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January 7, 2025
Radiologist Shortage Threatens Timely Healthcare Amid Rising Demand
Becker's Hospital Review
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
The radiologist shortage is a pressing concern, driven by factors such as an aging population, increased imaging demand, and a significant number of retirements post-pandemic. The American College of Radiology forecasts that annual imaging studies will soon surpass one billion, exacerbating the strain on the radiologist workforce. Contributing factors include a projected shortage of up to 42,000 radiologists by 2033, with imaging studies increasing by up to 5% annually, while radiology residency positions grow by only 2%. Nearly half of U.S. radiologists are at retirement age, and the radiology technologist vacancy rate has risen to 18.1% from 6.2% three years ago. Potential solutions being considered include adopting AI tools to assist with workloads, federal legislation to increase funding for residency positions, and strategies to retain and augment the current workforce.
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