Gender and the Radiology Workforce: Results of the 2014 ACR Workforce Survey

PurposeAs part of the 2014 ACR Human Resources Commission Workforce Survey, an assessment of the gender of the U.S. radiologist workforce was undertaken. Radiologist gender in relation to type of practice, work location, leadership roles, and full- versus part-time employment have not previously been assessed by this survey.MethodsThe survey was completed by group leaders in radiology identified through the Practice of Radiology Environment Database.ResultsThe response rate to the survey was 22%, representing 35% of all practicing radiologists. The survey found that 78% of the radiology workforce is male, and 22% female. Among the men, 58% work in private practice, and 18% in the academic/university environment; among women, percentages were 43% and 31%, respectively. Of all physician leads, 85% are men, 15% women. Of the full-time radiologists, 15% of men are practice leaders compared with 11% of women.ConclusionsFewer women than men are in private practice. More women than men practice in academic/university environments. Among part-time radiologists, there are more men than women, but significantly more women work part time than men. Women are in the minority among practice leaders.     

The Employment Experience of Recent Graduates From US Radiation Oncology Training Programs: The Practice Entry Survey Results From 2012 to 2017

PurposeThe Practice Entry Survey presentation is a highly anticipated session for the radiation oncology (RO) resident at the American Society for Radiation Oncology annual meeting. Each year the senior author reports the employment outcomes and job market experiences for the most recently graduated RO residents.MethodsThe Practice Entry Survey has been continuously administered annually to graduated RO residents since 1984 via the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology directory. Six years of individual-level data, from 2012 to 2017, were readily available for analysis. The questionnaire queries the workforce placement experience and collects debt, salary, and benefits information. Respondents were subgrouped by practice type (academic vs private practice), and results were tested for trends over time.ResultsSurvey data were collected from 302 recently graduated residents. There were 7 in fellowship and 1 practicing internationally, leaving 294 eligible for analysis. They identified themselves as working in either an academic setting (n = 150 [51%]) or private practice (n = 144 [49%]). First-year salaries for those in private practice were more than those in academics ($303,000; [interquartile range, $270,000-$375,000] versus $280,000 [interquartile range, $260,000-$325,000]; P < .01). With regard to the job search, 21.8% of respondents found their jobs through the online American Society for Radiation Oncology Career Center, while most respondents, 77.2%, found their jobs through other means. Respondents also ranked the items they found to be most helpful during the interview process.ConclusionsThese data can help gauge the competitiveness of an offer as well as what to expect during the job hunt and interview process.     

Bending the Artificial Intelligence Curve for Radiology: Informatics Tools From ACR and RSNA

Artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape radiology over the coming years. The radiology community has a strong history of embracing new technology for positive change, and AI is no exception. As with any new technology, rapid, successful implementation faces several challenges that will require creation and adoption of new integration technology. Use cases important to real-world application of AI are described, including clinical registries, AI research, AI product validation, and computer assistance for radiology reporting. Furthermore, the informatics technologies required for successful implementation of the use cases are described, including open Computer-Assisted Radiologist Decision Support, ACR Assist, ACR Data Science Institute use cases, common data elements (radelement.org), RadLex (radlex.org), LOINC/RSNA RadLex Playbook (loinc.org), and Radiology Report Templates (radreport.org).     

Forecasting the Effect of the Change in Timing of the ABR Diagnostic Radiology Examinations: Results of the ACR Survey of Practice Leaders

The results of a survey sent to practice leaders in the ACR Practice of Radiology Environment Database show that the majority of responding groups will continue to hire recently trained residents and fellows even though they have been unable to take the final ABR diagnostic radiology certifying examination. However, a significant minority of private practice groups will not hire these individuals. The majority of private practices expect the timing change for the ABR certifying examinations to affect their groups’ function. In contrast, the majority of academic medical school practices expect little or no impact. Residents and fellows should not expect work time off or protected time to study for the certifying examination or for their maintenance of certification examinations in the future.     

