The Staffing Crisis and Burnout in Academic Radiology: Insights from a Survey Study in Korea

Academic radiology is essential for advancing medical knowledge, improving patient care, and leading professional organizations. Any shortage of academic faculty affects the ability to provide quality education in radiology, conduct research, and advance the field. In this study, we aimed to identify contributors to the challenges faced by academic radiology in Korea and compare the work burden, career satisfaction, and burnout between academic radiology and private practice.

A Google survey of members of the Korean Society of Radiology, conducted between August 19, 2022 and August 31, 2022, attracted responses from 642 radiologists, including 511 board-certified radiologists and 131 radiologist trainees. The survey assessed career satisfaction, burnout, and reasons for working in academia and frustrations with an academic career.

Of the responding academic radiologists, 53% were located in Seoul, and of the responding private practice radiologists, 71% were located in regions outside Seoul. The reported volume of image readings per month (CT and/or MRI) was higher for academic radiologists than for private practice radiologists, but no significant difference in the time taken to complete the readings was evident between the two groups. Compared with private practice radiologists, academic radiologists required more time for education, clinical conferences, and additional nonclinical tasks. Lower scores for career satisfaction and higher scores for burnout were reported by academic radiologists, compared with private practice radiologists.

The field of academic radiology in Korea faces challenges because of a faculty shortage. To prevent the collapse of education in radiology, interventions must address the identified contributors to this shortage, while increasing career satisfaction and reducing burnout among academic radiologists.