The practice of clinical genetics: a survey of practitioners.

PURPOSE: A survey of clinical geneticists was undertaken to learn more about current practice. METHODS: An attempt was made to survey all geneticists practicing in the United States to elicit information on a variety of issues. RESULTS: A total of 69% of geneticists responded. Most practice at a medical school, most receive a portion of their income from salary, and many receive personal financial support from research grants. CONCLUSION: The specialty of medical genetics is primarily housed in tertiary care settings. Although a substantial amount of time is required to see patients, reimbursement for these services does not cover the costs to maintain such practices.

Practice of pediatric otolaryngology: results of the future of pediatric education II project.

OBJECTIVES: To define the practice of pediatric otolaryngology compared with general otolaryngology and to estimate pediatric otolaryngology workforce utilization and needs. METHODS: Survey of members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Otolaryngology and Bronchoesophagology and the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology and of a random sample of the membership of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. RESULTS: Pediatric otolaryngologists were more likely to practice in urban and/or academic settings than were general otolaryngologists. Children (age <18 years) comprised over 88% of the patients of pediatric otolaryngologists and 30% to 35% of the patients of general otolaryngologists. Pediatric otolaryngologists were more likely to see children with complicated diseases such as airway disorders or congenital anomalies than were general otolaryngologists. Pediatric otolaryngologists, unlike general otolaryngologists, reported an increasing volume of pediatric referrals, as well as increased complexity in the patients referred. The surveyed physicians estimated the present number of pediatric otolaryngologists in their communities as approximately 0.2 to 0.3 per 100 000 people. CONCLUSIONS: Most children receiving otolaryngologic care in the United States receive such care from general otolaryngologists. The patient profile and practice setting of the subspecialty of pediatric otolaryngology differ from those of general otolaryngology. The demand for pediatric otolaryngologists appears to be increasing, but many general otolaryngologists do not believe there is an increased need.