Many of us have experienced a recent hiatus from our regular radiology activities related to decreasing imaging volumes. It has been not uncommon to work one, two, or more days less per week than before. Although you may not have wanted this pathway to less work, it has had some positive effects. We have more time at home. Many of you have restarted long begone projects unrelated to the radiology world. Others have begun to re-experience their family life after years of being pulled this way or that.
But now, if your practice or hospital is anything like mine, we have begun increasing our workload. For some, this may be a bitter pill to swallow. We have experienced a taste of an alternative life, the life we could have had if we had an alternate career, or have worked part-time. And, I have a sneaking suspicion that for some radiologists out there, this change may eventually become permanent. But, most of us want to get back into the swing of things. How can we get back to a more regular working existence in radiology after such a long break in the action? Here are some suggestions.
Remember Why You Went Into The Field
Most of us, residents and attendings alike, can think of a time that we made a finding or came up with a differential diagnosis that changed a patient’s life. Or maybe, you can remember a time when you put that stent into a patient’s leg, and the patient could walk without pain afterward. Picture how these moments felt. Think about how they had attracted you to the field of radiology.
Find Some Great Cases And Discuss With Colleagues
Maybe we are no longer on top of one another in the reading room. But, there is always room to pick up an unusual case and share it with some of your colleagues, residents, and attendings. Nothing sparks more interest in the field than a great imaging dilemma with twists and turns.
Read About Areas That Interest You
It’s not an unreasonable time to start picking up a book or two to learn a new area in radiology that you have not studied recently. Or, brush up on some other topic areas that interest you. As we start to become busier again, you will become more versatile. And, you may save time in the long run. Moreover, learning something new can rekindle your interests in radiology.
Teach Others
Although you may not have the option to do close one-on-one teaching at the same reading station nowadays, there are many opportunities to teach others. It could be remote, on the phone, or across the room. Regardless of the method, get involved. I can think of no better way of sparking interest in yourself and others.
The Hiatus Is Over. Get Back To Work!
It’s time to start up again. And, we need to get our heads back in the game. Make the most of the time you currently have. Whether it is reminiscing about our greatness, going over fascinating cases with others, learning about new areas in our field, or imparting our knowledge, we all need to latch on to those aspects of our field that we enjoy. It is mission-critical to be excited and mentally prepared to get back to a full day’s worth of work once again!
