Results of the 2001 survey of the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology (A3CR2) conducts an annual survey of residency training programs. The survey data allow comparative analyses to be performed among training programs regarding resident education, benefits, clinical demands, and other resident-related issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to all accredited programs registered in the A3CR2 database (150 total programs). The yearly questions address demographic information concerning the individual programs including academic affiliation, number of radiologic examinations performed per resident, changes in the number of residents per program, and financial compensation. The rotating questions, which are revisited every 4 years, focused on preparation for the American Board of Radiology examinations, educational issues, and employment outlook. RESULTS: Completed surveys were received from 55 programs (37.3%). Among the responses, three issues prevailed: (a) increased number of examinations performed per resident, with resultant decrease in educational time, (b) decreased quality of education in all sections of radiology and decreased number of educational conferences, and (c) improved employment outlook, but continued trend of fewer residents choosing a career in academics. CONCLUSION: The current boom in the radiology job market and the increased number of radiologic examinations performed annually appear to adversely affect radiologic education through a decreased number of conferences and an increased number of radiologic examinations performed per resident.     

Results of and comments on the 2000 survey of the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology (A3CR2) annually surveys radiology residency programs on issues related to training. The objective is to highlight national similarities, differences, and trends to help programs establish standards and improve residency training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to 180 accredited diagnostic radiology residency training programs in the United States. The survey covered the usual general topics and more specific topics considered every 4 years; for 2000 the latter were on-call issues and the chief residency year. RESULTS: Completed surveys were returned from 63 programs (35%). Important findings included increased caseload and call commitments, especially for smaller programs. Resident salaries appear to have increased more than the consumer price index. Nonemergent after-hour coverage and teleradiology are now a large part of the resident work practice. Women continue to be underrepresented, with a trend downward. Chief residents are more involved in organizing preparation for board examinations and have greater office facilities and more administrative duties. CONCLUSION: This survey provided useful insights. All levels of residency face increased workloads. On-call hours have not changed, but the work has intensified and the use of teleradiology has increased. Many programs have adopted a "night-float" system, and nonemergent after-hours coverage should be considered in any program evaluation. Continued vigilance and sustained efforts are required to ensure that radiology is considered as a specialty by both men and women. With increased demands on attending physicians' time, chief residents may need to take on more administrative responsibilities.     

Results of and comments on the 1998 survey of the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology annually surveys residency programs on a variety of issues related to residency training. The survey allows for comparison between programs regarding training and follows trends on current issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to all accredited programs in the United States (188 programs). The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding general demographic information and specific topics regarding residency training. The 1998 survey focused on turf issues, teleradiology use, residency selection, and prior training. RESULTS: Completed surveys from 61 programs (32.4%) were returned. Important findings included (a) the ongoing turf battles regarding vascular and obstetric-gynecologic ultrasound, both in general hospital and emergency department patients, (b) the use of teleradiology by most residents, and (c) the low percentage of women in radiology residency programs. CONCLUSION: The information obtained during yearly surveys is useful for program evaluation and future planning. Current survey results indicate an increasing use of teleradiology in residency over the past 4 years. The turf battles in ultrasonography (both vascular and obstetric) have remained unchanged over the same time frame.