Professional fulfillment in interventional radiology

There have been several analyses conducted demonstrating a sharp decrease in general physician fulfillment and satisfaction. Other studies have demonstrated that burnout, anxiety, and moral injury are prevalent among interventional radiologists specifically, however there is a paucity of literature examining professional fulfillment within the profession. The purpose of this study was to characterize professional fulfillment through job, career, and specialty satisfaction scores among interventional radiologists using a validated assessment tool.

There were 106 respondents included in the analysis: 97 (91.5%) practicing interventional radiologists and 9 (8.5%) interventional radiology trainees, including 87 (82.1%) males and 19 (17.9%) females. Respondents included those in academic (40; 37.7%), private practice (46; 43.4%), and hybrid/other settings (20; 18.9%), as well as at various lengths of practice. The mean job satisfaction score was 3.48, with 38 (35.8%) of respondents expressing a mean score of ≥ 4, which has been established as being "satisfied". The mean career satisfaction score was 3.40, with 38 (35.8%) of respondents reporting a mean score of ≥ 4. The mean global specialty satisfaction was 3.63 with 53 (50.0%) of respondents reporting a mean score of ≥ 4.

Professional fulfillment is low among interventional radiologists, with half expressing global specialty satisfaction and with minority percentages signaling job and career satisfaction. Patient interaction and work-life balance were identified as significant factors positively affecting professional fulfillment.