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.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 01, 2022
Accepted:
July 31,
2022
Received in revised form:
July 29,
2022
Received:
May 10,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
