The job market in diagnostic radiology 1999: updated findings from a help wanted index of job advertisements

Radiology in the News: A Content Analysis of Radiology-Related Information Retrieved From Google Alerts

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Google Alerts highlighted a diverse set of topics present in online media.

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Most links were directly to non-radiology lay press, but <1% of links over the 6-month period sent the user directly to a primary peer-reviewed medical journal article.

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The most common topics were market trends, promotional, COVID-19, and artificial intelligence.

Introduction

Radiology topics receive substantial online media attention, with prior studies focusing on social media platform coverage. We used Google Alerts, a content change detection and notification service, to prospectively analyze new radiology-related content appearing on the internet.

Materials and Methods

An automated notification was created on Google Alerts for the search term “radiology,” sending the user emails with up to 3 new links daily. All links from November 2019 through April 2020 were assessed by 2 of 3 independent raters using a coding system to classify the content source and primary topic of discussion. The top 5 primary topics were retrospectively evaluated to identify prevalent subcategories. Content viewing restrictions were documented.

Results

526 links were accessed. The majority (68%) of links were created by non-radiology lay press, followed by radiology-related lay press (28%), university-based publications (2%), and professional society websites (2%). The primary topic of these links most frequently related to market trends (28%), promotional material (20%), COVID-19 (13%), artificial intelligence (8%), and new technology or equipment (5%). 15% of links discussed a topic sourced from another article, such as a peer-reviewed journal, though only 2 linked directly to the journal itself. 8% of links had content viewing restrictions.

Conclusion

New radiology content was largely disseminated via non-radiology news sources; radiologists should therefore ensure their research and viewpoints are presented in these outlets. Google Alerts may be a useful tool to stay abreast of the most current public radiology subject matters, especially during these times of social isolation and rapidly evolving clinical practice.

Update on the diagnostic radiology employment market: findings through 2007-2008

PURPOSE

To describe the employment market for diagnostic radiologists in 2007-2008, with attention to differences among subspecialties.

METHODS

The authors conducted the most recent in a series of annual surveys of vacancies in academic departments and obtained data from the placement service of the ACR (its Professional Bureau) during its operation at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. The authors also obtained survey data on how radiologists' actual workloads compared with what they desired.

RESULTS

The ratio of job listings to job seekers at the placement service, which serves both community and academic positions, fell to 0.60 for 2008, compared with 1.1 to 1.2 for 2003 to 2006 and 0.22 to 3.8 in the preceding decade. In 2007, workload averaged 3% less than desired, unlike a close match in 2003. Vacancies per academic department have been growing slightly. Data on academic vacancies indicated that interventional, pediatric, and particularly breast imaging were the fields with the most intense shortages. General radiology and (marginally) neuroradiology were at the opposite end of the spectrum. At the placement service, there was a particularly high ratio of job listings to job seekers for interventional radiology and a particularly low ratio for nuclear medicine/radiology.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall job market remains very much intermediate between the highs and lows that have occurred since 1990, but finding highly desirable jobs is likely to be somewhat more difficult, and filling vacancies somewhat easier, in 2008 than in the past few years. There was a strong indication of a 3% surplus of radiologists in 2007. Interventional radiology, pediatric radiology, and particularly breast imaging are the subspecialties in which positions are most difficult to fill; neuroradiology, general radiology, and nuclear radiology may lie at the opposite end of the spectrum.

National examination of Brazilian residents and specialization trainees in radiology and diagnostic imaging: a tool for evaluating the qualifications of future radiologists

PURPOSE

This is a study of performance based on an In-training Examination for Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging targeting residents (R) and specialization trainees (ST) in Radiology. The radiological training may differ between R and ST in some centers. The authors present their experience and thoughts regarding the first three years of application of the In-training Examination administered by The Brazilian College of Radiology.