ACR and ASRT development of the radiologist assistant: concept, roles, and responsibilities

ACR and ASRT joined forces to address the workforce shortages of radiologists and radiological technologists with the development of a radiologist assistant. This paper discusses the rationale for the evolution and development of the radiologist assistant as designed by ACR and ASRT.With the profession of radiology experiencing workforce shortages among radiologists and radiological technologists many radiological groups were beginning to hire ancillary personnel to fill efficiency gaps in practices. Many academic institutions were in the process of considering programs to initiate advanced practice status for radiologic technologists. Several state legislatures were considering laws that would provide extended scope of practice technology with additional training. The ACR and ASRT entered into discussions to address these concerns in order to: (1) assure patient safety by allowing only properly trained personnel to provide radiological service to patients; (2) assure that these ancillary personnel are not allowed to practice without appropriate physician supervision; (3) assure that there are not 50 different state scope of practice laws based more on political expediency than quality patient care; (4) alleviate workforce shortages for radiological technologists by creating a professionally satisfying career path; (5) alleviate some of the time pressures placed on radiologists as a result of their workforce shortages. The ACR had a choice to lead on the development of the roles and responsibilities of the radiologist assistant or continue to allow the process to evolve as market and political pressures warranted. As a leader in the profession, the ACR believed that it was in the best interest of its members and the profession to be at the table with the development of the roles and responsibilities of the radiologist assistant to assure the best for our patients. The roles and responsibilities of the RA as approved by the ACR Council are presented.     

Radiologist supply and workload: international comparison--Working Group of Japanese College of Radiology

Purpose  The aim of this study was to compare radiology statistics and procedures across the world with an eye to lightening the workload of radiologists in Japan. Methods  Literature and data in the public domain were obtained for Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries. This study collected and analyzed the number of (diagnostic) radiologists and physicians, computed tomography/magnetic resonance (CT/MR) units, CT/MR examinations, and workload of radiologists. Results  Data for the number of radiologists and CT/MR units were obtained from 26 countries and, among them, data for the number of CT/MR examinations for 17 countries. The study found that in 2004 Japan had only 36 radiologists per million population, which is one-third the national average of the 26 countries surveyed, making Japan one of the lowest ranked countries. The workload of a radiologist (CT/MR examinations/year) in Japan was calculated at 6130. This is 4.3 times the global average (1440 for the 17 countries). Conclusions  This comparison showed that the number of radiologists in Japan is the lowest among the 26 countries, and the workload is the highest. The study also showed that for Japan to provide sustainable and quality health care 8614 diagnostic radiologists—2.5 times the present number—would be required.     

Introducing First-Year Radiology Residents to the ACR at the AMCLC From 2009 to 2013: Summary of Experiences and Five-Year First-Cohort Follow-Up

PurposeThe aim of this report is to provide a five-year summary of the Minnesota Radiological Society’s initiative to send first-year radiology residents to the ACR at the AMCLC. The authors provide an update of the survey data for the first five years (2009-2013) and a report of the ACR membership status of the original 2009 cohort (class of 2012) five years after their conference experience.MethodsParticipating residents from 2009 to 2013 completed pre- and postconference surveys assessing their knowledge of ACR-related topics, conference satisfaction, and intention to join the ACR. ACR membership status of the first cohort was determined using the ACR membership database and compared with both the previous five graduating classes and the national average for practicing radiologists.ResultsSeventy first-year Minnesota radiology residents attended the conference from 2009 to 2013. Knowledge of the ACR significantly increased after the conference. Most residents were highly satisfied or satisfied with their conference experience and highly likely or likely to join the ACR in the future. Two years after residency, 87% of the first cohort (13 of 15) were ACR members, compared with an average membership rate of 57% (63 of 110) for the previous five graduating classes.ConclusionsExposing radiology residents early to the ACR at the AMCLC leads to a significant increase in knowledge pertaining to the professional organization. This exposure likely leads to increased ACR membership when residents enter practice. This early engagement in radiology affairs can lead to a higher rate of ACR membership and to a better informed membership.     

Musculoskeletal Injuries Affecting Radiologists According to the 2017 ACR Human Resources Commission Workforce Survey

Practice leaders surveyed in the 2017 ACR Human Resources Commission workforce survey reported that 25% of the radiologists or radiation oncologists they supervised had neck pain, 32% had low back pain, and 16% were dealing with a repetitive stress injury. The prevalence rates of these musculoskeletal ailments among radiologists and radiation oncologists were consistent with those reported in the literature in other populations. However, these prevalence rates may be underestimated because practice leaders, not the radiologists themselves, were surveyed, and the leaders may not be aware of all injuries.