Investing in Pediatric Care

To the Editor:

Re “Why Medical Students Are Shunning Pediatrics,” by Aaron E. Carroll (Opinion guest essay, July 7):

The dwindling number of physicians choosing to pursue pediatrics is a grave concern to me as a pediatric resident physician, particularly given the increasing number of children with complex medical needs and chronic conditions.

Soaring rates of pediatric mental health challenges have also strained the general pediatricians who navigate providing care in busy clinic schedules while our patients wait months to see psychiatrists or developmental pediatricians.

Dr. Carroll notes that low reimbursement for pediatric care is a key reason for lack of interest in the specialty, with about half of American children insured by Medicaid or CHIP. The evidence is clear that health in childhood predicts health later in life.

Pediatricians have the opportunity to address issues that can lead to lifelong health challenges early, from diabetes to substance use, ultimately saving the health care system money.

If our lawmakers desire a healthier population, pediatric health care is a worthwhile investment.

Natalie LaBossier
Philadelphia

To the Editor:

Thank you to Dr. Aaron Carroll for sounding the alarm about the impending shortage of pediatricians in this country. In his essay, Dr. Carroll rightly points to low compensation, compared with other specialties, to explain this phenomenon and cites inadequate Medicaid reimbursement as a main driver.