METHODS

Three hundred and eight-six tests were analyzed in 1999, 715 in 2000, and 731 in 2001. The yearly tests consisted of multiple-choice answers, some with interpretation of digital images, and were divided into 9 specialties: neurology, thorax, physics, pediatrics, digestive system, urinary system, musculoskeletal system, mammography, and gynecology-obstetrics. Each specialty was analyzed separately. The tests were given simultaneously in 12 Brazilian cities. The subspecialty scores of examinees at different stages of training were compared (1st, 2nd, and 3rd year residents and specialization trainees), by the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.001).

RESULTS

The 1999 examination did not reveal any significant difference between the R and ST groups (P>0.05). Generally, in 2000 and 2001, R achieved higher scores than ST (P<0.001). The performance in physics was poor for both groups for the 3 years covered by the study.

CONCLUSION

The performance of residents was better than that of the specialization trainees in the majority of the subspecialties, mainly in the last two years. The In-training Examination provides a system for evaluating future specialists and identifying the centers that need to revise their teaching methods and the regional differences in radiological training.

Update on the diagnostic radiology employment market: findings through 2006-2007

PURPOSE

To describe the employment market for diagnostic radiologists in 2006-2007, with attention to differences among subspecialties.

METHODS

The authors conducted the most recent in a series of annual surveys of vacancies in academic departments and obtained data from the placement service of the American College of Radiology (ACR), its Professional Bureau, during its operation at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. The two data series were correlated. The percentage of academic vacancies in each subspecialty was compared with the percentage of academic radiologists in that subspecialty.

RESULTS

Job listings per job seeker at the placement service, which serves both community and academic positions, were 0.72 for 2007 compared with approximately 1.1 to 1.2 for 2003 to 2006 and variation from 0.25 to 3.8 in the preceding decade. The correlation of the two data series was 0.84 (P = .08) for the 5 years for which both are available. Particularly high ratios of academic vacancies to academic radiologists were found for interventional radiology and breast imaging; particularly low ratios were found for neuroradiology and nuclear radiology.

CONCLUSIONS

The job market remains very much intermediate between the highs and lows that have occurred since 1990, but finding highly desirable jobs is likely to be somewhat more difficult, and filling vacancies somewhat easier, in 2007 than in the past few years. Interventional radiology and breast imaging are the subspecialties in which academic positions are most difficult to fill; neuroradiology and nuclear radiology seem to be at the opposite end of the spectrum. The same differences across subspecialties are probably found in community practice, given the strong correlation of the two data series.

Update on the Diagnostic Radiologist Employment Market: Findings Through 2004

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to summarize the latest information concerning the diagnostic radiologist employment market.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three sources of data are presented and compared with previous data: vacancies in academic radiology departments as of July; the ratio of job listings to job seekers at a major placement service; and the number of positions advertised in Radiology and the American Journal of Roentgenology.

RESULTS

Vacancies in academic radiology departments averaged 3.9 in 2004, down 29%, and decreased for all subspecialties as compared with 2001, but the number of vacancies remained very similar to that for 2003. Job listings per job seeker were 1.1 in 2004, stable over the past 2 years but at the lowest level since 1997. The overall number of positions advertised declined by 14% in 2003 compared with 2002 and by an additional 17% in 2004, reaching the lowest level since 1998. In 2004, 45.3% of positions advertised were academic. Comparing 2003-2004 with 2001-2002, all geographic regions exhibited absolute declines in advertisements except the Northeast, which showed a 1.5% increase. Absolute increases occurred for musculoskeletal and emergency radiology positions. Statistically significant proportional decreases occurred for general radiology, vascular/interventional radiology, and pediatric radiology.

CONCLUSION

Three separate data sources confirm a substantial and broad-based multiyear decline in the strength of the demand for diagnostic radiologists, with some shifting in relative demand for subspecialties. It is not clear if the decrease continued in 2004 or if 2004 demand was similar to that of 2003. Data are relative and do not indicate the employment market is weak in absolute terms.

Radiologist recruitment and retention: How can we improve?

