1
|
Swartz TH, Apewokin S, Carpenter SM, Chakraborty R, Dennis AM, Houpt E, Surana NK, Zerr DM, Pirofski LA. Reply to Barajas-Ochoa: The Imperative to Integrate International Medical Graduates into the Infectious Diseases Physician-Scientist Pathway: Expanding Opportunities and Overcoming Barriers. J Infect Dis 2024; 230:781-782. [PMID: 38775090 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Talia H Swartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Senu Apewokin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen M Carpenter
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ann M Dennis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eric Houpt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Neeraj K Surana
- Division of Infectious Disesases, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Danielle M Zerr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Liise-Anne Pirofski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barajas-Ochoa A. Comment on: A Call to Action: Urgently Strengthening the Future Physician-Scientist Workforce in Infectious Diseases. J Infect Dis 2024; 230:778-780. [PMID: 38775096 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Barajas-Ochoa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Toia J, Murtagh K, Heald L, Leake K, Jhaveri R. Advanced Practice Providers in Pediatric Infectious Diseases. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2024; 13:228-231. [PMID: 38284231 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are a rapidly growing segment of the pediatric infectious diseases workforce. APPs offer many advantages to divisions that are struggling to counter a smaller fellowship applicant pool and faculty workforce transitions as a result of the pandemic. Many divisions still have yet to incorporate APPs into their inpatient or outpatient teams. This review will discuss the diverse pool of APPs, summarize how APPs are currently being used in the field, discuss the financial considerations of hiring APPs, and highlight future needs for embracing APPs as critical members of the pediatric ID workforce.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacquie Toia
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katie Murtagh
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lynn Heald
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katelyn Leake
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ravi Jhaveri
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Swartz TH, Apewokin S, Carpenter SM, Chakraborty R, Dennis AM, Houpt E, Surana NK, Zerr DM, Pirofski LA. A Call to Action: Urgently Strengthening the Future Physician-Scientist Workforce in Infectious Diseases. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:625-629. [PMID: 38309710 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases (ID) research is vital for global public health, typically led by physician-scientists. This Perspective addresses challenges in the ID workforce and suggests solutions. Physician-scientists have made key discoveries that have significantly impacted human health. The importance of ID research in understanding diseases, leading to treatments and vaccines, is emphasized, along with the need to address persistent and new infections, antimicrobial resistance, and threats like HIV and influenza. The paper analyzes the physician-scientist workforce's struggles, including funding, training, and research-practice integration gaps. We suggest increased funding, better training, and mentorship, more collaborative and interdisciplinary research, and improved recognition systems. The article stresses the urgency of supporting physician-scientists in ID, advocating for proactive prevention and preparedness, and calls for immediate action to enhance ID research and care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talia H Swartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Senu Apewokin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stephen M Carpenter
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rana Chakraborty
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ann M Dennis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Eric Houpt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Neeraj K Surana
- Division of Infectious Disesases, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Danielle M Zerr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Liise-Anne Pirofski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Swartz TH, Aberg JA. Preserving the Future of Infectious Diseases: Why We Must Address the Decline in Compensation for Clinicians and Researchers. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:1387-1394. [PMID: 37436703 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases (ID) physicians play a pivotal role in patient care and public health, yet concerns are mounting about their under-compensation compared with other medical specialties. This trend sees ID physicians, including new graduates, receiving lower remuneration than their general and hospital medicine peers, despite their significant contributions. The persistent disparity in compensation has been identified as a key factor behind the declining interest in the ID specialty among medical students and residents, potentially threatening patient care quality, research advancement, and diversity within the ID workforce. This viewpoint underscores the urgent need for the ID community to rally behind the Infectious Diseases Society of America in advocating for fair compensation for ID physicians and researchers. While focusing on wellness and work-life balance is vital, it is critical to address compensation, a significant source of distress for physicians. Failure to confront the issue of under-compensation promptly may jeopardize the future growth and sustainability of the ID specialty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talia H Swartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Judith A Aberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ziniel SI, Preciado D, Lee R, Kerschner JE, Ryan AF, Santos-Cortez RLP. Ensuring the future of otitis media research: Interest in and feasibility of a mentoring network program within the otitis media research community. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 172:111693. [PMID: 37579520 PMCID: PMC10523683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to assess the feasibility of the implementation of a mentoring network program based on expressed interest and the diverse composition of the otitis media research community in order to address attrition of the scientific workforce. METHODS An online survey was sent to basic, translational, and clinical researchers with a known interest in otitis media. RESULTS Of 509 eligible participants, 119 (23.4%) responded to the survey. Survey respondents had a diverse background by completed education, current job description, and membership in an underrepresented group in science. Most faculty respondents (76.4%) were willing to participate in the proposed program as mentors and faculty lecturers, or had early-career researchers or trainees in their research group who were willing to participate as mentees in the mentoring network. Scientific and non-scientific topics for inclusion in the training program were ranked, with immunology and inflammation, microbiology, science leadership and collaboration, mentoring, and grantsmanship as main foci of interest among respondents. CONCLUSION Our survey results showed enthusiastic participation among responding otitis media researchers, indicating the feasibility of implementing a mentoring network program that will address workforce attrition, particularly among underrepresented groups in science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja I Ziniel
- Section of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States.
| | - Diego Preciado
- Departments of Pediatrics and Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20010, United States; Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20010, United States.
| | - Rita Lee
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States.
| | | | - Allen F Ryan
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States.
| | - Regie Lyn P Santos-Cortez
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States; Center for Children's Surgery, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Scherer EM, Backer M, Carvajal K, Danziger-Isakov L, Frey S, Howard LM, Huang FS, Kottkamp AC, Reid T, Rodriguez-Barradas MC, Karita HCS, Teoh Z, Wald A, Whitaker J, Wiley Z, Ofotokun I, Edwards KM. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Unmasked the Challenges Faced by Early-Stage Faculty in Infectious Diseases: A Call to Action. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:753-759. [PMID: 36131321 PMCID: PMC9494497 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated increase in family care responsibilities resulted in unsustainable personal and professional workloads for infectious diseases (ID) faculty on the front lines. This was especially true for early-stage faculty (ESF), many of whom had caregiving responsibilities. In addition, female faculty, underrepresented in medicine and science faculty and particularly ESF, experienced marked declines in research productivity, which significantly impacts career trajectories. When combined with staffing shortages due to an aging workforce and suboptimal recruitment and retention in ID, these work-life imbalances have brought the field to an inflection point. We propose actionable recommendations and call on ID leaders to act to close the gender, racial, and ethnic gaps to improve the recruitment, retention, and advancement of ESF in ID. By investing in systemic change to make the ID workforce more equitable, we can embody the shared ideals of diversity and inclusion and prepare for the next pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin M Scherer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Martin Backer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Karen Carvajal
- Infectious Diseases Fellowship, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Lara Danziger-Isakov
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Sharon Frey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Leigh M Howard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Felicia Scaggs Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Angelica C Kottkamp
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Tara Reid
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Maria C Rodriguez-Barradas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey VAMC and Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Zheyi Teoh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Anna Wald
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jennifer Whitaker
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Michael E. DeBakey VAMC and Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zanthia Wiley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Igho Ofotokun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Grady Healthcare System, Infectious Diseases Program, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Kathryn M Edwards
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Queen J, Karaba S, Albin J, Karaba A, Howard-Anderson J, Skinner N, Herman JD, Paras ML, Melia MT. The Time is Now: A Call for Renewed Support of Infectious Diseases Physician-Scientist Trainees in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:1452-1454. [PMID: 33770174 PMCID: PMC8083640 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases fellows’ futures have been uniquely imperiled by the pandemic. In this article, we issue a call to action to sustain their careers as the future leaders of infectious diseases inquiry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Queen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara Karaba
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John Albin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew Karaba
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Nicole Skinner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan David Herman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Molly L Paras
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael T Melia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brito MO, Dugdale CM, Collins-Ogle M, Snowden J, Wheeler DA. Infectious Diseases/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Physician Ambassadors: Advancing Policy to Improve Health. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e2243-e2250. [PMID: 33035316 PMCID: PMC8557365 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases/human immunodeficiency virus (ID/HIV) physicians and other healthcare professionals advocate within the healthcare system to ensure adults and children receive effective treatment. These advocacy skills can be used to inform domestic and global infectious diseases policies to improve healthcare systems and public health. ID/HIV physicians have a unique frontline perspective to share with federal policymakers regarding how programs and policies benefit patients and public health. Providing this input is critical to the enactment of legislation that will maximize the response to infectious diseases. This article discusses the advocacy of ID/HIV physicians and other healthcare professionals in federal health policy. Key issues include funding for ID/HIV programs; the protection of public health and access to healthcare; improving research opportunities; and advancing the field of ID/HIV, including supporting the next generation of ID/HIV clinicians. The article also describes best practices for advocacy and provides case studies illustrating the impact of ID/HIV physician advocacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximo O Brito
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Caitlin M Dugdale
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle Collins-Ogle
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Snowden
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - David A Wheeler
- Infectious Diseases Physicians, Inc, Annandale, Virginia, USA
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Division of Infectious Diseases, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Annandale, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Permar SR, Ward RA, Barrett KJ, Freel SA, Gbadegesin RA, Kontos CD, Hu PJ, Hartmann KE, Williams CS, Vyas JM. Addressing the physician-scientist pipeline: strategies to integrate research into clinical training programs. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1058-1061. [PMID: 32039914 DOI: 10.1172/jci136181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sallie R Permar
- Department of Pediatrics.,Duke Human Vaccine Institute, and.,Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca A Ward
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katherine J Barrett
- Department of Pediatrics.,Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephanie A Freel
- Department of Pediatrics.,Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Office of Clinical Research
| | - Rasheed A Gbadegesin
- Department of Pediatrics.,Duke Office of Physician-Scientist Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, and
| | - Christopher D Kontos
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Christopher S Williams
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jatin M Vyas
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brito MO, Dugdale CM, Collins-Ogle M, Snowden J, Wheeler DA. ID/HIV Physician Ambassadors: Advancing Policy to Improve Health. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2020; 10:432-439. [PMID: 33097939 PMCID: PMC8087129 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
ID/HIV physicians and other healthcare professionals advocate within the healthcare system to ensure adults and children receive effective treatment. These advocacy skills can be used to inform domestic and global infectious disease policies to improve healthcare systems and public health. ID/HIV physicians have a unique frontline perspective to share with federal policymakers regarding how programs and policies benefit patients and public health. Providing this input is critical to the enactment of legislation that will maximize the response to infectious diseases. This article discusses the advocacy of ID/HIV physicians and other healthcare professionals in federal health policy. Key issues include funding for ID/HIV programs; the protection of public health and access to health care; improving research opportunities; and advancing the field of ID/HIV, including supporting the next generation of ID/HIV clinicians. The article also describes best practices for advocacy and provides case studies illustrating the impact of ID/HIV physician advocacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximo O Brito
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA,Corresponding Author: Maximo O. Brito, MD, MPH, University of Illinois at Chicago, Division of Infectious Diseases, 808 S. Wood St (MC 735), Chicago, IL 60612, USA. E-mail: , and
| | - Caitlin M Dugdale
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle Collins-Ogle
- Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Snowden
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - David A Wheeler
- Infectious Diseases Physicians, Inc., Annandale, Virginia, USA,Virginia Commonwealth University, Division of Infectious Diseases, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Annandale, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Panettieri RA, Kolls JK, Lazarus S, Corder S, Harshman A, Langmack E, Petrache I. Impact of a Respiratory Disease Young Investigators' Forum on the Career Development of Physician-Scientists. ATS Sch 2020; 1:243-259. [PMID: 33870292 PMCID: PMC8043310 DOI: 10.34197/ats-scholar.2019-0018oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To reverse the dramatic decline in the U.S. physician-scientist workforce, interventions are necessary to retain physicians in research careers. Objective: To evaluate the impact of an annual 3-day symposium, the Respiratory Disease Young Investigators' Forum (RDYIF), designed to guide fellows and junior faculty into successful physician-scientist careers. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, a questionnaire was e-mailed to 308 physicians who participated in the RDYIF between 2005 and 2018. The questionnaire was administered by National Jewish Health study personnel in the spring of 2019. Responses were primarily analyzed using descriptive and qualitative approaches. Results: The response rate was 39.3% (n = 121), with 107 of responders (88.4%) completing the full survey. The majority of survey completers currently worked as physician-scientists (76.6%; n = 82), held faculty positions (88.8%; n = 95) in an academic center (90.6%; n = 97), and were currently involved in research (93.4%; n = 100). The majority had been an author on ≥10 peer-reviewed publications (61.3%, n = 65) and had been awarded research grants (71.7%; n = 76). Thirty completers (28.3%) had served as a principal investigator on one or more clinical trials. Completers indicated that participation in the RDYIF had a "strong impact" or "very strong impact" on their career development as physician-scientists. Conclusion: Participation in the RDYIF strengthened participants' interest in physician-scientist careers and appeared to track with successful career development. Young Investigator Forums such as the RDYIF may be an effective intervention to support the declining supply of physician-scientists in North America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reynold A. Panettieri
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Jay K. Kolls
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Stephen Lazarus
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Stephanie Corder
- Office of Professional Education, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
| | - Andrea Harshman
- Office of Professional Education, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
| | | | - Irina Petrache
- Office of Professional Education, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado; and
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Collins JM, Wallender EK, Woodworth MH. Improving the Infectious Diseases Physician Scientist Workforce From the View of Junior Investigators: Vision, Transparency, and Reproducibility. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:162-168. [PMID: 31231765 PMCID: PMC6912150 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Shortcomings in the current pipeline of infectious disease physician scientists are well documented. With a focus on the transition of early stage investigators to research independence, we outline challenges in existing training pathways for physician scientists. We urge leaders of infectious disease societies, divisions, and governmental and nongovernmental funding organizations to reinvigorate a vision for nurturing trainees with interests in research, to seek transparency in physician scientist funding mechanisms, and to encourage efforts to improve the reproducibility of outcomes for talented junior investigators. We feel that the alternative to making these changes will lead to further drop-off in the physician scientist pipeline in a field that has a perpetual need for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Collins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Erika K Wallender
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Michael H Woodworth
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kempker RR, Blumberg HM. Global Health and the Infectious Diseases Physician-Scientist Workforce. J Infect Dis 2019; 219:1007-1008. [PMID: 30299486 PMCID: PMC6386802 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Russell R Kempker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Henry M Blumberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|