Radiology jobs

[colbgw02]

I agree that passion is important, but if one's dedication, work for over a decade, etc not pay off then I don't think making this sacrifice makes sense. We shouldn't just "count ourselves lucky" to get a job, it should be a given and I think we should be deserving of a decent career, and not have to work to the bone. I don't think that's too much to ask is it?

Depressing. I don't think I should have to work 60 hours a week after over a decade of training to make 300k+.

I understand this approach; I really do. We train for years, at great personal and financial expense, for the chance to practice medicine. We do so under the implicit agreement that we will enjoy financial security and public respect as long as we practice in good faith and with others' interests in mind.

It's also a dangerous attitude to take. Unfortunately, the paradigm is changing. The public is less trusting and tolerant of physicians. There are many reasons for that, but for the time being, physicians continue to enjoy a relative amount of certainty and security versus financial compensation as compared to the vast majority of other professions.

Accordingly, we need to be mindful of that, and our public face needs to be that of continual improvement. If we show the general public that we feel entitled, then they are all the more likely to vote away the very compensation that we feel makes our long training and sacrifice worthwhile.

If it comes to that, then the public will lose the high quality and sense of obligation that today's physicians currently have. But today's physicians will lose as well, getting caught in the declining public perception and reimbursement, while still saddled with the high liability and cost of today's medical practice. It may eventually even itself out, like in Europe, but I am not willing to take the risk of being caught in between the paradigm shift.

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[Columnar]

I understand this approach; I really do. We train for years, at great personal and financial expense, for the chance to practice medicine. We do so under the implicit agreement that we will enjoy financial security and public respect as long as we practice in good faith and with others' interests in mind.

It's also a dangerous attitude to take. Unfortunately, the paradigm is changing. The public is less trusting and tolerant of physicians. There are many reasons for that, but for the time being, physicians continue to enjoy a relative amount of certainty and security versus financial compensation as compared to the vast majority of other professions.

Accordingly, we need to be mindful of that, and our public face needs to be that of continual improvement. If we show the general public that we feel entitled, then they are all the more likely to vote away the very compensation that we feel makes our long training and sacrifice worthwhile.

If it comes to that, then the public will lose the high quality and sense of obligation that today's physicians currently have. But today's physicians will lose as well, getting caught in the declining public perception and reimbursement, while still saddled with the high liability and cost of today's medical practice. It may eventually even itself out, like in Europe, but I am not willing to take the risk of being caught in between the paradigm shift.

I think all professions that work hard feel "entitled" to good compensation. You see lawyers, consultants, etc who work 70,80 hours a week, and they expect bonuses, partnerships, etc, that's why they put in their time. Otherwise what's the point?

And if there isn't a financial reward as well, I don't see what the point of being in medicine is honestly. Sure it's great being a doctor, but it takes a tremendous amount of personal committment and sacrifice. So if we are financially as well off as those with no education, with a ton of liability and continuous tremendous pressure our entire lives, what's the point? I guess I am frustrated.

I don't think I would have pursued medicine had I known that I would not be a respected, valued person and that there would be next to no financial reward. People can make 150k being marketing managers these days. Expecting some compensation is reasonable and expected.

You also speak about Europe. Well in Europe education is pretty much free, liability is very minimal, work hours are fewer, and doctors are still at the top of the pack when it comes to incomes. Everyone is paid less, and doctors although they are paid less than here, are comparably well off within their societies.

Canadian doctors enjoy a pretty significant salary with the above mentioned benefits. It's sad that our work leads to the same or worst outcomes than some with mere bachelor's degrees.

 

[Columnar]

I have been in the business for 10 years. Few radiologists work that many hours. Usual work day is 8-9 hours with occasional weekends and holidays. Vacation is holding at 8 weeks. Starting salaries are still 300K. This is if you can find a job.

Autonomy is the biggest issue. Radiologists are quickly becoming commodities. Nighthawk companies are taking over all small town contracts as encroaching on the big city markets too. Corporations hire and fire frequently making it hard to put down roots somewhere. A doctor should be a respected member of the community, not a temp worker.

I would never do rads again even though I have saved millions in only 10 years. many of my surgical and specialist colleagues have made as much or more while maintaining independence and having their own practices that are not subject to the whims of the hospital or a large management company.

What kind of specialists are you referring to? and why would radiology be any different than other specialties are far as job security? I guess I don't understand that.

 

[medfield12]

Okay this is freaking me out. If I do a radiology residency will I be unemployed? What the hell is this?

Do not worry. You will be fine because you are a special snowflake, correct?

 

[Doctor D]

As long as the ER orders scans relentlessly, you will have a job. The demand is not going away anytime soon.

 

[shark2000]

Overall, you will be fine. Don't be concerned about job.

Your main concern should be whether you like it or not. Because if you don't like it, you are screwed. Radiology is an either love it or hate it field. There is not a lot of ways to escape. This is true for most of medicine, but is more in radiology, IMO.