Although recent data suggest that the shortage of radiologists is beginning to ease, radiologists remain in high demand. Academic and private radiology practices can take specific steps both to encourage the recruitment of new radiologists and to enhance the retention of existing staff members. The authors review the history of the current workforce shortage and describe steps they have taken within their own practice that have proved successful in helping fill staff positions and prevent the significant loss of staff members over the past several years. The authors believe that these steps can be helpful to any institution, private or academic, seeking to recruit and retain radiologists.

Implementation of an international teleradiology staffing model

Although teleradiology is presently being used extensively in the United States-for both overseas subspecialty consultations and overnight coverage of imaging services at domestic medical centers-there has been limited investigation of its potential to help provide staffing support to U.S. medical centers from offshore locations. In this review, the authors describe an empirical assessment of the clinical feasibility and applicability of body computed tomographic (CT) image cases that originated at a U.S. university hospital being interpreted nearly contemporaneously by a staff radiologist in India. During a 3-month period, nonemergent CT cases obtained at a tertiary care institution (Yale-New Haven Hospital) were transmitted daily to a satellite reading facility in Bangalore, India. The cases were interpreted at the satellite reading facility by a faculty member radiologist who maintained hospital privileges and academic appointment at the parent institution in the United States. CT imaging reports were transcribed and uploaded directly to the parent institution's radiology information system. Technical problems temporarily prevented the transfer of image cases twice during the study period. Overall, the project results demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of an international teleradiology staffing model.

Emergency Department Image Interpretation Services at Private Community Hospitals

PURPOSE

To investigate the methods used at private community hospitals for delivering emergency department (ED) image interpretation services.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors contacted a random national sample of 114 hospitals by telephone and administered an "ED Radiology Coverage" questionnaire. The questionnaire included queries about daytime image interpretation duties, nighttime radiology coverage arrangements, and radiologist staffing needs. Results were stratified on the basis of ED patient volumes and trauma center designation and were analyzed statistically by using multivariate and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Representatives of 97 EDs responded to the questionnaire. Community hospital radiologists performed daytime primary interpretation of radiographs at 39 (40%) of 97 EDs, computed tomographic (CT) scans at 91 (95%) of 96 EDs, and ultrasonographic images at 87.5 (93%) of 94 EDs. "ED-dedicated" radiologists performed this emergency radiology work in only two (2%) of 97 EDs. During the nighttime, eight (8%) of 97 EDs had no radiology coverage, 80 (82%) of 97 EDs used teleradiology services in some form, and nine (9%) of 97 EDs employed in-house, rotating "non-ED-dedicated" radiologists. Analysis of participant responses revealed that clinicians at 37 (38%) of 97 EDs were able to consult radiologists for nighttime radiography questions, and 87 (92%) of 95 EDs had nighttime CT scans read by radiologists in time for patient care decisions. Twenty-four (25%) of 97 EDs reported radiologist staffing shortages, but only one indicated that it was actively trying to recruit ED-dedicated radiologists. Results of logistic regression analysis indicated that higher ED patient volumes (P =.005) and the presence of a trauma center (P =.02) each significantly increases the probability of higher nighttime levels of radiologist coverage.

CONCLUSION

There is great variation in the current provision of emergency radiology services in private community hospitals.

Update on the diagnostic radiologist shortage

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to present the latest information available on the shortage of diagnostic radiologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four sources of information are available, and we present their data: first, the number of jobs for diagnostic radiologists advertised in Radiology and the American Journal of Roentgenology; second, vacancies in academic radiology departments as of July 1, 2003, ascertained by a survey of these departments; third, the ratio of job listings to job seekers at a major professional placement service, the Professional Bureau of the American College of Radiology (ACR); and fourth, diagnostic radiologists' self-reported workload burden, from the ACR's 2003 Survey of Diagnostic Radiologists.

