Examining a Successful Match Year: A Bright Spot Amid National Pediatric Decline
Date
2025
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Context:
The 2024 Residency Match year was marked by an unprecedented decline in the number of students matching into Pediatrics. This trend has raised concerns about maintaining an adequate pediatric workforce. In contrast, the University of Hawai`i’s (UH) 2024 graduating class achieved an unprecedented 20% match rate into pediatrics, demonstrating a notable contrast to the national trend. Understanding underlying factors in these students’ decision to pursue pediatrics may offer insights to reverse the national decline.
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore the key factors that motivated University of Hawaii students to pursue pediatrics, focusing on when and how their interest was sparked and solidified during their medical school training.
Methods:
An anonymous multiple choice survey (with the option to add in free text short answers to explain answer choices) was sent to all 16 graduating students from the University of Hawaii’s 2024 class who matched into pediatrics. Students completed the survey on a voluntary basis. The survey asked when their interest in pediatrics started and what specific experiences and factors influenced their decision to pursue pediatrics. Data was analyzed to identify recurring themes amongst our graduates.
Results:
13 out of 16 graduates completed the survey. The majority (9 respondents, 69%) solidified their interest in a pediatrics career during their third-year inpatient pediatrics rotation. In particular, family-centered rounds and a supportive clinical environment played a critical role in fostering their interest. The Sub-Internship (Sub-I) experience was a decisive factor in confirming their specialty choice for 4 students. 3 students cited pre-clinical shadowing electives as the reason they first considered pediatrics, as these electives provided valuable one-on-one time with attendings without the pressure of evaluations weighing on the student’s ability to explore the specialty freely. 2 students identified impactful clinical experiences, such as discharging a patient from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), as the key moment that persuaded them to pursue pediatrics. Overall, students felt that faculty and residents during their clinical rotations played the most important role in their career decision. Feeling supported during pediatric rotations was a recurrent theme amongst comments from survey participants. Many students expressed that the collaborative and cordial nature of pediatrics made it stand out from other specialties. Areas for improvement included increasing the pre-clerkship pediatric experiences and organizing community events focused on child health.
Discussion:
Survey responses from UH’s highest proportion of students matching into pediatrics in a time where match rates fell across most of the nation underscores the value of early and meaningful exposure to the specialty. In addition, survey responses highlight the importance of having positive role models among faculty and residents interacting with students. Institutions seeking to increase their pediatric match rates may also benefit from prioritizing quality clinical exposure and developing learning environments that welcome students to the field.
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