Lack of appreciation?

[RLMD]

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Is there a significant lack of appreciation for what radiologists do, and does this detract at all of from a radiologist's job satisfaction? Does anyone ever thank you for your work? If you need to feel needed and for your work to be appreciated, should you just avoid radiology all together?

 

[VentdependenT]

Is there a significant lack of appreciation for what radiologists do, and does this detract at all of from a radiologist's job satisfaction? Does anyone ever thank you for your work? If you need to feel needed and for your work to be appreciated, should you just avoid radiology all together?

NOTHING gets done without the study being read unless the patient is crashing at your feet. Everything from discharges to surgical management depends on radiology studies. When a pt gets a negative film for lets say CA they appreciate the study and the guy who read it.

 

[Vince]

Is there a significant lack of appreciation for what radiologists do, and does this detract at all of from a radiologist's job satisfaction? Does anyone ever thank you for your work? If you need to feel needed and for your work to be appreciated, should you just avoid radiology all together?

I doubt there is any less lack of appreciation for radiologists compared to doctors in general....from what I've seen nobody truly appreciates physicians. I would rather at least be happy doing what I enjoy and knowing that I've done a good day's work.

If I was really really in need of appreciation.....I would be looking for it OUTSIDE of the medical profession most likely.

 

[roygbasch]

I doubt there is any less lack of appreciation for radiologists compared to doctors in general....from what I've seen nobody truly appreciates physicians. I would rather at least be happy doing what I enjoy and knowing that I've done a good day's work.

If I was really really in need of appreciation.....I would be looking for it OUTSIDE of the medical profession most likely.

Damn straight. I'm not feeling that love and appreciation either. Get a puppy if you want some appreciation. Medicine is cold cold cold.

 

[Docxter]

Is there a significant lack of appreciation for what radiologists do, and does this detract at all of from a radiologist's job satisfaction?

Does anyone ever thank you for your work?

If you need to feel needed and for your work to be appreciated, should you just avoid radiology all together?

1a. Yes 1b. To a minor degree. 2. Yes 3. Probably yes.

 

[KerleyB]

Is there a significant lack of appreciation for what radiologists do, and does this detract at all of from a radiologist's job satisfaction? Does anyone ever thank you for your work? If you need to feel needed and for your work to be appreciated, should you just avoid radiology all together?

In my rather limited experience (start transitional in july), there isnt any lack of appreciation for what you do as a radiologist. In fact, what the above posts have said is exactly the case. Eg. when clinicians are stumped, the entire herd comes down to the reading room desperate for a re-read, advice on more imaging, differential diagnosis etc etc. And yes, these desparate souls often say thank you, but keep in mind if you are full of attitude nobody will appreciate that. Day to day reading is often busy, and without this sort of drama though, so it is important for you to enjoy your work for other reasons. There are many of these reasons in my opinion.

I think what your question might be getting at is the "thank you doctor", "that doctor saved my life", "you are the best doctor" comments that patients give on occasion. Those are definately in short supply as a radiologist. I know that some people need that sort of validation for their work. I dont want to sound as though I suggest that this is a weakness, because it isnt, rather it is simply a difference between people. However, if you are the sort of person that gets down on your career/medicine, only to be "re-charged" by a commment like that, radiology would be a bad choice.