A recent study by AMN Healthcare established radiologists as the third most sought after specialists among healthcare employers. Radiologists identify, diagnose, and treat injuries and illnesses using imaging technology like CT scans, X-rays, endoscopy, ultrasounds, and MRI. These specialists usually work in hospitals, private practices and clinics or health care organizations and imaging firms. Find out why radiologists are highly sought after below.

 

An Aging Population

As people get older, they encounter more health issues, such as muscle aches, arthritis, cancer, back pain, and heart disease. With the number of Americans 65 and over expected to reach 80 million in 2040, the growth of medical services, including radiology will only increase.

 

Currently, many of the older citizens in the U.S. are baby boomers, who are more concerned with preventative healthcare than generations before. Baby boomers are keen on monitoring and assessing their health, driving up the demand for imaging tests.

 

Increasing Use of Imaging Tests

Imaging technology has come a long way from the invention of the microscope in the 16th century and the X-ray in 1895. Subsequently, ultrasound imaging, MRI, and CT scans were invented, helping physicians understand the human body and promoting the accurate diagnosis of illnesses.

 

Today, imaging technology is highly sophisticated, thanks to the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Nuclear imaging functions. Since modern imaging tests can identify a wider range of diseases than before, the demand for radiology will only increase.

 

Additionally, imaging technology has become an important part of patient healthcare management. Most physicians will require an imaging test before diagnosing an illness and formulating a treatment plan. Over time, radiologists have become an integral part of any hospital’s daily operations.

 

Shortage of Radiologists

The U.S. has a radiology shortage, manifesting as long waiting comes, delayed diagnoses, and poor healthcare outcomes. One of the reasons for this shortage is a lack of awareness about the speciality among medical students. Most training programs don’t emphasize that radiology is a visible part of healthcare, and many students assume that radiologists are relegated to backend rooms.

 

Moreover, the current radiology workforce is aging, with over 20% of radiologists over 65 years. As older radiologists retire, employers will need younger specialists to fill in these critical roles. The shortage is especially apparent in rural areas, and healthcare clinics in these settings must lure and retain skilled radiologists to fulfill their imaging needs.

 

Imaging is central to patient healthcare management but the demand is outpacing the supply. This is good news for radiologists as they can expect high salaries and many opportunities in large cities. On the other hand, employers must get creative to attract and retain these specialists.