Satisfaction of radiologists in the United States: a comparison between 2003 and 1995

To prospectively ascertain what characteristics of radiologists, their practices, and their work environment affect professional satisfaction and to describe recent changes in satisfaction.

Survey respondents were guaranteed confidentiality. Those who consented to participate were informed of the nature of the study. The authors analyzed nonindividually identified data from the American College of Radiology 2003 Survey of Radiologists, a nationally representative, confidential, stratified random-sample mail survey of radiologists in the United States, which had a 63% response rate, with a total of 1924 responses. Data were weighted to be representative of all U.S. radiologists and were analyzed by using univariate and multivariate analyses. The five answer options to questions regarding level of satisfaction corresponded to scores of +2, +1, 0, -1, and -2. Results were compared with those of a similar 1995 survey.

Although 93% of radiologists enjoyed radiology very much or somewhat, the mean satisfaction score for posttraining professionally active radiologists decreased from 1.62 in 1995 to 1.47 in 2003. Thirty-two percent of radiologists reported enjoying radiology more than 5 years ago; 41% said they enjoyed it less. Excessive workload reduced current satisfaction and satisfaction relative to 5 years ago. Working in the Midwest enhanced current satisfaction and satisfaction relative to 5 years ago. Practice type and practice ownership had more varied effects on professional satisfaction; subspecialty type had relatively little effect. In 2003, medicolegal climate, workload, and reimbursement and/or financial pressures were the three most common reasons for decreased satisfaction. In 1995, interference from managed care; government regulations, control, and red tape; and increased administrative burden were the three most common reasons. Lifestyle and/or work hours, and income were the most common causes of increased satisfaction in 2003, but these were also often mentioned as causes of decreased satisfaction.

Radiologists have higher levels of professional satisfaction than do other physicians; however, as with physicians overall, their satisfaction has decreased over time.