Providing Career Path Guidance for Radiology Residents
Mentors can help residents decide whether academic or private practice is right for them
This is the second article exploring how radiology trainees choose between careers in academia or private practice. Read the first story.
For radiology residents getting ready to move from training to practice, it can be a tough decision to choose between academic or private practice radiology. Residents must consider a great number of factors, both personally and professionally.
Mentors can be helpful in this situation since they have watched the residents progress through their training, noting strengths and preferences. Their perspective can help a resident identify the aspects of each type of radiology practice that will serve them best moving forward. They can also give perspective on their own journey and the questions and challenges they faced along the way.
Private Practice Pathway
For trainees with questions, it’s important to consider the area of radiology that they are most passionate about, according to Kimberly Beavers, MD, breast imaging radiologist at AdventHealth Medical Group Radiology in Orlando, FL.
Dr. Beavers was exposed to both academic and private practice radiology during training, which helped her decide what was most important to her when it was time to select a career path.
“I completed residency at a private practice community program, where I currently practice. I chose an academic center for fellowship training in order to ensure I have undergone training in both settings,” she said. “I ultimately chose to return to a private practice hybrid setting because I knew that clinical patient care is what I’m most passionate about in my career.”
Dr. Beavers encourages trainees to evaluate available opportunities on an individual basis to find the right mix.
“While each individual job varies, private practice radiology is faster-paced with expectations of higher volume than an academic practice. This is partially due to revenue models and allocation of radiologist time,” Dr. Beavers said. “In private practice, there is less administrative and protected research time. Of course, there are many hybrid positions and certainly many academic centers have higher volumes. It is more important than ever to be aware of these issues so that residents know the right questions to ask when evaluating a potential practice.”
Trainees should consider their professional goals moving forward, but also keep in mind expectations for their personal life as well. They also should know that career paths are no longer linear.
“Residents should evaluate opportunities in both practice settings and connect with radiologists in both to make an informed decision. Of course, changing career paths is now more common than ever,” Dr. Beavers said. “Finding the right opportunity to fit your professional and personal goals is key to a satisfying career, preventing burnout and increasing career longevity.”
“It is important to emphasize that radiology is a specialty where career flexibility and changing practice environments is possible. Many residents have concerns about making the right decision and I would advise them to consider all factors, with the understanding that jobs can change and that a successful career in radiology has many paths.”
KIMBERLY BEAVERS, MD
Selecting an Academic Path
For Miriam A. Bredella, MD, MBA, associate dean for translational science and professor and vice chair for strategy in the Department of Radiology at NYU Langone Health and NYU Grossman School of Medicine, a career in academic radiology was where her interests were pointing as she completed her residency.
“In medical school, I became interested in research and really enjoyed delving deeper into a specific area in radiology, writing manuscripts, and presenting my research at national conferences,” she said. “During residency, this interest only intensified as I enjoyed teaching, whether it was medical students or residents from other specialties. When I see an interesting case, I love sharing it with others, especially trainees.”
When trainees ask for her help in deciding between the two career paths, Dr. Bredella considers their interests, motivations, and long-term goals.
“Some trainees are more action-oriented, like to read large amounts of different types of cases in different areas, or are interested in the business and organizational aspect of radiology. These residents might be better suited for private practice, while others may find intellectual stimulation and the opportunity for sub-specialization, teaching and research more appealing, which would indicate that they are better suited for academia,” she said.
Working in academia, Dr. Bredella knows what personality traits are often best suited for that type of career.
“These include a strong interest in research, a passion for teaching and a joy of writing,” she said. “A career in academia also means that work is never done. There is always a grant to write, a paper to review, a presentation to prepare—and you must be okay with that.”
The Choice to Be Made
Every resident will eventually have to determine their next step. Knowing themselves and knowing their professional goals are just a few of the things that should help them when it is time to make a decision.
There are personal considerations to keep in mind that can affect where a resident decides to practice radiology.
“Personal goals such as more flexibility and job security might lead a trainee to a career in academia,” Dr. Bredella advises. “On the other hand, private practice often offers higher compensation.”
Dr. Beavers always reminds trainees that career paths can change after an initial decision is made.
“It is important to emphasize that radiology is a specialty where career flexibility and changing practice environments is possible,” Dr. Beavers said. “Many residents have concerns about making the right decision and I would advise them to consider all factors, with the understanding that jobs can change and that a successful career in radiology has many paths.”
For More Information
Access career and professionalism resources from RSNA.
Read previous RSNA News articles focused on radiology trainees:
- Design Thinking Bring Empathy, Innovation to Radiology Training
- Preparing Radiology Trainees for AI and ChatGPT
- Generalist or Subspecialist? No Wrong Answer for Trainees Thinking About the Future