Results of the 1997 survey of the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology

The American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology annually surveys residency programs on a variety of issues related to residency training. The survey results allow individual programs to compare features of their programs with national averages and to gauge trends in radiology residency training.

Questionnaires were mailed to the chief residents in 180 accredited radiology residency programs in the United States. A variety of demographic and common-interest questions were asked. The 1997 survey focused on American Board of Radiology (ABR) examination preparation, residency curriculum, and socioeconomic issues relevant to graduating radiology residents.

Completed surveys from 73 programs (41%) were returned. Areas of curriculum concern among chief residents reflected primarily current turf issues. A higher than expected percentage of residents considered their training to be inadequate in nonneurologic magnetic resonance imaging and chest, musculoskeletal, and genitourinary radiology. Job security is a major emerging concern for radiology residents who are considering careers in private practice. The practice of remembering and transcribing questions from the ABR written examination is common, and these questions are a valued resource in preparing for the diagnostic section of the written examination. Most residents attend a commercial review course before the oral examination, and the majority of programs also provide internal review courses.

A higher than expected percentage of chief residents expressed concern regarding training in subspecialties of radiology that are neither areas of turf dispute nor areas where certificate of additional qualification examinations are offered. Radiology programs and residents expend substantial resources on preparation for the ABR examinations in addition to the usual 4-year curriculum. The most valued resource for the diagnostic section of the examination is almost certainly not equally available. Radiology residents are increasingly concerned about future job security.