The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) announced the results from 2023 Specialty Match Day. As part of the National Resident Matching Program, 78% of the eligible applicants in adult rheumatology filled 98.9% of the available slots; whereas 100% of applicants in pediatric rheumatology were matched to 2024 fellowship programs, but only filled 61.5% of the available slots. The ACR highlighted that the results demonstrated continued interest in adult rheumatology and a potential need to expand fellowship training opportunities, especially in geographically underserved regions. In pediatric rheumatology, there was an increase in the total number of positions filled (n = 32/52) compared with the previous year (n = 27/43)—alongside increased funding of loan reimbursement programs and training positions. However, the ACR identified a significant ongoing need to bolster the appeal of pediatric rheumatology as a specialty. “Pediatric rheumatology continues to lack sufficient applicants to address the current and anticipated workforce need, despite some recent gains. Thought leaders in pediatric rheumatology … continue to work toward innovative solutions to better disseminate exposure to the specialty and its appeal to potential applicants,” concluded Beth Marston, MD, Chair of the ACR Committee on Training and Workforce Issues.
December 21, 2023