The Current State of Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology Staffing in the United States

This survey provides important data about the current state of pediatric cardiac anesthesiology and the need to address staffing and academic support. With nearly one-third of those practicing in the field considering leaving the pediatric cardiac subspecialty and with the decreasing number of fellows per year, there is a significant cause for concern for staffing, especially when the demand for practitioners in this field is increasing. In addition, even though the majority of faculty reported being involved in academic activities, many do not receive academic time for these activities and less than half receive formal mentorship or have been sponsored for leadership positions, publications, research opportunities, or speaking engagements. Further work to recruit, retain, and develop pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists is warranted.