Massive Closures of Pediatric Clinics and an Exodus of Pediatricians in Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Career Paths Did Closed-Down Pediatricians Choose?

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the size and characteristics of pediatric clinic closure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period and what career paths pediatricians chose after closure.

METHODS

This study utilized database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2013 to 2022. We examined the trend of the number of pediatric clinics in operation over the past 10 years. Additionally, the study identified factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the affiliations of representatives who closed their clinics during the pandemic were tracked as of December 2022.

RESULTS

In 2019, there were 2,229 pediatric clinics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 364 (16.3%) of these clinics closed. Factors associated with the closure of pediatric clinics included pediatricians over the age of 65, operational periods of less than 5 years, and lower levels of medical expenses. As of 2022, among the 364 clinics that closed, 108 pediatricians (29.7%) retired or ceased working, and 127 pediatricians (34.9%) still employed in pediatric-related healthcare institutions. A concerning phenomenon is that the remaining 129 pediatricians (35.4%) transitioned to unrelated healthcare institutions.

CONCLUSION

We have identified the magnitude and factors contributing to pediatric clinic closures. A more pressing issue is that over one-third of the pediatricians have transitioned to non-specialty fields following the closure of their clinics. Pediatrics represents a critical and essential medical field. Health authorities must develop strategies to prevent the avoidable collapse and subsequent exodus of pediatricians.