Interdisciplinary leadership training outcomes of Maternal and Child Health-funded pediatric pulmonary centers.

OBJECTIVES

To describe career paths, leadership accomplishments, and extent of incorporation of Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) values into professional activities of all previous long-term trainees.

METHOD

In 1998 the Pediatric Pulmonary Centers (PPCs) completed a Leadership Training Outcomes Survey of all previous long-term trainees. The survey included 1) characteristics, 2) career paths, 3) current professional activities, 4) leadership roles and activities, and 5) career incorporation of MCHB values.

RESULTS

There was a 63% response rate (N = 274) from 431 mailed surveys. Most respondents provided clinical care in varied health-related settings. Of the respondents, 44% (N = 120) served mothers, 87% (N = 239) served children, and 78% (N = 214) served children with special health care needs. Forty-seven percent of the mothers and children served were from racial or ethnic minority groups. Ninety-two percent (N = 252) of respondents had conducted training since graduation and 56% (N = 153) had provided technical assistance. Many provided leadership in the acquisition and dissemination of new knowledge through research publication (33%), advocacy (37%), and program administration/oversight (87%). Thirty percent of the respondents (N = 83) had received special recognition awards for professional activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Most PPC graduates serve families and children as a central aspect of their career, providing or enhancing family-centered, community-based, culturally competent, comprehensive interdisciplinary care.