Sunday in the Park with Infectious Disease: Workforce Mismatch in a Colorful Universe of Possibilities

Abstract

The decline in applications for infectious diseases (ID) fellowships has been an area of active introspection for the leadership of the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). This prompted actions to address the problem, including surveys of current and former fellows. Ironically, the decline in applications to ID programs is occurring at a time when the need for ID providers has never been greater and the excitement and variety in the practice of ID has never been higher. Data regarding the current ID workforce are presented here, along with perspectives about the future of the profession in the decades to come.