Mentorship Over Infrastructure: What Drives Dermatology Residents to Pursue Pediatric Dermatology Fellowship
Recommended Citation
Schoch JJ, Li H, Andrews ID, Silverberg N, Jahnke M, Wright T, Buethe MG. Mentorship Over Infrastructure: What Drives Dermatology Residents to Pursue Pediatric Dermatology Fellowship. Pediatr Dermatol. 2026;43(5):1185-1187.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-14-2026
Publication Title
Pediatric dermatology
Keywords
Mentors, Dermatology, Internship and Residency, Fellowships and Scholarships, Career Choice, Pediatrics, Surveys and Questionnaires, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Male, Female, Adult
Abstract
The pediatric dermatology workforce shortage threatens equitable access to specialized care for children. We conducted a national survey of dermatology residents (n = 202) to examine the relative influence of mentorship, educational exposure, training satisfaction, and financial considerations on fellowship decision-making. In multivariable analysis, mentorship emerged as the primary predictor of fellowship pursuit (OR: 6.034, 95% CI: 2.315-19.648, p = 0.013), while structural program features such as in-house fellowships and faculty availability improved training satisfaction but did not independently drive fellowship intentions. These findings support workforce strategies that prioritize structured mentorship pathways alongside compensation models that sustain the pediatric dermatology faculty base.
Medical Subject Headings
Mentors; Dermatology; Internship and Residency; Fellowships and Scholarships; Career Choice; Pediatrics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Male; Female; Adult
PubMed ID
42289273
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
Volume
43
Issue
5
First Page
1185
Last Page
1187
