Patterns of work and retirement among pediatricians aged >or=50 years.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined patterns of work and retirement among older pediatricians, including the determinants of part-time work and retirement, as well as extended participation in the pediatrician workforce.

METHODS

A mail survey regarding recent and expected workforce participation was distributed to American Academy of Pediatrics members who were aged >or=50 years. A total of 1158 (72%) responded, 1114 (70%) of whom were included in these analyses. Analyses examined levels of engagement in medicine, retirement plans, and differences between men and women and primary care pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists.

RESULTS

Providing or planning to provide patient care past age 65 was reported by 45% of the respondents. Engaging in part-time work was increasingly more common with age and may represent a step toward retirement for many. In this sample, women were more likely to work part-time (32% vs 18% of men) and less likely to work past age 65 (26% vs 57% of men). When compared with primary care pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists worked more hours per week (59 vs 53) but spent a smaller percentage of their time on patient care (63% vs 82%).

CONCLUSIONS

Part-time work and reduced work hours in anticipation of retirement are options that are used and desired by older pediatricians. Results of this study suggest that making provisions for gradual reduction in work hours or other forms of phasing out of the workforce could benefit the practice of pediatrics by extending the career length of the most experienced pediatricians.