Academic radiology: the reasons to stay or leave

To find major reasons why junior academic radiologists leave academia for private practice and to suggest future changes to motivate them to stay.

2000 surveys were sent to every tenth member of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) who completed training within the past decade. Those in academic institutions and those who left within 5 years were asked to respond.

132 radiologists responded. Thirty-two percent of responders were in academic radiology. Of those in academic radiology, 71% plan to stay at the same institution, 7% are planning to move to another academic institution, 17% are considering private practice, and 5% are leaving for private practice. The main reasons to leave were low pay and lack of academic time. Sixty-eight percent of responders already left academia after an average of 3.28 years. Ninety-five percent feel the decision was good, and 65% would not go back. Forty-nine percent experienced more than 100% pay increase, 60% feel they work harder, and 62% feel quality of life is better.

Significant changes should be made to motivate junior radiologists to stay in academia. Developing leaders in radiology is a must, and should be a top priority. Academic radiologists should not be expected to read private practice volumes and still have time to produce quality research and teaching. Clinical duties should be limited to 32 hours per week. At least 1 day a week should be protected academic time. Efforts should be made to decrease the discrepancy between incomes. Mentoring is important, allowing a smooth transition for junior faculty members to optimize academic progress and lead to promotion.