Need for Less Number of Radiologists

[peduncle]

I think this isssue was addressed before. Though technology is ever-advancing, do you think that there will be a surplus of radiologists in the near future which would make job searches more difficult.

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[hans19]

I think this isssue was addressed before. Though technology is ever-advancing, do you think that there will be a surplus of radiologists in the near future which would make job searches more difficult.

Absolutely not. If you look at the last 5 years radiology has been in the top 3 recruited specialties, per merritt and hawkins and other recruiting agencies. I suspect in the 'near future' it will be the same. The job market has cooled, because many groups have stopped looking and have decided to just take less vacation and do the extra work themselves, hire telerads groups for help (domestic not foreign) or give up certain modalities.

There will always be a surplus of people wanting to go to the larger more attractive cities. But overall, the workload is ever increasing, but the number of radiologists produced has not increased. As a result there is a huge shortage in manpower in mid-sized to small cities and rural areas that will end up hurting radiologists. Clinicians will try to read for themselves as there may not be enough radiologists to interpret all the films being produced. Procedures will be taken because there may not be enough interventionalists to offer them.

There is a huge brain drain in academia, as radiologists are having to do near-private practice levels of work for the fraction of the salary, at the expense of teaching and research. As a result, these people are heading for private practice. If this trend continues, the advancements and research in radiology may stagnate.

Never-the-less radiology is still one of the best fields out there. I couldn't imagine myself in any other field. Most days I still look forward to going to work in the morning. I encourage anyone who has a sincere interest in the field to apply.

 

[Taurus]

I think this isssue was addressed before. Though technology is ever-advancing, do you think that there will be a surplus of radiologists in the near future which would make job searches more difficult.

Radiology is a great field and we have to keep it that way. I don't like the nascent radiology midlevel groups like the RA's and RPA's that have been formed. I see them trying to follow the same path to autonomy as the CRNA's have done in anesthesiology. I see teleradiology + autonomous radiology midlevel as the combo that ruins radiology if we allow it to happen.

 

[lokobo]

Radiology is a great field and we have to keep it that way. I don't like the nascent radiology midlevel groups like the RA's and RPA's that have been formed. I see them trying to follow the same path to autonomy as the CRNA's have done in anesthesiology. I see teleradiology + autonomous radiology midlevel as the combo that ruins radiology if we allow it to happen.

I agree.. the RAs and RPAs are freaking me out..

whats to say specialists like ortho and neuro won't just hire one of them to help them read their own films??

and that will just make it easier for them too take our jobs..

 

[gos]

I would appreciate input.

I have been practicing ophtho for 10 years and am thinking about a change. Radiology was a close second to eye when I was applying. However, in the early 90's there was considerable worries improving technology would lead to a decrease in the demand for rads. Obviously, this was totally incorrect. I talked to the wrong people.

Eye has been ok, but I can't say I look forward to work in the morning. I spend most days grinding out 50-60 exams in clinic, much of which is dealing with glasses. Frankly, it is tiresome and a bit boring. It is hard to imagine doing this for another 25 years. The pay is good, but once the house is paid for and the savings account is fine, it becomes about quality and not quantity.

I live in the rural midwest and I know there is a demand for rads. My wife and I would also like to travel abroad and do some locums. There are not many locums jobs in eye. I am seriously considering returning for a radiology residency.

I know radiology is a very competitive match and I would like an honest opinion on my quest. Do I have a decent chance of getting a spot?

This is not something I have discussed with anyone in my town and I appreciate anyones advice.

Thanks

gos

 

[Carb Addict]

I would appreciate input.

I have been practicing ophtho for 10 years and am thinking about a change. Radiology was a close second to eye when I was applying. However, in the early 90's there was considerable worries improving technology would lead to a decrease in the demand for rads. Obviously, this was totally incorrect. I talked to the wrong people.

Eye has been ok, but I can't say I look forward to work in the morning. I spend most days grinding out 50-60 exams in clinic, much of which is dealing with glasses. Frankly, it is tiresome and a bit boring. It is hard to imagine doing this for another 25 years. The pay is good, but once the house is paid for and the savings account is fine, it becomes about quality and not quantity.

I live in the rural midwest and I know there is a demand for rads. My wife and I would also like to travel abroad and do some locums. There are not many locums jobs in eye. I am seriously considering returning for a radiology residency.

I know radiology is a very competitive match and I would like an honest opinion on my quest. Do I have a decent chance of getting a spot?

This is not something I have discussed with anyone in my town and I appreciate anyones advice.

Thanks

gos

Have you considered any of the ophtho subspecialties? Or possibly a job in a different locale may offer you a more appealing daily workflow. These just seem like shorter routes to better satisfaction than going through 4 years of rads residency and learning a whole new set of skills. But if you're really, wholly dissatisfied with ophtho, you should still have a good shot at getting a radiology spot. I wish you well!

 

[gos]

Thanks Carb addict.

Maybe just a midlife crises, but I have felt uncomfortable with eye from the beginning. You are right on regarding a change in my practice. I need to take control of my schedule. I did a fellowship and I am in a region where I am needed greatly. However, it is more than one person can do and I am a bit worn out. Finding another MD to help is tougher than I thought it would be.

I wish I could go back twelve years and talk to the younger me. I was always gunning and wanted to be super busy. I got my wish and regret it.

Good luck to all those searching for spots. Do not be in a big hurry to plan the rest of your life. Let it happen.

gos

 

[peduncle]

So radiology has so many positives as per all your comments. Can you think of an negatives now and in the future