Growing a Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Workforce: A Decade of Insights

We've got a big problem: not enough experts to help kids with medicines. Back in 2012, the National Institutes of Health started a program to train future pediatric clinical pharmacologists. We checked in with trainees and graduates to see what's working and what needs fixing. Over 50% responded, most being female (61%) and white (75%), and working in academia (75%). Almost everyone (97%) uses clinical pharmacology in their job, with 88% planning to stick with it. Money and student debt play a big role in career choices. Mentors are super important. Time and money issues are hurdles. Diversity needs a boost too. To make things better, we suggest: (1) helping trainees' lifestyle by easing financial pressures and spreading training locations; (2) supporting mentorship by finding and backing mentors; (3) focusing on training that brings in more funding; and (4) tackling diversity barriers and offering early enrichment opportunities.