Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR
Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Secretary-Treasurer and member of the ACR Board of Chancellors, contributed this piece.
Today, one of the biggest challenges for our profession and our patients is the workforce shortage, which is affecting almost every segment of the healthcare labor force, including radiologists. A recent report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates the United States could see a shortage between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034. In radiology, the volume and complexity of imaging studies continue to rise year over year while the number of radiology residency positions, and thus, physicians entering the workforce has changed little in decades. In addition, our colleagues are coping with burnout, and our patients and physician workforce are aging. How can we manage the escalating demand for imaging and interventional services and the expertise of radiologists from a strategic decision-making, operational and leadership perspective?
To start, we must equip ourselves with tools, strategies and new connections to conquer these leadership challenges – and that’s where the Radiology Leadership Institute® (RLI) Summit can help. At the Summit, radiology leaders and Babson business faculty help radiologists, at all career stages, access tactics and different approaches to address the challenges impacting the radiology workforce today. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues and peers in the field with similar experiences and learn about different methods to overcome these challenges.
The case I will be leading is focused on a real-life challenge many of us have experienced in our own practices – namely, what can you do if there is a rapid, unexpected departure of a few key personnel in one sub-specialty section of your department? Although hard to address and overcome at any time, the current workforce shortage makes this situation even more difficult for radiology practices to successfully navigate. I hope you’ll consider attending this year’s program, happening Sept. 6 to 8 in Boston, MA. Remember to take advantage of early bird rates, valid through May 15. I hope to see you there!
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