Overview
The Education Pillar of the AMSPDC Pediatrics Workforce Initiative strengthens the pediatric workforce by reimagining how learners are exposed to, trained in, and supported across the education continuum – from early exposure through subspecialty training.
As children’s health needs grow more complex and workforce challenges intensify, pediatric education must evolve to attract diverse, high-quality learners, prepare them for modern practice, and support long-term career satisfaction and retention.
The Education Pillar focuses on enhancing education, training, recruitment, and retention across pediatrics and pediatric subspecialties. This work spans 15 collaborative workgroups that bring together educational experts and learners from many organizations in the pediatric community and the full continuum of education. In many areas, AMSPDC serves as a national convener – fostering collaboration, aligning efforts across organizations, and supporting the dissemination and uptake of high-impact educational tools and best practices.
Decisions to pursue pediatrics are shaped early and reinforced at multiple points along the training pathway. Limited exposure to pediatrics, variability in educational experiences, and structural barriers faced by some learners can reduce interest in pediatric careers and contribute to workforce gaps.
The Education Pillar addresses these challenges by strengthening early exposure, supporting diverse entry pathways, and advancing educational innovation aligned with workforce and child health needs.
Our Approach
The Education Pillar brings together pediatric educators, learners, and national partners to co-develop practical, adaptable tools grounded in shared expertise and collaborative learning across institutions.
This work prioritizes best practices, toolkits, and dissemination strategies that support local implementation while allowing departments and institutions to adapt approaches to their specific needs and environments. Outputs include toolkits, best-practice frameworks, presentations, webinars, and shared educational resources distributed through the PWI website, national meetings, partner organizations, and peer-reviewed outlets to support broad adoption and impact.