Perceptions of Call by Canadian Radiology Residents: A National Survey

Call is among the most challenging aspects of radiology residency, fostering both knowledge development and decision-making under pressure. As imaging volumes have increased, call conditions have evolved. However, little is currently known about the variability in call structures among institutions. This study explores the perceptions of resident call across Canadian radiology programs.

A 28-question, bilingual, anonymous survey was distributed to all Canadian radiology residents via the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) and institutional representatives of the CAR Resident and Fellow Section (RFS). Anonymous data was collected including demographic information, sleep habits, staff supervision, interactions with referring physicians, and wellness.

Our survey was open from Sept 1, 2024, to Feb 28, 2025. Altogether, 112 residents responded from all training levels and programs, with 71.4% completing it in English and 28.6% in French. Most PGY-2 residents reported 8 to 11 call shifts in the preceding 8 weeks, compared to 4 to 7 shifts among PGY-3 to PGY-5. Close to half of residents reported that they did not sleep at all on call. Among those who did, 70.3% of them reported moderately insufficient sleep. Interactions with referring physicians were poor, with 49.2% of residents rating their experiences as unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory. Lower call satisfaction was significantly associated with greater call volume and reduced sleep.

Canadian radiology residents reported high call volumes, limited rest, and challenging interactions with referring physicians, all of which were linked to lower satisfaction and well-being. These findings highlight opportunities to optimize call structures, strengthen supervision, and improve resident wellness.