RESULTS

Jobs advertised in September-November 2003 (latest data available) were 28% fewer than in the same months of 2002. Vacancies per department averaged 3.9 in 2003, compared with 5.4 in 2001 and 5.1 in 2002. Listings per seeker were 1.4 in 2002 (latest data available) compared with 3.0 or more in 1999 and 2000. Responses to a question directly tying changes in workload to changes in income indicated that reported desires for workload reduction and workload increase were approximately equal.

CONCLUSION

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.

Findings in 2002 from a help wanted index of job advertisements: is the job-market shortage of diagnostic radiologists easing?

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to present the most recent data on the diagnostic radiology job market in the United States using a help wanted index of job advertisements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All diagnostic radiology positions advertised in the American Journal of Roentgenology and Radiology from January through December 2002 were coded by practice type, geographic location, and subspecialty. Data were compared with the previously published results from 1991 through 2001.

RESULTS

From January through December 2002, 5117 positions were advertised for diagnostic radiologists, representing a 10.4% decrease from 2001. The 12-month rolling average of job advertisements peaked at 488 in February 2002 and dropped to 432 by December 2002, a level not seen since August 2000. In 2002, 42.7% of positions advertised were academic, representing a steady increase from 34.0% in 1999. When comparing the 4-year periods 1999-2002 and 1995-1998, a statistically significant proportional increase was found for positions advertised in the Midwest. Statistically significant relative increases were also observed for the subspecialties of abdominal radiology, mammography, neuroradiology, pediatric radiology, chest radiology, and nuclear medicine. Statistically significant relative decreases were seen in general and vascular and interventional positions.

CONCLUSION

The absolute demand for diagnostic radiologists nationwide appears to have stabilized during 2002, albeit at a level much higher than in previous years, and may be decreasing. A split seems to have appeared in the market between academia and private practice. Current policy should be directed toward increasing the supply of diagnostic radiologists, especially academicians.

Updated findings from a help wanted index of job advertisements and an analysis of the policy implications: is the job-market shortage for diagnostic radiologists stabilizing?

OBJECTIVE

The goal of our study is to present the most recent data on the diagnostic radiology job market in the United States using a help wanted index of job advertisements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All diagnostic radiology jobs advertised in the American Journal of Roentgenology and Radiology between January 2000 and December 2001 were coded by practice type, geographic location, and subspecialty and were compared with the previously published results from 1991 through 1999.

RESULTS

From January 1999 through December 2001, 15,205 positions were advertised for diagnostic radiologists, representing a 284% average per-month increase as compared with the previous 4-year period. The 12-month rolling average of job advertisements peaked in June 2001 at 476 and has since stabilized. Thirty-six percent of positions advertised were academic, identical to the proportion found from 1995 to 1998. A statistically significant relative increase in jobs advertised was noted in the Midwest, and relative decreases were seen in the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest, and (most recently) California. Statistically significant relative decreases were also observed in the number of general radiology, vascular and interventional, and emergency radiology positions. The demand for mammographers, pediatric radiologists, neuroradiologists, abdominal imagers, and chest radiologists all exhibited statistically significant relative increases.

CONCLUSION

The absolute demand for both private and academic radiologists continued to grow throughout the country and in all subspecialties, but the pace of increase has slowed dramatically during the past 12 months, especially in the western United States. Current policy should be directed toward training for the areas of greatest need.

Data from a professional society placement service as a measure of the employment market for physicians

PURPOSE

To determine whether data from a professional society placement service--the Professional Bureau of the American College of Radiology--are a valid measure of the employment market.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the United States from 1990 to 1998, the authors compared three placement service measures-the annual number of job listings, job seekers, and listings per seeker-with two presumably valid measures of the employment market-annual total jobs available (which was ascertained from surveys of hiring) and radiologist median income relative to the all-physician median. For the comparisons, both graphic displays of the data and correlation were used.

