The causes of staffing shortages in pediatrics are multifaceted. One significant factor is the overall healthcare workforce shortage, which is exacerbated by an aging population and increased demand for healthcare services. Additionally, the demanding nature of pediatric care, which often requires extended hours and emotional resilience, can lead to burnout and high turnover rates among healthcare professionals. Another contributing factor is the limited number of training programs and residency slots available for pediatricians and pediatric specialists. This bottleneck in the educational pipeline restricts the influx of new professionals into the field. Furthermore, geographic disparities can lead to uneven distribution of pediatric healthcare providers, with rural and underserved areas being particularly affected.
