Whitney Palmer

Radiology Veers Off the ROAD

Published on the Oct. 29, 2015 DiagnosticImaging.com website

By Whitney L.J. Howell

Thirty years ago, radiology had a good reputation. Salaries were high. Hours were short. Providers vacationed in exotic locales. Life as a radiologist was nearly storybook.

Today, the perception of radiology is quite different. The picture painted for medical residents and early-career radiologists includes declining reimbursement, nearly around-the-clock work hours, and more complicated imaging studies.

They’re signs the specialty has changed, said Richard Gunderman, MD, PhD, professor of radiology in Indiana University’s Center for Bioethics.

“The perception for a long time was that radiology was a great lifestyle specialty. You didn’t have after-hours duties except for being on call. Patients weren’t calling you with problems or questions about their health. You worked short hours and were relatively well compensated for it,” he said. “That situation has changed considerably.”

But, changes and a movement away from the lifestyle specialty moniker aren’t necessarily bad things. Overall, radiology has simply assumed a new role within the health care system.

To read the remainder of the article at its original location: http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/practice-management/radiology-veers-road?cid=tophero

October 29, 2015 - Posted by wjpalmer | Uncategorized | James Rawson MD, Linda Dew MD, radiology as lifestyle, radiology lifestyle specialty, radiology work-life balance, Richard Gunderman MD PhD