Abstract: SA-PO204
A Biopsy of the Nephrology Workforce in a Low-Middle Income Country: The Guatemalan Example
Session Information
- Educational Research
October 27, 2018 | Location: Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 800 Educational Research
Authors
- Garcia, Pablo, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
- Cipriano, Ever Olivie, Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social, Guatemala, Guatemala
- Sanchez Polo, Vicente, Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social, Guatemala, Guatemala
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing global health concern, with increasing prevalence in low to middle income countries. The availability of nephrologists is integral to providing care to a large population of CKD patients. In this study, we describe and characterize the nephrology workforce in Guatemala.
Methods
Using the National Registry of Nephrologists, we divided practices by private settings, academic settings, or those in both settings. We reported the number of nephrologists per million inhabitants using data from the Guatemalan Institute of Statistics. We also determined the area of practice (urban or rural), and characterized practitioners based on the country of training. Lastly, we determined the number of fellowship positions available in Guatemala.
Results
We note a total of 72 nephrologists in Guatemala, of which 64 were adult nephrologists and 8 were pediatric nephrologists. This represents 4.9 nephrologists per million inhabitants. 68% of nephrologists practice in Guatemala City (urban area), while 32% practice in rural areas. Overall, 64% work in private settings, 6.25% in academics, and 30% in both settings. 74% trained in Guatemala, while 26% trained abroad. The workforce is 73% male.There are two adult and one pediatric nephrology fellowship training programs in Guatemala and all are located in Guatemala City (urban area). Currently, there are a total of 14 fellows in training of which 13 are adult nephrology fellows and 1 is pediatric nephrology fellow.
Conclusion
In Guatemala, there are only 4.9 nephrologists per million people. The majority of nephrologists are male and were trained in Guatemala. Most nephrologists work in private settings, and only one-third practice in a rural area. There are three nephrology programs in Guatemala. We still have room for improvement. Based on these results, we should focus in increasing educational opportunities, create incentives to increase the number of nephrologist practicing in rural areas, open more opportunities for female physicians, increase the number of nephrology fellowship training programs in rural areas and create incentives for physicians interested in academic medicine to increase the number of nephrologist practicing in academic settings.