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Most pediatric clerkship directors (PCDs) are experienced professors who belong to national pediatric or educational organizations and perceive strong chairperson support for their work. PCDs design and implement the clinical training component of medical education. Researchers surveyed 100 PCDs to gather data about the physicians' academic credentials, support systems, and professional development. PCDs spent an average of 28% of their time performing clerkship activities. Most PCDs were associate professors who had held this rank for an average of seven years. Eighty-two percent of PCDs authored an average of eight publications within the last five years, although few dealt with clerkship or medical education. PCDs belong to many national organizations that focus on pediatrics or education, although fewer than half read medical education journals regularly. PCDs perceived strong support from their chairperson and weaker support from faculty colleagues. more...