One size does not fit all for URiM applicants: a comparison of NPM program size on URiM applications

Neonatal-perinatal medicine (NPM) lacks a racially and ethnically diverse physician workforce. Fewer trainees from groups underrepresented in medicine (URiM) are entering NPM due to declining match rates in general pediatrics, financial burdens from delaying workforce entry, and ineffective recruitment into NPM. Annual surveys from the Organization of Neonatology Training Program Directors (ONTPD) were analyzed to assess URiM recruitment trends between 2021 and 2023. Concerningly, the number of URiM candidates applying to NPM fellowship programs remains low, highlighting the need for investment in pathway programming and enhanced recruitment strategies to diversify the NPM workforce. A multifaceted approach, including promoting early interest in pediatrics, minimizing financial disincentives, collecting robust URiM trainee and workforce data, and creating inclusive, diverse educational environments will be critical to increasing URiM representation in NPM and ultimately improving health outcomes for neonates.