Academic Neonatologist-a Species at the Brink of Extinction?

Overview

Journal J Perinatol

Specialty Gynecology & Obstetrics

Date 2023 Oct 23

PMID 37872382

Authors

Christine E Bishop

Kerri Z Machut

Christiane E L Dammann

Milenka Cuevas Guaman

Emily R Miller

Satyan Lakshminrusimha

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Neonatology is a field that is currently facing many challenges. These challenges include outdated work models in clinical environments with increasing acuity and patient workloads, physician burnout exacerbated by gender inequity and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and inappropriate metrics to measure clinical productivity. Academic neonatologists have additional missions that include research, teaching, and scholarly productivity in the setting of an increasing clinical workload and reduced time and support for teaching and research. Within the university-based practice setting, reimbursement, and salary structure result in relatively low compensation for neonatologist clinical productivity and time. These challenges threaten the sustainability of academic neonatology as a field. Working towards potential solutions such as creation of sustainable, transparent work models, and aligned funds flow within university-based settings is imperative.

Citing Articles

Is it time for a separate residency and department in "Neonatal Critical Care Medicine"?.

Lakshminrusimha S, Steinhorn R J Perinatol. 2025; .

PMID: 39905245 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-025-02219-y.

A survey on transparency in clinical work expectations and compensation factors: empowering women in neonatology.

Bruno C, Gray M, Leeman K, Machut K, Savich R, Crabtree C J Perinatol. 2024; .

PMID: 39020026 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-02054-7.

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