Radiology Resident Supply and Demand: A Regional Perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiology Workforce Analysis
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• The period between 2012 and 2015 saw a significant deficit in available radiology jobs for program graduates.
• Understanding the growth trends in radiology training positions preceding this crisis is crucial for future workforce planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the growth of radiology training positions over the decade prior to the 2012-2015 job shortage.
• To identify factors contributing to the radiology job crisis and inform future policy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized National Resident Matching Program data for per capita radiology trainees and annual match statistics (2012-2016).
• Obtained data on new integrated interventional radiology and diagnostic radiology enrollees.

Main Results:

• The Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US had the highest per capita radiology residents and growth from 2006-2016.
• New radiology programs were accredited during the job shortage peak; integrated interventional radiology added 24 residents in 2017.
• Fill rates showed a weak positive correlation with program size.

Conclusions:

• Unregulated growth of radiology programs occurred in the decade leading up to 2016.
• The region with the most residents per capita also had the fewest jobs available since 2012.
• Policy changes were not enacted despite numerous published opinions on the crisis.