Call obligations in radiology residency: a survey

The authors evaluated the initial assignment of call responsibilities during residency, the effect on call obligations of the number of residents, and the differences between private and university programs and level 1 and non-level 1 trauma centers.

A survey was sent to all 203 diagnostic radiology residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Chief residents at 21 institutions were surveyed by phone or in person. Directors of residency programs in the Graduate Medical Education Directory received the survey electronically.

Responses were received from 99 (68 university, 31 private practice) of the 203 programs. Nine (9%) reported both a decreased number of residents and a subsequent increase in call obligations. First-year residents generally began to accept calls with a senior resident or alone at a median of 6 months, although 15 (48%) private practice programs required them to accept calls alone before this time. First-year residents at university programs (31%) were more likely to assume call duties during the first 6 months accompanied by a senior resident. Maximum time before 1st-year residents started going on call was 13 months.

Call obligations remain a resident responsibility. University and private practice programs differ more than level 1 and non-level 1 trauma centers.