Radiology is a demanding profession. However, with the right mindset, it’s possible to find a work-life balance and earn comfortable salaries.
Medical students should take the first two steps of the USMLE while in school and apply for a radiology residency program after graduation. Here are some pro tips to help them build a successful career in this field:.
1. Know What You Want
Radiology is a rewarding career choice that offers a healthy salary and excellent job outlook. It’s also a field that requires passion, dedication and continuous learning. But the road to success isn’t without its bumps.
Radiologists are often called upon to solve complex problems. The stress of interpreting and communicating results, in addition to the long hours and high expectations of the field, can take a toll on early career physicians.
Having the right mindset and the proper preparation can help new radiologists survive the initial “make-or-break” period in their careers, according to an opinion piece published this week in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. Having a mentor, shadowing experienced radiologists and taking advantage of opportunities for professional development are some ways to ensure that young doctors are set up for success in their new roles.
2. Know Your Value
Radiologists perform an invaluable service to the medical community, making critical decisions for patients on a daily basis. As a result, they earn respect and a healthy salary that averaged $371,000 in 2018.
A successful career in radiology can also include opportunities to teach or pursue research, but it’s important to remember that the primary purpose of this field is to interpret and diagnose diseases. It’s important to understand your value as a physician and to communicate it effectively with referring physicians and patients in your dictated reports, oral conference presentations and direct communication of imaging findings.
It’s important for newly starting radiologists to actively engage their hospital systems and referring physician groups. Small personalized acts like call backs, viewbox discussions and being receptive to feedback help create a collaborative working relationship with these key stakeholders and can have a large impact on your success. Especially during the initial make-or-break period for new radiologists.
3. Network
Many radiologists are natural leaders, and leadership opportunities in hospital medical departments abound. Taking on a leadership role can be exhilarating and challenging, especially for new radiologists who may have never held a position before.
Early career radiologists can start building their network by participating in conferences and networking events. By doing so, they can make connections with other professionals in the field and start planting seeds for future job opportunities and fellowships.
Taking on a leadership role can also help new radiologists establish their professional reputation and brand. They can do this by publishing research articles in peer-reviewed journals and presenting their findings at conferences, as well as by joining local, regional, and national professional organizations and committees.
Another key aspect of building a successful radiology career is to develop a collegial and supportive work environment. This is important for both professional satisfaction and physical and mental wellbeing. To foster this, new radiologists should get to know the people they work with and build relationships on the basis of common interests and wavelengths.
4. Work Hard
Radiology is a demanding field that requires a high level of expertise and dedication. Those who want to build a successful career in radiology should stay up-to-date on advancements and pursue additional training opportunities.
It is also important to be able to communicate effectively with referring physicians and patients. This can be achieved through the radiology report or other forms of communication, such as at tumor boards or during clinical meetings.
It is important for new radiologists to prioritize tasks and avoid engaging in unnecessary power struggles or office politics. Doing so can help to foster a collegial work environment and improve the overall quality of care. Additionally, radiologists should be able to empathize with others in order to better understand their perspective and find solutions that benefit everyone. This can be done by actively listening and avoiding empty flattery. By doing so, new radiologists can ensure a positive and fulfilling career.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Radiology is a medical field that demands a high level of technical acumen. But it’s also a field that requires people skills, and the ability to empathize with patients who are anxious or afraid. This may explain why so many radiology professionals feel drawn to the profession. X-rays began in the early 1980s, and there are different things that you must know if you are interested in radiology.
In addition to networking and mentoring, it’s important for radiologists to take care of themselves. This includes eating well and exercising regularly, ensuring adequate sleep and reducing stress levels. It’s also important to maintain a healthy work/life balance, as long hours and tense situations can lead to burnout.
The best way to do this is to seek out flexible working arrangements, as these can help avoid burning out and reduce the risk of workplace friction. For example, some radiologists prefer to work evening or night shifts, which can make it easier to meet continuing education requirements and accommodate family commitments. It’s also a good idea to invest in medical liability insurance and disability coverage.
6. Be Flexible
Radiology is a highly rewarding career that offers the opportunity to truly make a difference in people’s lives. Without radiologic technology, patients would go undiagnosed and suffer from poor outcomes. This is an excellent reason for anyone interested in becoming a radiologist to seek out opportunities with hospitals and private practices that emphasize a culture of excellence.
A good way to demonstrate this is through in-person interviews, which allow candidates to see the facilities and interact with future coworkers. While this is more time-consuming than phone screenings or email correspondence, it shows a company’s genuine interest in the candidate and may even help them find their perfect fit.
Another way to ensure a healthy work-life balance is by making sure you have a strong network of healthcare recruiters and radiology experts who can recommend job opportunities or refer you to colleagues for interviews. You should also prioritize self-care and take breaks to avoid burnout.
7. Be Prepared
Radiology is a demanding profession with an incredibly steep learning curve. It’s also an incredibly varied field, with residents having the chance to delve into sub-specialties and perfect their interpretative skills.
A successful radiology career requires teamwork, a willingness to learn from colleagues and the ability to work under pressure. This is particularly true in the emergency department, where turnaround times are often tight and readings must be made quickly.
Having a clear understanding of how to prioritize tasks is important for new residents, as is having a direct path to relevant reference material. This allows for the most efficient use of time and helps reduce the likelihood of errors.
It’s also important to think ahead about what a new radiologist wants their career to look like after residency, including which subspecialties they would like to pursue. This will help them make the right connections to improve their CV and potentially arrange audits or taster weeks.
8. Be a Team Player
Radiology is a team-oriented profession. Despite the impression that radiologists are isolated in their dark reading rooms, their work is largely collaborative. Referring physicians and other healthcare professionals are frequently engaged via telephone, viewbox discussion or written reports. Developing good communication with these colleagues is a positive aspect of working in radiology that should never be underestimated.
Similarly, new radiologists should develop an awareness of the broader organizational challenges of their hospital and make efforts to contribute. This can be achieved through small, personalized acts such as a note about a poorly-positioned light fixture or an issue with the security system that isn’t functioning as intended.
Choosing a career in radiology can be one of the most significant choices that anyone makes. Before committing, it’s wise to explore other healthcare careers to ensure that the field is aligned with your personal and professional goals. The most successful radiologists will be those who are happy with their decision and feel a sense of satisfaction from helping others in the healthcare community.
