Abstract

Background: The state of academic paediatrics in the United Kingdom is a source of anxiety in view of anecdotal reports of loss of identity within medical schools and reductions in staffing levels.

Aims: To measure the current numbers and recent changes in clinical academic staff in all university departments of paediatrics in the UK.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to all 24 university departments of paediatrics where undergraduates are taught, and to the postgraduate institute of paediatrics.

Results: Full responses were obtained from 24 medical institutions. In the past five years there has been an overall 7.2% decline in clinical academic staff, but among lecturers there has been a 26% reduction. Nine of 24 departments had undergone changes in name with at least some loss of paediatric identity. In 12 of 24 centres it was felt that the research assessment exercise had resulted in some, or severe, detriment.

Conclusions: This study confirms the recent loss of academic training positions, leading to a serious concern about the future of academic paediatrics in some UK centres.