Pediatric Radiology Access, Workforce -- Uneven Distribution Across U.S.

Background: Quantifying the pediatric radiology workforce is challenging since these radiologists may be part-time general radiologists, employed in private practices, or specialists working at dedicated children's hospitals. Additionally, identifying the sites providing pediatric radiology is important, since determining the adequacy of coverage throughout the United States in different geographic sites should also be addressed. Objective: To describe the current status of the pediatric radiology workforce and current access to pediatric radiology services across the United States. Methods: The authors reviewed the demographics of the pediatric population in the United States, the geographic location of children's hospitals, and the data available on current practicing pediatric radiologists. Results: 72,325,602 children aged 6000 U.S. hospitals, 219 are considered dedicated to pediatric care. Of these pediatric hospitals, 33.8% are in the South compared to 18.7% in the West. Howeve more...