Why Medical Students Pursue Radiology: A Current Longitudinal Survey on Motivations and Controversial Issues in Radiology

A breakdown of how diagnostic radiology residency became increasingly competitive for US doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) and international medical graduates (IMGs)

Diagnostic Radiology has emerged as an increasingly competitive specialty posing a significant challenge for aspirants, particularly for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). This could be attributed to the field's dynamic nature, flexibility of career paths, and high job demand. This article delves into a decade's worth of matching trends in diagnostic radiology, underscoring the unique obstacles faced by DOs and IMGs including possible implicit biases, logistical hurdles, and the implications of the USMLE Step 1's transition to pass/fail scoring. It offers practical solutions to level the playing field, such as expanding clinical and research opportunities for applicants, encouraging residency programs to address implicit biases, increasing curriculum adaptability in osteopathic and foreign medical schools, and exploring accreditation reforms. Together, these recommendations aim to create a more equitable selection process and mitigate the systemic barriers DOs and IMGs face in securing highly sought-after radiology residency spots.

Factors Influencing Choosing Diagnostic Radiology As a Specialty Among Medical Students

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Radiology plays a crucial role in modern healthcare as it facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions in different specialties. Therefore, this study aimed to gain insights into the factors that contribute to medical students choosing radiology as a future career.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study used an online, self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected exclusively from medical students at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University in Saudi Arabia from August to September 2023. The chi-square test was used to assess the factors associated with medical students' choices as a future specialty.

RESULTS

A total of 431 eligible respondents completed the survey; 267 (61.9%) were female, and their ages ranged from 18-36 years. When asked about their specialty of choice, 209 (48.5%) were interested in surgery and internal medicine, whereas only 81 (18.8%) chose radiology. Regarding the factors influencing the choice of radiology, the majority (85.6%) reported the importance of lifestyle in their choice, followed by the impact on patient care (83.5%), work environment (82.1%), intellectual challenge (79.8%), presence of procedures (76.6%), degree of patient contact (76.1%), and pre-existing experience of radiology (75.9%).

CONCLUSION

Many factors influence medical students' choices of radiology as a future career. Predominantly, the working environment, current exposure, knowledge of the specialty, extent of patient contact, and work-life balance were chosen as the main factors affecting medical students' choices when considering radiology as a future specialty.

Intersectionality and Faculty Compensation in Academic Radiology in U.S

BACKGROUND

The impact of intersectionality on academic radiology physician compensation is not well known.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess impact of intersectionality on academic radiology financial compensation, based on rank, gender and race/ethnicity in US medical schools.

METHODS

Data were collected from the AAMC Faculty Salary Survey, which collects information for full-time faculty at U.S. medical schools. Financial compensation data for radiology faculty with MD or equivalent degree in diagnostic radiology (DR) as well as interventional radiology (IR) was collected for 2023, stratified by rank, gender, and race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

The AAMC Faculty Salary Survey data for 2023 included responses for 683 IR (138 women, 545 men) and 2431 DR (862 women, 1569 men) faculty. Men had a higher median compensation than women at all ranks, for both IR and DR, except DR instructors. The gender pay gap was greater in IR faculty compared to DR faculty of the same rank. All intersectional groups among IR faculty reported a lower median compensation compared to White men of the same rank. All intersectional groups among DR faculty, except Asian Men, had a lower median compensation than White men of the same rank. Among IR faculty, Asian women assistant professors faced the greatest disparity in median compensation, down to $75 K (15%) lower than White men. Among DR faculty, Black/African American women assistant professors faced the greatest disparity on median compensation, down to $48 K (10.5%) lower than White men.

CONCLUSION

The study results raise important concerns about impact of intersectionality on faculty compensation in radiology which needs further study and should be addressed as part of broader drive to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic radiology.