Deficiencies of cross-training between pediatrics and otolaryngology

OBJECTIVE: Conditions relating to the ear, nose and throat are very frequent problems encountered by general pediatricians. Similarly, a major percentage of patients seen and operated on by the general otolaryngologist are of the pediatric age group. It is my hypothesis that there is a deficiency of cross-training between these two specialties. METHODS: All pediatric and otolaryngology program directors in Canada were contacted by mail. They were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the need for further cross-training, what training their residents are presently receiving, and clinical entities that needed more attention. RESULTS: Data were tabulated and analyzed. 62.5% of pediatric program directors and 83.3% of otolaryngology program directors responded. All pediatric program directors indicated a need for teaching by otolaryngologists for their residents and 90% identified an area of deficiency in training. Similarly, 90% of otolaryngology program directors indicated a need for teaching by pediatricians for their residents and 89% of those identified an area of deficiency in training. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that there is a deficiency in cross-training between pediatrics and otolaryngology.