THE PEDIATRIC PROGRAM DIRECTOR - AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE AND ITS PROBLEMS

A questionnaire designed to elicit information about the work environment, knowledge, and stresses of pediatric residency program directors was mailed to the 235 member programs of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors (APPD). At the time that the 187 respondents (80% return rate) assumed responsibility for their training programs, many rated their knowledge of various aspects of residency program administration as "poor." The respondents indicated that a lack of time, the pressures of too many other academic responsibilities, and a fear of not "filling" all positions in the National Intern Matching Program created much personal stress. Most program directors felt that educational conferences designed to teach educational methods, and administrative skills, and provide technical information knowledge necessary for residency program supervision would be beneficial.