Thursday, 20 May 2010

The Future of Mammography: Radiology Residents' Experiences, Attitudes, and Opinions

The Future of Mammography: Radiology Residents' Experiences, Attitudes, and Opinions
Shrujal S. Baxi, Jacqueline G. Snow, Laura Liberman, and Elena B. Elkin
AJR 2010;194:1680-1686

Link to Journal

RESULTS. Three hundred forty-four residents completed the survey (response rate, 62%). The length of time spent training in breast imaging varied from no dedicated time (37%) to 1–8 weeks (40%) to more than 9 weeks (23%). Most respondents (97%) agreed that mammography is important to women's health. More than 85% of residents believed that mammography should be interpreted by breast imaging specialists. Respondents shared negative views about mammography, agreeing with statements that the field was associated with a high risk of malpractice (99%), stress (94%), and low reimbursement (68%). Respondents endorsed several positive attributes of mammography, including job availability (97%), flexible work schedules (94%), and few calls or emergencies (93%). Most radiology residents (93%) said that they were likely to pursue subspecialty training, and 7% expressed interest in breast imaging fellowships.

CONCLUSION
. Radiology residents' negative and positive views about mammography seem to be independent of time spent training in mammography and of future plans to pursue fellowship training in breast imaging. Systematic assessment of the plans and preferences of radiology residents can facilitate the development of strategies to attract trainees to careers in breast imaging

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