey.