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Training the Next Generation of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacologists: Insights and Trainee Perspectives Over 10 Years

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The limited number of researchers with expertise necessary toaddress treatment gaps for children presents an ongoing challenge. The NationalInstitutes of Health established a national Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology T32Training Program in 2012 to train a multidisciplinary, collaborative pediatricclinical pharmacology workforce. We surveyed all current T32 trainees andgraduates since inception to identify strengths and opportunities to enhanceworkforce development. A total of 85 out of 155 (55%) responded, with themajority of respondents being female gender (61%), white race (75%), andworking in academia (75%). Nearly all (97%) reported using clinicalpharmacology in their current position, with 88% planning to remain in clinicalpharmacology in the long term, reinforcing current training efforts. Lifestylefactors and student debt appeared to influence career decisions. Mentors werecritical for introduction and future success in the field. Time and fundinglimitations were perceived as barriers to successful training. There was also apressing need to improve diversity. For workforce development, we suggestsupporting: (1) trainees' lifestyle, by offsetting financial pressures ofresearch training and expanding the geographic footprint of pediatric clinicalpharmacology training; (2) mentorship, by identifying mentors in the field andproviding dedicated support for mentorship; (3) efficiency, by evaluatingcurrent training activities and focusing on activities that maximizeopportunities for future funding; and (4) diversity, by examining barriers todiversity in the workforce in general and expanding early enrichmentopportunities.

Source: The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

DOI: 10.1002/jcph.6155

Authors: Rachel L. Randell, Rose Gelineau‐Morel, Sydney Thomas, Daniel Gonzalez, J. Steven Leeder, Christoph P. Hornik

Institutions: Duke University, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri–Kansas City

Language: English

Topic: Health and Medical Research Impacts

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development