Pediatric radiology at the millennium.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the current practice of and job market for pediatric radiologists in the United States and Canada with a 1998 survey and compare findings with those of surveys from 1980 and 1989.


METHODS
Surveys were mailed to the 728 active members of the Society for Pediatric Radiology. Questions covered professional practice, subspecialization, and involvement in evolving technologies. A pediatric radiology help-wanted index was generated from a diagnostic radiology help-wanted index.


RESULTS
Increasing involvement in the interpretation of computed tomographic, ultrasonographic, and magnetic resonance images was found among the 57% (411 of 728) of the members who responded. The attainment of a certificate of added qualification in pediatric radiology was found in nearly three-fourths of the membership, and 85% (348 of 408) had completed a fellowship. More than half of the respondents were involved in interventional procedures amid a continued increase in volume; 24% (100 of 409) of the membership, as compared with 7% in the 1980 survey, was practicing in a community or "other" setting. Subspecialization within pediatric radiology had diminished, and there was a larger percentage of female pediatric radiologists, particularly among the newest members. The job market was robust, having recovered substantially since the middle 1990s.


CONCLUSIONS
The practice of pediatric radiology has evolved, with increasing involvement in advanced techniques and modalities, as well as a greater presence in community settings. The help-wanted index supports the recent discussions of a personnel shortfall.
Forman
H P
HP
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, SP2-332, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. howard.forman@yale.edu
Traubici
J
J
Covey
A M
AM
Kamin
D S
DS
Leonidas
J C
JC
Sunshine
J H
JH
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D002321:Career Choice; D003625:Data Collection; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000639:trends; D011871:Radiology / Q000639:trends; D012955:Societies, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce