Pediatric Training and Workforce Retention in Remote Regions: Profiles and Trajectories of Residency Graduates
Medical Residency; Graduates; Social Accoutability; Pediatrics; Remote Areas.
Introduction: The evaluation of graduates from medical residency programs is a strategic approach to assessing training quality, social impact, and the contribution of residency programs to workforce retention, particularly in remote regions. In Pediatrics, this evaluation enables a comprehensive understanding of professional trajectories, training experiences, and mental health–related aspects during residency. Objectives: To evaluate the sociodemographic profile, professional trajectory, and perceptions of training among graduates of a Pediatric Residency Program at Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra, located in a remote region of Northeastern Brazil, as well as to analyze aspects related to mental health experienced during residency. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with quantitative and qualitative approaches, involving graduates of the Pediatric Residency Program who completed training between 2005 and 2025. Data were collected using a structured electronic questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, professional trajectory, training evaluation, development of socioemotional competencies, and mental health–related perceptions, using Likert-type scales and open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, association tests, and thematic analysis. Results: Most graduates were professionally active in Pediatrics, with strong integration into the public health system and substantial involvement in neonatology. Regional retention after residency was notable, particularly among more recent graduates, indicating the program’s potential contribution to specialist retention in remote settings. Practical training, preparation for professional practice, and development of socioemotional skills were positively evaluated. In contrast, theoretical training and outpatient activities were identified as areas for improvement. Regarding mental health, graduates reported high levels of stress during residency and limited perception of institutional psychological support, findings consistent with the broader medical residency literature. Conclusion: The Pediatric Residency Program at HUAB demonstrates a positive impact on professional training and workforce qualification in a remote region, fulfilling an important social accountability role. The findings provide relevant insights for program improvement, particularly in strengthening theoretical and outpatient training and institutionalizing mental health support strategies for residents, as well as for informing public policies aimed at specialist retention in remote areas.