Authors: Deutsch N et al.
Anesthesia & Analgesia. 142(2):232–244, February 2026. 10.1213/ANE.0000000000007440
Summary
This national workforce study evaluated the current state of pediatric cardiac anesthesiology staffing in the United States at a time of rising demand driven by a growing congenital heart disease population. A joint task force from the Pediatric Anesthesia Leadership Council and the Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society conducted surveys targeting multiple stakeholder groups, including pediatric cardiac anesthesia faculty, division chiefs, fellowship directors, and fellowship graduates from the prior decade. The survey addressed staffing levels, work environment, education, compensation, and career development.
Findings revealed substantial workforce strain across the specialty. Nearly one-third of practicing pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists reported actively considering leaving the subspecialty for less stressful clinical roles. Although most respondents were involved in academic activities such as teaching, research, and program development, over one-third reported receiving no protected nonclinical time. Formal mentorship and professional sponsorship were limited, with fewer than half of respondents reporting support for leadership development, research advancement, or speaking opportunities. Hiring difficulty was rated as severe, and projected hiring needs over the next 5 to 10 years substantially exceeded the anticipated supply of trained pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists.
The results suggest a specialty under increasing pressure from rising clinical demand, limited workforce growth, high perceived stress, and inadequate institutional support. The authors highlight the risk that ongoing attrition, combined with insufficient fellowship output and limited career development infrastructure, could further destabilize pediatric cardiac anesthesia programs nationwide if not addressed through targeted recruitment, retention, and professional support strategies.
What You Should Know
Nearly one-third of pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists are considering leaving the subspecialty, signaling significant burnout risk.
Protected academic time, formal mentorship, and career sponsorship are inconsistently provided despite high academic expectations.
Projected hiring needs over the next decade substantially exceed current training output.
Without systemic changes, staffing shortages may worsen as clinical demand continues to rise.
Key Points
Question: What is the current state of staffing, work environment, and career development in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology?
Findings: High stress levels, limited mentorship, insufficient protected time, and inadequate workforce growth threaten the sustainability of the specialty.
Meaning: Focused efforts to improve recruitment, retention, mentorship, and professional development are necessary to stabilize pediatric cardiac anesthesiology staffing.
Thank you to Anesthesia & Analgesia for publishing this important national workforce assessment.