US RADIOLOGISTS SATISFACTION IN THEIR PROFESSION

PURPOSE: To determine characteristics associated with differences amon g radiologists in professional satisfaction and the effect of satisfac tion on career plans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The American College of R adiology surveyed 2,804 radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists in the United States. Single-variable and multivariate analyses were p erformed. RESULTS: Sixty-five percent of radiologists were currently s atisfied with their profession; 31% were more satisfied than they were 5 years ago, 32% felt the same, and 37% were less satisfied. Current satisfaction was most likely for radiologists with a diagnostic radiol ogy subspecialty, board certification, age over 45 years, an academic practice, a salaried position, a full-time practice, urban location, a nd location in the West. Professional satisfaction relative to that 5 years ago was particularly high for (among others) young radiologists. Poorly satisfied radiologists were more likely to plan a career chang e and eventual part-time work. Female radiologists were as satisfied a s males. CONCLUSION: This study identifies sources of radiologists' sa tisfaction and dissatisfaction and effects of satisfaction on career p lans.