ParticipantsFederica Vernuccio, MD, Palermo, Italy (Presenter) Nothing to Disclose
Eduardo Estades Romero Jr, MD, Newark, DE (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
JoAnna Marie D. Choa, MD, Manila , Philippines (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Jae Seok Bae, MD, Seoul, Korea, Republic Of (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Sevcan Turk, MD, Izmir, Turkey (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Maria M. Serra, MD, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Abstract Co-Author) Medical Advisor, EntelaiPic
Susan C. Shelmerdine, MBBS, FRCR, Cheltenham, United Kingdom (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Ashlesha S. Udare, MBBS, MD, Mumbai, India (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Bayarbaatar Bold, MD, Bangkok, Thailand (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Dina F. Haroun, MBBCh, Giza, Egypt (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Estefania Terrazas Torres, MD, Chihuahua, Mexico (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
Monika Arzanauskaite, MMedSc, Liverpool, United Kingdom (Abstract Co-Author) Nothing to Disclose
federicavernuccio@gmail.com
PURPOSETo assess the opportunities and interest in academia amongst radiology trainees worldwide, and to identify barriers to research activities.
METHOD AND MATERIALSA 35-question online survey was distributed to radiology trainees internationally using social media and support via email newsletters from 13 radiological societies. Feedback regarding length and setup of radiology residency programs, participation in research and barriers to academic activities were investigated. Fisher and Chi-squared tests were used to differentiate findings. A p<0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference.
RESULTSIn total, 749 participants (348 women, 392 men, 9 undisclosed) completed the survey. Research involvement amongst radiology trainees varied significantly, ranging from 36% (21/59) in South America to 79% (46/58) in North America. Research productivity (i.e. poster or scientific presentations and publications) varied significantly, with trainees involved in research from North America mostly publishing original articles (27/58, 27%), European trainees mostly publishing review articles (94/437, 22%) and South American trainees mostly publishing case reports (28/59, 47%). There was a lack of formal allocated time for research in 60% (451/749) of participants. When compared to participants with formally allocated time, there was a lower number of published original articles (31%, 138/451 vs. 42%, 126/298, p<0.001), review articles (13%, 58/451 vs. 20%, 60/298, p=0.007), and first author publications (31%, 140/451 vs. 40%, 120/298, p=0.009). Barriers to research included lack of allocated time (58%, 434/749) and mentorship (49%, 366/749). Some participants (18% (136/749)) declared a lack of personal interest as a barrier. Lack of funding was declared a major barrier by 50% (19/38) of participants from African countries.
CONCLUSIONRadiology research involvement amongst trainees varies worldwide, with many not formally involved in academia. Residency programs seeking to enhance research output should focus on providing protected time, training and mentorship.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATIONHigh quality research drives technological advances. Lack of involvement in academia and mentorship during residency may hamper the ability of radiologists to contribute to discoveries and improvements for patient care.