Update on the Diagnostic Radiologist Shortage

Abstract

All four information sources have important limitations, but all indicate that the shortage has considerably eased. We plan to study the causes of this easing and continue to monitor the situation.

The Diffusion of New Imaging Technologies: A Molecular Imaging Prospective

“…• It represents a paradigmatic shift in the principal focus of medical imaging from gross anatomy and pathology to the evaluation of metabolic and physiologic processes; • It requires that radiologists acquire new knowledge and skills; • The technology is currently "flying below the radar" of most radiologists, who are sufficiently well occupied by financially remunerative traditional imaging [4] that they are generally not interested in (currently) low-margin molecular imaging; and • Over time, it is likely to become an important part of the market for imaging services and may even replace some of current anatomic imaging.…”

Trends and future needs in clinical radiology: Insights from an academic medical center

“…Interestingly, utilization of these advances is still suboptimal, pointing to an opportunity for further improvements in overall performance [38]. However, even in optimally tuned hospital settings, digital technology cannot totally alleviate the pressing need for well-trained personnel and improved working conditions [39]. Ironically, even though workload is increasing, research efforts in radiology do not necessarily parallel this trend [40].…”

The State of Teleradiology in 2003 and Changes Since 1999

“…Against the background of these possible explanations, it is interesting to note that the period of 1999 to 2003 was largely one of a major easing of the radiologist shortage. 29,30 This would suggest that the increased prevalence of teleradiology was not due to a growth in need, but to some combination of technological advance-that is, to teleradiology systems becoming easier to use, Many of these differences by practice characteristics can be explained by the uses of teleradiology. Call responsibilities tend to be shared by residents in academic practices, so they have a relatively smaller need for teleradiology.…”