RESULTS

In graphs, patterns of change were similar. The correlation of job listings, which measure demand, with total jobs, which also measure demand, was 0.84 (P =.04). The correlation of (a) job seekers, a measure of supply, and (b) listings per seeker, which involve both supply and demand, with total jobs was substantial but lower: 0.58 (P =.23) and 0.76 (P =.08), respectively. Correlation of the three placement service measures with relative income, which presumably depends on both supply and demand, was 0.80-0.88 (P <.05 for each measure).

CONCLUSION

The statistical significance levels of the correlations and the pattern of findings--namely, stronger correlations among measures of the same aspect of the employment market--indicate that these placement service data are valid and reasonably accurate measures of the employment market.

Determinants of differences among radiologists in starting salaries

OBJECTIVE

We sought to ascertain the actual effect of each of a broad range of factors that plausibly might affect starting salary.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We surveyed radiologists who completed training in 1997 and obtained 487 relevant responses. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the independent effects of characteristics of the physician, his or her job and employment search, and market area characteristics of his or her practice locality.

RESULTS

Academic starting salaries were, other things equal, 6% below private practice. Residency-only graduates had incomes 7% below a typical fellowship income. Only a few fellowship fields garnered incomes that were significantly different from the typical income. More managed care in a locality was associated with lower income, and a higher percentage of elderly in the locality was associated with a higher income. We found no statistically significant (p < 0.05) effects of sex, job location constraints, local per capita income, local cost of living, or (generally) graduate quality as measured by the ranking of a graduate's residency program.

CONCLUSION

The determinants of income are multiple and varied, including physician characteristics, such as field of subspecialty training; job characteristics, such as academic versus private practice employment; and market area characteristics. However, the study yielded as many puzzling, negative findings, such as the lack of effect of physician quality or of even severe locational constraints, as positive, expected findings.

Too few radiologists?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to model the supply and demand for diagnostic radiologists over the next 30 years under alternative scenarios.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used responses from the American College of Radiology's 2000 Survey of Diagnostic Radiologists and Radiation Oncologists to determine the current age distribution and activity of diagnostic radiologists. The numbers entering the profession were projected using three assumptions: no change in training programs, reduction of residency to 3 years (or otherwise increasing the annual number of graduates by one third), and elimination of most fellowship programs. Demand projections assume a 5% shortage in 2001 and depend on growth rates of the population, aging, scenarios of growth of age-standardized demand, and the effect of possibly productivity-enhancing technologies such as PACS (picture archiving and communication systems).

RESULTS

Only a one-third increase in annual graduates materially increases the work-force relative to current training patterns. In all cases, the growth rate of the demand for radiologists far outstrips the supply over a 30-year horizon. In the shorter term, projections of current trends point to an increasing shortage, but rapid major productivity increases could produce a surplus.

CONCLUSION

Those in the field of diagnostic radiology should consider measures to mitigate the increasing shortage, while monitoring developments that might signal departures from current trends in supply and demand.

Relative attractiveness of diagnostic radiology: assessment with data from the National Residency Matching Program and comparison with the strength of the job market

PURPOSE

To quantify medical students' preferences for various specialties and to compare shifts in specialty preference with overall employment market prospects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By using National Residency Matching Program data, a previously validated help-wanted index (HWI), and American Medical Association (AMA) salary data, the authors quantified medical students' preferences for various specialties and examined the association of shifts in specialty preference with overall trends as seen in the strength of the diagnostic radiology match and its relationship with the job market. The authors established a proxy for the relative attractiveness (RA) of diagnostic radiology (relative to all specialties) in the match, which was calculated by subtracting the percentage fill rate for all specialties from that for radiology. The RA values were plotted for 1990-2000 and compared with trends in the HWI, American College of Radiology data, and AMA salary data.

RESULTS

The RA of diagnostic radiology varied greatly during the past 10 years, with a low in 1996 and a return to its high in recent years. There is a relationship between the RA and economic vitality of diagnostic radiology, with the RA lagging behind the HWI and AMA salary data by 2 years.

