Category: Resident Career

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How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome As A Radiologist!

imposter syndrome

It’s the beginning of the new academic year. Many of you have just started your journey in the radiology world. Others are beginning their first foray into fellowship or as an attending. In each of these situations, you will likely start to doubt yourself. In the case of a first-year resident, other physicians will ask you questions that you believe they know more about than you do. As a fellow, you are probably unfamiliar with all the subtleties in your “expertise.” And, as a new attending, it will be hard to believe that your name will go at the bottom of the report, possibly alone. How can you handle all this responsibility? Are you even worthy? In each of these situations, you are undergoing imposter syndrome. You feel like you don’t have the knowledge and confidence to play your role in the healthcare system. So, what do you do?

Solutions To Imposter Syndrome

Act The Role

Now, I don’t want you to get in trouble. Of course, don’t say things that can negatively affect patient care, especially if you don’t know a topic that can affect a patient’s morbidity or mortality. However, if a resident or attending stops by to look at a film, don’t hesitate to say yes. Go through the case. Look at the priors and the report. When you look at cases with other staff, you develop more confidence in your consulting role.

Additionally, make yourself available for all procedures. Each time you perform the subsequent barium study, PICC line, or paracentesis, your hands and brain become slightly more familiar with the technique. This process allows you to feel more comfortable in your skin. Eventually, you will feel like you know what you are doing!

Becoming good at a role involves becoming a good actor at first. Eventually, the acting job will turn into your career, assuming you put in the work. And you will feel like you know what you are doing!

Read A Lot

As you probably know, radiology involves much more reading than most other specialties. This burden is due to our overlap with many specialties and the core examination. If you are not reading, you sure will feel like an imposter. At a conference, everything sounds like mumbo jumbo chicken gumbo. With the clinicians, you will be at a loss. But that all changes once you start reading intently. I promise. Whether reading films or other complicated radiology tasks, you can answer questions and feel comfortable in your skin.

Get Involved Actively In Your Specialty

Those who know many others in their career will rarely feel like an imposter. If you know all the “muckity mucks” locally, regionally, or nationally; you will feel much more grounded and connected to the world of radiology. So consider heading out there and meeting and networking at the RSNA, AUR, ARRS, and more. (especially when the pandemic eventually subsides!) Or, get involved in your hospital administration by participating in conferences, GME, or other resident administrative roles. Each time you do so, you will feel more invested in radiology and less likely to catch imposter syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome And Radiology: You Can Overcome It!

Only a few simple steps can move you down the road from imposter to maven. Acting the role, reading, and actively getting involved in your specialty are simple ways to move in that direction. Most of us feel like an imposter from the get-go. We have never done anything quite like radiology before starting our radiology track. But you can leave that position quickly. It’s a bit of work to end imposter syndrome. So, get cracking!

 

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How To Prevent Home PACS Systems From Causing Chaos

chaos

We all have different ways in which we like to work. Some folks find that clutter and chaos foster creativity. And others can’t stand the slightest mess in front of them (or behind them!) I am in the first camp. I find clutter a bit cozy, allowing me to feel comfortable sitting down and starting to write. It is almost like a stimulant. But, this layout does not work for everyone. So, figuring out where to put a bulky PACS system in your office is no small task. Your well-being depends on it.

Integrating our newfound large multi-monitor computers into the overall theme of our office caused chaos. For those of us with other family members in the same workspace, these systems can interfere with the room, taking over large swaths of workspace real estate and increasing the appearance of clutter even more. So, how do you ensure the PACS does not dominate the room? And how can finding a space for it allow the rest of the family to coexist peacefully? Based on my experience, here are some tips to avoid family disputes over losing working real estate to a PACS.

Get A New Connection For A Better Workspace

Sometimes, the internet connection can limit the options for arranging a workspace. I prefer a direct hookup of the PACS system to the ethernet rather than a wireless connection. The information just gets sent to the computer that much quicker. If you don’t have the correct arrangement of hookups in the office, you may be unable to place the PACS in the right spot. Well, there is a quick fix for that. Just get a new connection and put it wherever you want!

Put The System In An Unused Space Within The Office

Only some offices have a ton of space. But, occasionally, a room may have an underutilized unique niche where that PACS system can go. It could cover up a blemish in the room or, even better, make it look more like an office. Go ahead and fill that spot with the computer system. See how it fits. It may make the office space feel like a great workspace.

Build A New Enclosure Within The Room For The PACS System

You may have the room for the PACS at other times, but you may need the appropriate spot to place it. To ensure that you can have the space you desire, you need a bit of creativity to reshape the room, add a desk, or build some cabinets around it. Either hire the carpenter to create what you want or do the woodwork yourself. Either way, a new enclosure may be all you need to make the workspace of your dreams.

Divide The Room

You may have no other option but to divide the room into two. One person wants their workspace without interruption, and the other can’t stand that eyesore called a PACS system. If you have the space to divide the room into two, go for it!

Find Another Room Altogether To Prevent Chaos

OK. Only some people have space in the house to create another office dedicated to a PACS system. But, sometimes, finding that extra room is the only solution. You can’t put an entire PACS system on top of another family member’s workspace. It’s a great way to create a battle royale!

Removing The Chaos Of A New PACS!

For many folks, a bulky PACS system is a necessary evil. It is an eyesore. Yet, it is what allows us to improve our radiology work-life balance. Before plunking it down somewhere random in a room, consider making it more appetizing for everyone. Whether it takes making a new connection, finding a new niche, building a spot for the PACS, dividing the room entirely, or moving somewhere out of the space completely, making space work for everyone is critical. Placing the PACS in the right spot should be more than an afterthought! 

 

 

 

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Don’t Hesitate To Call Your Colleagues!

call your colleagues

One of the most challenging parts of becoming a radiologist is developing an awareness of when you don’t know something. Of course, when you discover what you are missing, you can look for information on the web to fill in some gaps. But, just as important, it is also critical to know when you need more than your research. Many times, experience alone can teach you the correct diagnosis or management. As a radiologist, I don’t hesitate to pick up the phone if I doubt that I can get the information myself. I call the expert in the subspecialty. So, what are some benefits when you reach out to your colleagues? Well, here are some of the advantages that I have encountered.

Experience Trumps Books Sometimes

Most books only give you some information on how to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, only a vast breadth of experience can help solve some cases. And, if you don’t know, what are the chances you can make that diagnosis? Much less, of course. So, finding someone who can confidently read that temporal bone study can make all the difference in diagnosing a rare congenital disorder. Doing the research yourself is different.

Subtle Management Issues Are Not Easy To Find Online

Many times, you can figure out the patient’s diagnosis, but you can’t find any resources to tell you what to do next. Again, managing a patient’s condition can sometimes only be appropriately triaged when you have made the diagnosis before. So, why not pick up the phone and find the expert who has managed this patient many times? Get it right the first time!

Call Your Colleagues To Increase Confidence In Your Dictations

Other times, you have all the necessary information to make the appropriate recommendations. But what you need is confidence in your report. And it reflects in your dictation. When you speak to an expert colleague, you can confidently diagnose and confirm the next steps. Why not be sure of what you should do next?

Better For Your Learning

When I hear information from someone else, I retain the knowledge more than by looking up a fact in a book or online. Your colleagues will often relay the information on the phone more excitingly so that you can remember the case for a long time. They may give you other examples of similar patients or situations. Or, they lace the information with a good joke! Regardless, sometimes, hearing input from others is the best way to learn.

More Time Efficient To Call Your Colleagues

You can sit around researching information forever or ask someone who has trained for years in the subspecialty and knows a lot. Which one will save you more time? That phone call to your colleague can save valuable minutes of your time and energy. We only have so many hours in a day!

You Will Begin To Get Consults From Others As Well

One of the most exciting parts of becoming a radiologist is getting interesting consults from others. When you ask questions of others, you are also more likely to get consults from your colleagues. They will feel comfortable enough to reach out to you when you have a patient in your subspecialty when they don’t know how to proceed. It’s good to feel needed in your practice!

Don’t Hesitate To Call Your Colleagues!

When you call your colleagues about something you don’t know, you gain experience that you don’t have, learn esoteric management skills, increase confidence, educate yourself, improve time management, and gain the trust of others. So, why not pick up the phone and call your colleague? It is an essential ingredient for excellent patient care!

 

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MOC And Practice Based Improvement: Easiest Ways To Satisfy The Requirement!

practice based improvement

As a steward to my private practice to keep everyone up to date for ABR maintenance of certification, one area more than any other has caused more confusion. And that is practice-based improvement. In the beginning when the ABR created this requirement, it was not clearly defined. And, it has undergone a more significant change than any of the other requirements that the ABR demands. Now, to this day, I still get radiologists in practice asking me – “How can I satisfy this requirement?” No doubt it isn’t all that apparent.

So, let me refer you to the ways to meet these ABR requirements (just click this link). It will describe what you need to satisfy the requirements of the ABR. But, for those of you that hate reading meaningless dry lists, let me give you my interpretation of six of the easiest ways that you can meet this obscure requirement!

Easiest Ways To Satisfy The Practice-Based Improvement Requirement!

“Participation as a member of an institutional/departmental clinical quality and/or safety review committee”

Most radiologists who work with or for a hospital have to be a part of a safety committee. For me, I am part of the nuclear medicine QA and MRI quality committees. So that fits the bill as meeting this requirement. But almost any committee that has anything to do with safety would satisfy this ABR requirement if, god forbid, you had an audit!

“Publication of a peer-reviewed journal article related to quality improvement or improved safety of the diplomate’s practice content area”

This requirement is also pretty benign for those who work for or with a radiology residency program. Nowadays, most academic and pseudo-academic world departments need to work on a quality improvement project with residents. It is pretty easy to get your name on one of these articles if you have a residency program. Most residents would be happy to have you on their project to help them out a bit!

“Participation as a member of a root cause analysis team evaluating a sentinel or other quality- or safety-related event”

Left up to interpretation, this can mean being a compliance officer or part of a team responsible for morbidity and mortality conferences. Many practices have baked this conference into their partners’ meetings already. So, you may be satisfying this requirement and may not even know it!

“Regular participation (at least 10/year) in departmental or group conferences focused on patient safety.”

Again, you may be doing this already. Many radiologists have to participate in tumor boards, surgery conferences, or other morbidity and mortality conferences. All these conferences count toward the requirement. You may already have more than ten. Just make sure to record them!

“Creation or active management of, or participation in, one of the elements of a quality or safety program”

If you are desperate and have a residency program, this can mean giving a lecture on a safety topic to residents. You can provide a pre-test and a post-test. Then, all you need to do is to show improvement. Oualaa… A quick way to satisfy the requirement if you can’t meet the others.

“Active participation in applying for or maintaining accreditation by specialty accreditation programs such as those offered by ACR, ACRO, or ASTRO”

For many, this is another easy one. Yearly, I am bombarded with questions for continuing accreditation for the ACR from my technologists, physicists, and more. And, there is a good chance that your practice requires ACR accreditation too. All you have to do is document your participation!

Meeting The MOC Practice-Based Improvement Requirement

So, there you have it, six relatively painless ways to satisfy the MOC requirements. Many of these you may be doing already and not even realize it. It seems silly to have these as a requirement to maintain accreditation in radiology because many of them are on the fringes of what we do as radiologists. But whatever works and makes our lives easier so that we can continue our ABR accreditation!

 

 

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External Moonlighting In Private Practice: Tread Carefully!

external moonlighting

It’s exciting to collect that first paycheck which can be an order of magnitude higher than your residency salary when you first start as a fully trained radiologist. But, many of you may want to make even more at the beginning. It’s not uncommon to have debt loads that would make regular folks cringe. Nevertheless, some private practices discourage external moonlighting to make that extra money when starting. Why do some businesses work this way? And, what do you do if you want to continue working at your first practice but are not happy about this policy? Let us muddle through some of the issues that you may face when you want to make some extra dough when starting.

Why Do Some Practices Discourage External Moonlighting?

External Allegiances

Moonlighting outside the realm of your main job could create loyalties external to the practice. Let’s say you sign a contract to work during a vacation at an external site, but the primary imaging business also could use your help. This dichotomy of purpose can create a conflict of interest since you will support another practice instead of your primary allegiance. Furthermore, perhaps that other job can be more enticing than the one that does not allow moonlighting. Radiology practices fear having employees change jobs. It is very costly and causes the other practice members to have to take up the slack.

Practices Want To Encourage Their Own Internal Moonlighting

Sometimes the work can get busy. Maybe, it’s a new MRI that opened up. Or, perhaps a senior partner recently retired. In either case, there are many times that practices need all hands on deck to cover the rotations with the extra work. Why would a business allow external moonlighting when it may have many opportunities of its own? The practice needs to cover this extra work!

