Radiologists' expectations of changes in radiology fellowship training programs

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiology Training
• Professional Certification

Background:

• The American Board of Radiology (ABR) implemented a new certification process in 2010 for diagnostic radiology.
• This process involves a comprehensive exam after 3 years of residency and a final exam 15 months post-residency.
• Most radiologists undertake fellowship training for 1 year after residency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess radiologists' expectations regarding changes in radiology fellowship training programs.
• Specifically, to determine if these changes are anticipated in response to the new ABR certification process.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to active members of three radiology societies between October and December 2009.
• Respondents were queried about perceived changes in fellowship programs during 2009-2010, expected changes in the next three years, and anticipated impacts of the ABR certification changes.

Main Results:

• A total of 342 responses were received, yielding a response rate of at least 22.9%.
• Most fellowship program directors and affiliated radiologists reported few past changes and expected none over the next three years, though substantial minorities anticipated increased salary and workload.
• Except for recent fellows, most respondents did not expect significant changes in fellowship programs due to the ABR certification process; recent fellows anticipated more applicants, internally filled positions, and a greater emphasis on fellowships.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists generally perceived minimal changes in their fellowship programs historically and did not anticipate significant shifts in the near future.
• The new ABR certification process was not expected by most to cause substantial changes in radiology fellowship training.