CONCLUSION

Medical students appear to have an in-depth understanding of the economic forces at play in the health care job market and incorporate this information into their choice of a specialty.

2000 RSNA annual oration in diagnostic radiology: The future of interventional radiology

Origins in imaging, procedural emphasis, and dependence on innovation characterize interventional radiology, which will continue as the field of image-guided minimally invasive therapies. A steady supply of innovators will be needed. Current workforce shortages demand that this problem be addressed and in an ongoing fashion. Interventional radiology's major identity problem will require multiple corrective measures, including a name change. Diagnostic radiologists must fully embrace the concept of the dedicated interventionalist. Interspecialty turf battles will continue, especially with cardiologists and vascular surgeons. To advance the discipline, interventional radiologists must remain involved in cutting-edge therapies such as endograft repair of aortic aneurysms and carotid stent placement. As the population ages, interventionalists will experience a shift toward a greater emphasis on cancer treatment. Political agendas and public pressure will improve access to care and result in managed health care reforms. Academic centers will continue to witness a decline in time and resources available to pursue academic missions. The public outcry for accountability will result in systems changes aimed at reducing errors and process changes in the way physicians are trained, certified, and monitored. Evidence-based medicine will be the watchword of this century. Interventional radiology will maintain its role through development of methods for delivery of genes, gene products, and drugs to specific target sites; control of angiogenesis and other biologic processes; and noninvasive image-guided delivery of various forms of energy for ablation.

Pediatric radiology at the millennium

PURPOSE

To evaluate the current practice of and job market for pediatric radiologists in the United States and Canada with a 1998 survey and compare findings with those of surveys from 1980 and 1989.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Surveys were mailed to the 728 active members of the Society for Pediatric Radiology. Questions covered professional practice, subspecialization, and involvement in evolving technologies. A pediatric radiology help-wanted index was generated from a diagnostic radiology help-wanted index.

RESULTS

Increasing involvement in the interpretation of computed tomographic, ultrasonographic, and magnetic resonance images was found among the 57% (411 of 728) of the members who responded. The attainment of a certificate of added qualification in pediatric radiology was found in nearly three-fourths of the membership, and 85% (348 of 408) had completed a fellowship. More than half of the respondents were involved in interventional procedures amid a continued increase in volume; 24% (100 of 409) of the membership, as compared with 7% in the 1980 survey, was practicing in a community or "other" setting. Subspecialization within pediatric radiology had diminished, and there was a larger percentage of female pediatric radiologists, particularly among the newest members. The job market was robust, having recovered substantially since the middle 1990s.

CONCLUSION

The practice of pediatric radiology has evolved, with increasing involvement in advanced techniques and modalities, as well as a greater presence in community settings. The help-wanted index supports the recent discussions of a personnel shortfall.

Initial employment experiences of 1997 graduates of radiation oncology training programs

PURPOSE

To inform the profession of current trends in the job market, the American College of Radiology (ACR) sought to detail the job-hunting experiences and outcomes of 1997 graduates of radiation oncology training programs.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In early 1998, questionnaires were mailed to all graduates; 67% responded. Results were compared with similar surveys of 1996 graduates.

RESULTS

Similar to past years, immediately after graduation, 13% of residency graduates and 1 of 10 fellowship graduates encountered serious employment difficulties--that is, spent some time working locums, working outside radiation oncology, or unemployed. By 6-12 months after graduation, approximately 2% of all residency graduates were working outside the profession and approximately 3% were not working at all. Eighty-five percent of residency graduates and 7 of 8 fellowship graduates reported that their employment reasonably matched their training and individual goals. On average, graduates' actual salaries approximately corresponded to expected salaries. Eleven percent of all graduates were in nonownership-track jobs, a significant decline since 1996. For residents and fellows combined, 46% had a job with at least one characteristic some observers associate with a weak job market, but fewer than half of those with one of these characteristics actually disliked it. These percentages are similar to 1996. Women graduates were more likely than men to have spouse-related restrictions on job location but less likely to end up in a self-reportedly undesirable location.

