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Purpose: Career selection is crucial for workforce distribution; thus, medical school students and residents must choose their career plans. Similar to other specialties, there are many career options in paediatrics. Choosing from many options is not an easy task. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the selection of future sub-specialties among paediatric residents registered in a Saudi residency training programme. Method: A cross-sectional study using a validated self-administered questionnaire was conducted to collect data from 350 residents registered for Saudi board training during the 2016–2017 academic year in five main cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Madinah, Abha, and Al Khobar). The participants were surveyed at the end of the year during the promotion, first and second parts of the Saudi board examinations. The questionnaire included 24 items that sampled three main areas affecting career decisions, including personal and work achievements (1–9), the specialty training process (10–16), specialty characteristics (17–24), and demographic data. Results: The response rate was 81%. The sub-specialty lifestyle was the most often reported factor to influence career choice by 193 out of 282 (68%) of the residents, followed by interest in a specific disease by 177 (62%) and future income by 177 (62%). Elective rotation in a chosen sub-specialty was reported by 170 (60%) of the residents. A significant association was noted for residents who received mentoring or career counselling at any time before or during residency; they were more likely to choose their future sub-specialty (p-value

Byline: Yasser. Kazzaz, Hamad. Alkhalaf, Musaed. Alharbi, Mohammed. Al Shaalan, Maha. Almuneef, Ali. Alshehri, Hamza. Alali, Talal. AlHarbi, Nezar. Alzughaibi, Abdulaleem. Alatassi, Ahmed. Mahmoud, Talal. Aljuhani, Ahmad. AlSaad, Jubran. Alqanatish, [...]

Limping is a common presenting complaint in children. Despite this, it remains to be a diagnostic challenge for treating physicians due to an expanded list of etiologies. It arises from a spectrum of disorders, ranging from physiological variations of gait at different stages of development to systemic causes, such as inflammatory diseases or musculoskeletal infections. On rare occasions, non-musculoskeletal causes could result in limping. The diagnostic challenge increases in younger age children where a detailed physical examination that helps identify the exact source of pathology may not be possible. In older patients who have a well-developed gait cycle, the physical assessment might be easier. Clinical assessment in a child presenting with a limp includes gait analysis, which is essential to guide the appropriate request of diagnostic laboratory tests and imaging studies. In this paper, we provide a practical guide for a trainee in General Pediatric and Pediatric Rheumatology on an approach to a limping child, aiming to identify the common causes of limping and to describe normal and abnormal gait cycles. We also discuss other diagnostic considerations in the assessment of these children., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Unless decision-makers for the future paediatric workforce are aware of different factors that influence the career choices of candidates, they may not be able to meet the needs of this major specialty. Paediatricians should be perceptive, effective communicators and endlessly patient with children. In this article, we conducted a thorough literature search to explore factors affecting career choices among undergraduate and postgraduate students who choose paediatrics or paediatric subspecialties. We assessed the similarities and differences in decision-making in paediatric, medicine, surgery and orthopaedic career contexts to help the candidates in ranking their career options. The authors found that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors shape the career choices of those seeking to work in paediatrics or paediatric subspecialties. A well-structured career development curriculum and clinical experience are considered the most important extrinsic factors, whereas personal characteristics of the candidate and career needs are considered the most important intrinsic factors. These factors may vary across specialties, and even between different subspecialties within the same major specialty. Some factors are considered very important, while others are deemed less so in comparison. The role of mentoring in career selection is crucial. It has been documented in a sizable body of literature that residents are inspired to pursue the careers of their mentors. Paediatrics is no exception. The decision to pursue a subspecialty training is complex and is affected by multiple factors. Those engaged in managing the workforce of the future in the field of paediatrics must familiarise themselves with the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect the candidates' career choices., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © Sudanese Association of Pediatricians.)

Objective: The purpose of this work is to describe the opportunities and challenges faced by health advocates in Kingdon of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regarding traditional medicine practices, which commonly result in health issues affecting children in the community., Method: A literature review was conducted of all articles identified in PubMed with the following keywords: alternative medicine, traditional medicine, KSA, and advocacy. No articles from other countries with similar cultural backgrounds were excluded, and recommendation from authors were listed at the end of the article., Results: Traditional medicine, traditional herbal medications, and spiritual treatments, which are common practices in the community, present major opportunities for advocacy in KSA. Because these practices are conducted without appropriate supervision, many adverse events result, thus affecting children and families. Many challenges are described herein, such as use of these practices in treating benign self-limited conditions; the surrounding culture and beliefs; and the dilemma of achieving child protection. At the system level, national policies and legislation, as well as research, are lacking. Moreover, health care facilities have longer waiting lists than traditional medicine facilities., Conclusion: Recommendations include improving knowledge, facilitating behavioral changes, data collection, bylaw enactment, and providing better access to health care facilities, all of which are supported by Saudi Vision 2030., (© 2022 [The Author/The Authors].)