Exhaustion/Burnout/Vacation

Some practices are more lifestyle-oriented and encourage their radiologists to take their vacations. Burnout is an actual entity. And, we all need a break once in a while. Working all the time on your vacation time can be a recipe for burnout. The exhaustion of the partners and employees is a very costly situation. Why not go to the extra lengths to discourage burnout by forbidding doing external work outside the practice?

I Like The Practice But How Can I Deal With Strong Policies Discouraging External Moonlighting?

Ask For Internal Moonlighting Gigs

Some practices don’t advertise moonlighting opportunities that they have available. So, instead of assuming that your primary radiology practice has nothing available, just ask around. Sometimes senior partners would rather have time off rather than the extra money. Other times, work needs to get done that is making the days longer and more stressful. Both situations often occur. And although not advertised many times, they are potential extra ways to earn some extra dough. Sometimes all you need to do is ask!

Have Them Make An Exception

Sometimes rules are made to be broken. Practice by-laws are in place for the average situation for the average employee or partner. But, who is to say that you are average? If you provide a compelling reason for the business to make an exception to the external moonlighting policy, sometimes they will. Some practices may be more liberal for non-partners or partners. If need be, check with the chair and find out if it is possible.

Work Only During Vacations Or Out Of State

Suppose the practice is concerned that you won’t be dedicating your full attention to your primary job as an external moonlighter. Or, your main radiology job is worried that you will be competing locally with your primary radiology practice. Then let the radiology practice know that your external work will not interfere with either. Guaranteeing that you will only work out-of-state or on vacations may convince the partnership to allow a bit of extra work to make some more cash.

External Moonlighting: The Unwritten Rules

When you look at external moonlighting policies from a birds-eye view, it can make a lot of sense for a practice. It can protect the business from losing their employees and partners, ensuring that work does not go uncovered, and preventing burnout and exhaustion. But there are ways to deal with these issues and get the extra work that you want. So, instead of folding your hand, ask around and make sure to let your practice know that you are interested in moonlighting from the get-go. You may get the extra work you want without destroying your primary job!

 

 

 

 

 

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How To Pull Your Weight As A Radiologist!

pull your weight

You may not know it, but hiring a lazy radiologist is one of the biggest disasters a practice can encounter. Practices spend much time and money getting their new employees up to speed. The last thing you want to be is to have to pull your weight in addition to someone else. And you want to avoid being seen as one of these lackadaisical radiologists. Why? First of all, your job can be in jeopardy. Even worse, you will lead an unsatisfying work life fraught with the anger of your co-workers. And you will most likely miss out on the perks of becoming a senior practice member. So, how do you avoid this reputation and pull your weight? Here are some tips for holding your own!

Don’t Cherry Pick

If you want to anger your colleagues and establish a lazy reputation, this is the best way. It doesn’t take long for others to realize that you are taking all the easy-peasy cases and leaving all the tough ones out there for others to suffer.

Follow Through On Your Word

Imagine working with someone who says they will help with an overflow of cases and then decides to pack it in when the clock strikes 5 PM. Or, how would it feel to trade worksites with someone else only to have that person not show up as they said? These workers leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Just follow through on your word!

Take That One Extra Case At The End Of The Day To Pull Your Weight

I’ve written about this before (click the link above!). But, it is true that if you help by taking that one extra case at the end of the day, it can make all the difference for the rest of your colleagues. As opposed to establishing a bad reputation, this kind-hearted technique will put you in everyone’s good graces!

Pull Your Weight By Dictating Leftovers

Most practices have a list of cases that can go untouched for what seems like eons. These may be cases with QA issues, incomplete imaging, or other miscellaneous issues. If you take charge of some of these cases that everyone else ignores, the practice will deem you a hero. Who wants to avoid working with a radiologist who takes charge of the worklist?

Don’t Argue Over Minutia: Who Should Do This Or That?

Yes. Every practice has rules of etiquette that dictate who should read what and when. But, in some cases, the boundaries are crossed. Don’t be that radiologist who refuses to help because the technologist completed the case after your shift time ends by thirty seconds. Just read the study!

Don’t Let Cases Bleed Over To The Next Shift- Pre-dictate!

In some cases, they need to wait for the subsequent radiologist on shift, but many don’t. Be cautious about not pre-dictating studies that you know will have to return for delays, such as questionable diverticulitis. You don’t want the work from your shift to bleed into the next. It shows respect to your colleagues that you are willing to do the work!

Pull Your Weight!

It’s sometimes easy to let things slide when you are tired and want to go home. But others have to complete any work that you still need to complete. So, as a young radiologist, don’t garner the reputation of laziness. Heed some of the recommendations above, and you will become a well-appreciated member of a radiology team!

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New Radiologist? Don’t Go Over the Head of Your Boss!

your boss

For many of you, working as a radiologist will be your first full-time job. You are finally going to enter the real world. And, if you have not worked outside the world of training and education, you may be in for a few surprises. First of all, most practices’ mission is very different from your residencies, medical schools, and universities. Your boss will no longer be a teaching physician. Instead of educating students, your first position’s goal is most likely good patient care and earning a living.

Additionally, some of the rules and regulations you will need to follow along the way are also not the same. And many of these rules are unwritten. One of the biggest faux pas of new radiologists is going straight to the top without consulting your boss in the chain of command. Of course, sometimes, there are extenuating circumstances. But, for the most part, it does not serve your needs. Let’s go through some of the reasons why!

Hard Feelings

First and foremost, most bosses don’t like it when a senior manager tells them what to do when they could have managed the situation by themselves. Say, for instance, you decided to go directly to your chairman instead of the chief of nuclear medicine to tell her about an unruly technologist that yells at patients. And then the chairman decides to deal with the issue. Well, you are leaving the chief of nuclear medicine out of the equation. How do you think your boss would feel if the chairperson decides on the matter without consulting your boss. Or if she consults with your boss without you involved. Either way, you may cause a bit of bad blood in the department. That is poor communication!

People At The Top Often Don’t Have Time For All The Details

As y0u go higher up the chain of command, many leaders have much less time to deal with the day-to-day clinical work. Many chairpersons deal more with hiring and firing, salaries and negotiations, and budgetary issues rather than taking care of the daily needs in your ultrasound section. And, they have meetings and work that takes them away from your world. Why would you ask someone with less time to help you? The best person to ask if you are having an issue with an ultrasound machine is more likely to get an answer with the chief of ultrasound instead of a radiology chairman! Moreover, your direct boss usually has more time to deal with the situation.

Your Boss Knows More About Your Position

Your direct boss knows much more about what you do than the hospital president or the CEO of your private practice. Going directly to that person in charge will much more likely give you the answers you need than someone dealing with the business’s general issues. It’s always best to go to the source that knows what you do.

Builds A Better Relationship With Your Boss

Finally, you want to get to know your boss better? Well, the best way to do so is to communicate with him. Asking your senior questions when issues arise shows that you trust their opinions and feel like they are a valuable part of the team. What is a better way to build good relationships in your department?

Don’t Go Straight To The Top Unless Necessary!

There is a chain of command for a reason. Breaking it can cause undo hard feelings, give you the wrong answers, and prevent you from building better relationships within your department. So, think twice if you need a problem that you need to solve by going too far above the chain of command unless necessary. The outcomes may not be what you desire!

 

 

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Presumptions About Our Radiology Colleagues Can Sow The Seeds Of Destruction!

presumptions

First and foremost, radiologists are people. And, people make presumptions about others, whether it is colleagues, leaders, or friends. It’s just human nature. However, it is also one of the biggest mistakes that one can make in business, particularly in private radiology practice. We all think that we know what kind of job our colleagues do. And, we base many of these stereotypes on miscommunication and pure conjecture. All this can lead to bad blood and, even worse, lousy practice outcomes. So, let’s go through the main reasons why presuming to know our fellow radiologist’s job is so dangerous to the practice and business of radiology?

Ways That Presumptions Damage A Practice

You Do Less Than Me!

If you like toxicity, this unfounded statement can spread the most venom to the rest of your colleagues. And, most of the time, it is not valid. Everyone does work a bit differently. So, work can be hard to quantify.

Moreover, this statement decreases everyone’s incentive to work. Who wants to work when everyone else does less? Of course, maybe there is one outlier in your practice that does a lot less. But, if you are always going to worry about everyone else, what is the incentive for you to work?

The Work They Do At The Other Practice Down The Street Isn’t Hard.

You can never tell for sure how hard work that some other practice is doing is difficult or not. Indeed, it is even worse to make that presumption. Has your practice ever tried starting a thriving vein center? It’s effortless to create one for yourself. Well, there is probably a lot more to the process than you think. Without doing the research, this assumption is a surefire way to lose a lot of money and time, not being prepared for the work you will need to succeed!

Presumptions That Administrative And Teaching Roles Are Not Real Work

This one is a real doozie. Almost every program director throughout the country has been the brunt of this presumption at one time or another. Yes, we are not constantly pumping out RVUs. But instead, we are teaching, fielding all the requests and complaints, and completing all the paperwork. A residency can fall apart without these services. It is not the same as reading films, but yes, it is real work!

MR, IR, Nuclear Medicine, Mammo, Etc. Are Easy

One way to get into trouble, presume that other radiologist’s area of expertise is simple. You don’t know until you work in the field. Think mammo is easy? Wait until your first lawsuit? And, MRI is not complex, right? Just wait until you miss your first subtle neural tumor. Every field has its challenges. And, each needs a lot of practice to become good at it!

It Doesn’t Matter That He Has The Ear Of The Referrer; I Work Harder

It’s not always just about the amount of work that you do. It is also about the perceived quality of your work. That radiologist that always gets phone calls to consult with referrers? There is probably a reason for that! Maybe he’s just friendly. But maybe, just maybe, he knows a lot. And perhaps he knows a lot more than you! You lose his expertise, and you start losing patients from your practice. It doesn’t matter how hard you work!

Presumptions About Our Radiology Colleagues: Sowing The Seeds Of Destruction!

Yes, presuming to know what your friends down the hall do on a day-to-day basis is fraught with danger. And, you probably know less than you think you do about your colleague’s issues. So, if you want to take this path, be very wary of the dangers above. It’s a surefire way to add to a toxic workplace!

 

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Top Ten Reasons To Be An Urban Radiologist! (From A Suburbanite!)

urban radiologist

Last week I gave you all a top ten list for becoming a rural radiologist. But, I have received a few complaints from my urban colleagues that believe they have been shortchanged. Despite all the advantages of rural radiology, there are still some significant advantages for urban radiologists. Today, to be evenhanded and in honor of the city life, here are the top ten reasons to migrate to the city as an urban radiologist!

Concentration Of Specialized Radiologists In One Place

Where else can you find a subspecialist that specializes in neuro intervention of vascular malformations as well as a Xofigo center of excellence? Unlikely that you will find this in the middle of rural Nebraska. But, in a big city, you can find a subspecialist in almost anything. And, you can become that specialist because of the high concentration of patients in one place!

High Quality Of The Urban Radiologist

That is not to say that rural radiologists are bad, but it does take a lot to survive in the city. And finding that job usually requires some high falootin’ credentials. It would help if you had the right hybrid of certificates and connections. So, you do find a large proportion of overachieving physicians in the city. It even goes the same for radiologists!

More Cross-Pollination With The Urban Radiologist

What happens when you gather a bevy of doctors in one place? Well, you get to hear the war stories in other departments. And you are more likely to discuss other physician areas of interest. Of course, this discussion will often lead to distinct outcomes, whether creating research or treating patients differently. For instance, you have an all-star thyroid pathologist on the premises, so you are more likely going to do lots of thyroid biopsies, more so than other institutions. Cross-pollenation changes the dynamic.

Convenience

Where else can you walk a few hundred feet away from your site of work or residence and go to a supermarket, drug store, and dog training facility? I certainly can’t think of any. There’s no need to maintain a car or means of transportation. It’s all at your fingertips by walking or public transit.

Easier For The Urban Radiologist To Get A Date

Maybe you are single and looking? When you out in the middle of rural Idaho, you might have a more challenging time finding a significant other. And many young radiologists are still single. So, think about that urban job. You are more likely to find like-minded folks and, of course, get hitched!

Larger Diversity Of Patients

Are you looking to become more culturally aware? Well, look no further than the city. You will see all types of folks and have the opportunity to communicate and learn from them. It just doesn’t happen to the same extent out in the hinterlands. It’s only one of those advantages of city life.

Greater Swath Of Pathology

Along with the more significant cultural diversity comes an increased variety of pathology unique to every culture and country worldwide. You will find all sorts of weird and bizarre diseases in the middle of a city you won’t find elsewhere. These can include all kinds of genetic and environmental pathology. Want to swing for fences with differential diagnoses with zebras? Go practice in the city!

Cultural Opportunities

Do you like the opera or want to see a heavy metal rock concert? Maybe you want to check out the local happenings at the new dinosaur exhibit? There is no better place for this than a large city. You will never get the same opportunities out in the country.

Lots Of Shopping

Folks come all over the world to shop at select stores in large cities. And, you can find goods and services that you would seldom find anywhere else. It may be a market for ancient lamps or a store for hand-hewn mannequins. You can find it all, and it may only be a few footsteps from your urban job!

Restaurants/Food

For the eclectic culinary lover of a radiologist, there is no better place to try out the flavors of the world. Olive Gardens and Chili’s (as much as I like them) don’t always do the trick. Sometimes you want to eat out or pick up food from a culinary king. And, even better, when you step out of your imaging center to go to pick it up next door!

Being An Urban Radiologist- Not So Bad!

Yes, rural radiology does have its advantage when it comes to the cost of living and pay. But life is not all about money. You miss out on a whole world of opportunities when you live outside the city in rural America. So, if you like culture, entertainment, and convenience, consider a life in the city as an urban radiologist. You won’t regret it!

 

 

 

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Top Ten Reasons To Work As A Rural Radiologist (From A Suburbanite!)

rural radiologist

Go onto any radiology forum, and you will hear a perpetual argument about who has it better, an urban or rural radiologist. So, let’s nip this in the bud once and for all. Let’s give a top ten list as to why you should look for a career as a rural radiologist (coming from a suburban radiologist, of course!)

Top Ten Reasons To Practice As A Rural Radiologist!

Better Pay

This one is the most obvious, but it is true. Check out any of the want ads, and you will see sky-high salaries enticing you to drop on by. Typically, they may not say the name of the town. Why? because they know that you have never heard of it! How can this happen? Well, they need to incentivize you, the radiologist, to want to come there. So, why not take advantage of it? Make those big bucks!

Cheaper Cost Of Living

Not only do you have the advantage of extra pay, but your cost of living can be more than 50 percent or even 75 percent less than living in a city. Think about a three-bedroom apartment in New York or San Francisco for umpteen million dollars. What would that cost in a rural area? A few hundred thousand dollars at best. Think about all that cash you can save with that huge salary that you have.

Less Daily Pressure

More than the money, this one attracts me the most. The lifestyle of the inhabitants of the rural world tends to be less pressured. Less screaming and arguing. More space away from others to prevent kerfuffles. Why not work and live in such an environment?

Appreciative Patients

In rural communities, you tend to have patients that appreciate your work. Why? Well, they can’t simply go to the imaging center down the block. There isn’t any! Your word is valuable, and you are an integral part of the community. It’s just part of the package of rural America.

Cleaner Living – Nice Smell

You know that sweet smell of nature when you leave to go on a trip to the country. Well, if you work at a rural site, you can have that all the time. You don’t smell the exhaust pipes of tons of cars. Nor do you smell rotting garbage on the streets. You just have the crisp, clean air of nature.

Rural Radiologist: One With Nature

Like going for brisk walks with your dog? Or, you enjoy hiking on mountainous nature trails? Maybe, you want to go swimming in a lake? All you have to do is walk out your door, and it’s available. Not a bad gig for the nature-loving radiologist!

No Traffic

Imagine leaving your doorstep and driving to the hospital with no more than a few other cars driving on the road? That is a pipe dream for a city radiologist. But, it is the real world for the rural one. Get to work fast and without the hassle of not knowing exactly when you will arrive.

Larger Spaces/Newer Hospitals

Rural hospitals tend to be more open and modern. Why? Most were not built at the beginning of the 20th century. Therefore, you’ll find open floor plans for interventional suites and widely spaced modern reading rooms. These are features of most rural hospital centers.

Lower Decibel Levels-Better Health

When you step outside, you don’t hear the honks of cars or the screams of fighting neighbors. Instead, you hear the rustle of the leaves or the chirping of the birds outside. Furthermore, you don’t live in an area with as many pollutants in the air and water. It’s a setup for a healthier lifestyle.

A Rural Radiologist Can Do Everything

Finally, because you don’t have tons of competition in the neighborhood, you can do almost any type of procedure that interests you. You won’t be butting heads with the cardiologist who wants to take all the Cardiac MRIs or the vascular surgeon with all the peripheral vascular patients for angiography/peripheral vessel disease. The world is your oyster!

The Life Of A Rural Radiologist- Not So Bad!

So, there you have it. Here’s a top ten list for why to choose rural radiology from a local suburbanite. Take it or leave it. But, there are lots of advantages to rural life!