The pipeline for the pediatrician-scientist workforce is endangered by inadequate recruitment, limited funding, and attrition during training.1,2,3,4 The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), and others in the pediatric academic community have expressed great concern about the vulnerability of the pipeline, recognizing pediatrician-scientists as a critical link in the advancement of child health through their work in scientific discovery, development of innovative therapeutics, and bench-to-bedside translation.

Pediatric faculty who have successfully obtained a career development award (NIH K-award), which represents the culmination of research productivity during residency and/or fellowship, have an increased likelihood of obtaining subsequent NIH funding (NIH R-award) and promotion opportunities. However, the transition from K- to R-funding remains strained, particularly in pediatrics where pipeline decreases have outpaced those in many other disciplines.5 Thus research training opportunities across the continuum and specific fostering during graduate medical training are critical to supporting the long-term career success as a pediatrician-scientist.

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