Massachusetts radiology resident attitudes toward mammography.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate and document the attitudes toward careers in breast imaging among Massachusetts radiology residents.


METHODS
Written surveys were distributed to all senior radiology residents in the state asking whether they were interested in pursuing a fellowship in breast imaging or whether they planned to interpret mammograms as part of their future practice. If they were not interested, residents were asked why.


RESULTS
Of 63 residents who responded, only 1 was interested in a breast-imaging fellowship. Only 3% of radiology residents surveyed in the state agreed that they would like to spend a substantial time interpreting mammograms in the future. The most common reasons cited for not wanting to interpret mammograms in the future were "fear of lawsuits" (76%) and "not an interesting field" (49%).


CONCLUSIONS
Very few Massachusetts radiology residents are interested in pursuing breast imaging in their future careers. This lack of interest in breast imaging will ultimately affect women's access to breast imaging services in the future.
Hardy
Seth M
SM
Department of Radiology, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, Massachusetts 02474, USA.
Kornguth
Phyllis J
PJ
Baum
Janet K
JK
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D008404:Massachusetts; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce