ACR survey results: diagnostic imaging scientists and engineers

The American College of Radiology's Committee on Physics Resources of the Commission on Human Resources conducted a survey of diagnostic imaging scientists and engineers to assess who is providing radiologic physics and related services in diagnostic imaging departments. The survey forms were distributed through the members of the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators. Survey results showed a predominance of M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics and medical/radiological physics. Nearly all respondents had their time split between numerous categories of work, such as clinical and research, and between different modalities such as diagnostic x-ray, nuclear medicine and radiation oncology. To enhance physics services in important areas such as CT, which currently receive little time, support is needed for work prioritization, for training, and for positions for physics and physics-support personnel.