The real world of Italian new-generation radiologists: challenges and career expectations
摘要
To assess the perceived work-life balance, sources of job dissatisfaction, and career aspirations in the new generation of residents and young radiologists.
Materials and methodsA national survey was conducted among young members of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM) including a total of 15 questions related to job satisfaction, work-life balance, work preferences, career challenges, as well as use and challenges of artificial intelligence. Responses were compared according to the different career stages.
ResultsA total of 204 responses were collected, of which 113 (55.4%) reported to be resident, while 91 (44.6%) were practicing radiologists. Senior radiologists reported the lowest job satisfaction (p < 0.001). The most common factors contributing to job dissatisfaction were inadequate compensation (73.0%), inadequate work-life balance (39.2%), and excessive workload (36.3%). Overall, young residents expressed a preference for private practice in future careers (34.0%), public hospitals were preferred by senior residents (38.3%) and young radiologists (42.9%), while senior radiologists expressed a preference for university hospitals (42.9%, p = 0.001). The most commonly reported career challenges were lack of AI training (44.6%), lack of guidance/mentorship (38.2%), and lack of fellowship programme (35.8%). Particularly, most of the responders (37.4%) used AI only rarely, learned AI on their own (31.4%), and felt to be only “somewhat prepared” to face the AI challenges (48.5%).
ConclusionEarly-career professionals face several challenges with difficulty of achieving a sustainable work-life balance and limited job satisfaction.