CONCLUSION

Unemployment remained low. Some other indicators of the employment market showed improvement, while others did not.

Hiring of diagnostic radiologists in 1998

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the 1998 hiring activities of physician practices with respect to diagnostic radiologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey was mailed to a sample of 970 radiology practices in the spring through fall of 1999; 73.0% responded. Responses were weighted to represent all practices in the United States providing diagnostic radiology services. Findings were compared with results of similar surveys from previous years.

RESULTS

In 1998, multiradiologist groups sought to hire 2299 (+/-148 [standard error]) diagnostic radiologists, an increase of 20% from 1977. Positions offered in 1998 were split almost equally between expansion positions and replacements for those who had left a practice. Another 422 (+/-58) positions had been vacated that practices did not seek to refill. In 1998, 621 (+/-57) diagnostic radiologists left active practice, which is more than the usual number of approximately 400 annually but less than the approximately 800 of 1996 and 1997. There was no significant association between hiring activity and the self-perceived effect of managed care on a group.

CONCLUSION

The pace of hiring and turnover of diagnostic radiologists increased in 1998. Positions available continue to exceed radiologists available to fill them; the excess was approximately 330 positions, which is not significantly different from the excess reported for 1997, but is higher than the (not statistically significant) net shortfall of 51 positions estimated for 1996.

Changes in the job market for interventional radiology as detected through a help-wanted index of job advertisements

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to study trends in the job market in interventional radiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Each job advertisement for a diagnostic radiologist in the American Journal of Roentgenology and Radiology between January 1991 and December 1999 was coded by practice type (academic vs private), location, and subspecialty. Positions for interventional radiologists were compared with positions for noninterventional radiologists. Data from the first 48 months (January 1991 through December 1994) were compared with data from the second 48 months (January 1995 through December 1998). Data from 1999 were grouped separately.

RESULTS

The nadir for all noninterventional and interventional radiology positions was seen in July 1995, and both areas have experienced great recovery since then. In December 1999, the last month of data collection, the absolute peak number of advertisements for interventional radiologists was reached. In fact, during the last half of the decade, an increasing percentage of jobs advertised for diagnostic radiologists was specifically for interventional radiologists. Statistically significant trends also occurred toward the private sector and toward positions in the Midwest and California.

CONCLUSION

With a help-wanted index, dramatic shifts toward the private sector and toward jobs in the Midwest and California were demonstrated in the interventional radiology job market.

1997 Graduates Speak: initial employment experiences of residency and fellowship graduates

OBJECTIVE

The American College of Radiology sought to detail the initial employment experience of 1997 diagnostic radiology graduates and recent trends.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In early 1998, questionnaires were mailed to all graduates; 65% responded. Results were compared with similar surveys of 1995 and 1996 graduates.

RESULTS

Much as in past years, immediately after graduation 4% of residency graduates and 9% of fellowship graduates spent some time working as a locum tenens, working outside radiology, or unemployed, but by 6-12 months after graduation, 2% or fewer were not employed. The median fellowship graduate's salary was 5% greater than in 1996. Twelve percent of fellowship graduates were in non-ownership-track jobs, much the same as in earlier years. Thirty-two percent had one or more of 12 possibly undesirable job characteristics, down from 39% in 1996; 14% not only had, but actually disliked, one or more of these characteristics, much the same as in 1996, but down from 23% in 1995. Multivariate analysis showed that women graduates were more likely than men to have had serious employment difficulties in the immediate postgraduation months; and that graduates having a spouse who also had to find a job in the same area were more likely than others to be in a putatively "seriously undesirable" location or in "holding pattern" employment while looking for something better or more permanent.

CONCLUSION

Unemployment remained very low. Some other indicators of the employment market showed improvement. Factors expected to affect employment outcomes-for example, training program quality or having major non-spouse-related restrictions on job location-had surprisingly little effect.