Journal article
Key Factors to Attract More U.S. Diagnostic Radiology Residents into the Field of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging: A National Survey
Academic radiology, Vol.30(4), pp.755-762
04/2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.07.025
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To understand the current state of radiology residents' exposure to nuclear medicine and molecular imaging (NM/MI), determine key factors that may attract more trainees into the field, and identify differentiating aspects between those specializing in NM/MI and those who are not. MATERIALS AND METHODS An anonymous web-based survey was sent to contacts at all diagnostic radiology residency programs in the United States for dissemination to their residents, collecting information about trainees' NM/MI exposure during residency and factors that may attract them to NM/MI. RESULTS A total of 198 trainees responded to the survey, 34 of whom plan on pursuing a career in NM/MI. Most trainees reported early exposure to NM/MI during residency; most (97.4%) reported ample exposure to general NM/MI and oncologic studies. Less than 3% of trainees reported adequate exposure to therapies, neurological applications, molecular imaging/research advances, and physics. Respondents reported a need for better quality education (38.9%) and exposure to mentors (28.8%) as ways to attract trainees to NM/MI. Routinely encountered clinical pathology was the most interesting for those specializing in NM/MI (29.4%), whereas lifestyle was the most attractive aspect of NM/MI for those not pursuing a career in the field (27.4%). NM/MI-associated research was the least attractive for those specializing in NM/MI (35.3%), while job market concerns was the least attractive aspect for those not specializing in NM/MI (37.2%). Trainees planning to specialize in NM/MI reported higher satisfaction with their orientation to NM/MI during their first clinical rotation compared to those who do not plan to specialize in the field (3.03/5.00 and 2.67/5.00, respectively, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION This survey highlights several factors that training programs and national societies can target to improve interest in NM/MI among radiology residents. We found that optimized education initiatives, including improved orientation to the field, increased mentoring, and career opportunities are essential levers for recruiting radiology trainees into the NM/MI workforce.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Key Factors to Attract More U.S. Diagnostic Radiology Residents into the Field of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging: A National Survey
- Creators
- Bashar Kako - Massachusetts General HospitalJian W DongBrian P AnTheresa C McLoudSara M DurfeeHeather A JaceneDavid Z ChowYingbing WangHyewon HyunThomas S C Ng
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Academic radiology, Vol.30(4), pp.755-762
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.acra.2022.07.025
- ISSN
- 1076-6332
- eISSN
- 1878-4046
- Grant note
- DOI: 10.13039/100007299, name: Harvard Catalyst; DOI: 10.13039/100005294, name: Massachusetts General Hospital; DOI: 10.13039/100019236, name: Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College; DOI: 10.13039/100006108, name: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; DOI: 10.13039/100000002, name: National Institutes of Health, award: UL1 TR002541; DOI: 10.13039/100007229, name: Harvard University
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 09/01/2022
- Date published
- 04/2023
- Academic Unit
- Sociology and Criminology; Educational Policy and Leadership Studies; Center for Social Science Innovation
- Record Identifier
- 9984306247302771
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