Pediatric surgical border health: Supply may not be meeting demand in South Texas communities.

INTRODUCTION

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) has historically high incidence of congenital defects (CDs) necessitating intervention by pediatric surgical specialties. We examined mortality in this region and related workforce patterns.

METHODS

Mortality data related to CDs (2007-2021) and surgical workforce trends/projections (2024-2032) were collected using multiple databases: National Vital Statistics System, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Medical Board, Center for Disease Control.

RESULTS

Nationally, RGV counties rank as high as 5th in CD mortality rates. Between 2020 and 2024, 3 of 4 studied pediatric surgical specialties experienced stagnant/decreasing workforces ranging from 0 to 66 ​%. Furthermore, the RGV is projected to have some of the most marked state-wide disparities in surgical providers over the next 8 years.

CONCLUSION

High infant mortality rates along with ongoing and future shortages of surgical specialists is concerning. These results may inform allocation of public health resources and workforce distribution to improve outcomes.