PEDIATRIC UROLOGICAL MANPOWER REPORT

The American Association of Pediatric Urology initiated a Pediatric Ur ological Manpower Study in 1991. A 24-question survey was distributed to the members of the Society of Pediatric Urology and the American Ac ademy of Pediatrics Section on Urology. The objective of the questionn aire was to obtain information related to fellowship training, regiona l distribution of pediatric urologists, and practice patterns and atti tudes. As of December 31, 1991, 345 questionnaires were distributed, a nd 244 (71%) were completed and entered into a computer program. The n umber of pediatric urologists was evenly distributed among 3 consecuti ve 10-year age groups ranging between age 31 and 60 years. The majorit y (78%) of urologists practicing 100% pediatric urology were between 3 1 and 50 years old. Approximately 60% of the responders practiced full -time (100%) pediatric urology and 59% of this group were university b ased. Pediatric urologists were practicing in 42 states and the Distri ct of Columbia. Based upon the United States Department of Commerce 19 90 census, the number of pediatric urologists practicing in each state in relation to the total pediatric (less than 18 years old) populatio ns was determined. The number of pediatric urology fellowships has ste adily increased since the mid 1950s. Currently, more than 10 fellows a re trained annually. Of the 172 responders practicing at least 75% ped iatric urology 24% indicated that practice was ''too busy'' and 53% in dicated that practice was ''just right.'' Approximately 44% of the res ponders were considering adding a partner: 21 indicated that they plan ned to add a partner in 1 year, 65 in 5 years and 10 in 10 years. Hope fully, the Pediatric Urological Manpower Study will serve as a useful instrument for assessing the pediatric practice patterns and training needs in the United States, thereby enhancing the quality of urologica l care for children.