Pediatric radiologists: who we are and what we do - Results of a membership survey of the Society for Pediatric Radiology - 1999

Background. There is a need for reliable monitoring of workforce trends in the field of pediatric radiology by the Society for Pediatric Radiology. In addition, the Society should periodically assess itself as to its mission and relevance to its members via membership surveys. Objective. The Membership Committee of the Society for Pediatric Radiology, 1999, conducted a 54-question survey to determine the makeup of its member s, job profiles, satisfaction with services of the Society for Pediatric Ra diology, and its official journal, Pediatric Radiology. Materials and methods. Seven hundred fifty surveys were given to active mem bers of the Society for Pediatric Radiology in the United States and Canada . There were 275 surveys returned for an overall response of 37 %. Results. Mean age of members is 48 years with 99 % of respondents working. Membership is 34 % female and 66 % male. Women members of the Society are y ounger (45 vs 49 years, P = 0.0012) and work less hours (47.8 vs 51.0, P = 0.0135) than men. Fifty-seven percent of respondents practice in a freestan ding children's hospital, 29 % in a "children's hospital within a hospital, " and 14% are in community hospitals or an office-based practice. Eighty-tw o percent of the responding pediatric radiologist's time is spent in perfor ming examination on children, with only 18 % spent on adult work or adminis tration. Forty eight percent work at more than one office. Sixty-one percen t worked evenings or weekends, excluding night call. Two hundred twenty-two of 275 respondents had received a Certificate of Added Qualification. The meeting "for CME credit" was considered the most important benefit of Socie ty membership. Most respondents read select articles in Pediatric Radiology . There was sentiment to decrease esoteric case reports in favor of review articles. Only 19 % of respondents submitted their articles to Pediatric Ra diology initially. Conclusion. Pediatric radiologists are a diverse membership with the common goal of advocating for healthcare and imaging in children. Survey informat ion given to the leadership of the Society will help the organization remai n responsive to its members.