Stephen R. Baker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, One Call Medical, Inc

Lyndon Luk BS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

The changing of the content and timing of the initial radiology board exam series has as a primary aim, the promotion of sub-specialization. However, additional clinical responsibility of subspecialists may include work in a different imaging discipline. The purpose of this study was to chart the prevalence of after-hour work among the various subspecialties in radiology and to determine if they differ between large, private and academic practices. 

A questionaire, sent to all members of SCARD and to directors of the 50 largest radiology practices in the United States, requested that they list the weekend and holiday coverage obligations of their sub-specialists in interventional, interventional neuro-neuroradiology, pediatric radiology, body imaging, chest, breast and MSK radiology. 

Academic and private practice response rates were 40% (43 of 108) and 42% (21 of 50), respectively. 76% of neuroradiologists, 91% of interventional radiologists, 69% of pediatric radiologists, 36% of interventional neuroradiologists, 48% of body imagers, 45 % of breast imagers, 19% of chest radiologists and 19% of musculoskeletal radiologists in academic center practices did not provide non-weekday coverage in other radiology subspecialties, as opposed to 24%, 48%, 19%, 33%, 5%, 24%, 5% and 10% of their respective counterparts who were part of large private groups. The majority of neuroradiologists, interventional radiologists and pediatric radiologists practicing in large academic centers are infrequently assigned to provide clinical interpretation and or perform procedures in areas outside their subspecialty.

Residents who plan on pursuing an academic career in neuroradiology, interventional radiology and pediatric radiology should receive a substantial concentrated training in them in the fourth year of radiology to help prepare them for a subspecialty career. Other specialists in academic practice or in private practice may benefit more from a fourth year curriculum that encompasses a variety of clinical rotations. 

The schedule of fourth year assignments should be tailored to their expected obligations as subspecialists. 

Baker, S, Luk, L, Subspecialty After-hours Assignments and Its Relationship to Curricular Options of the Fourth Year.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11034294.html