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An anonymous / excellent post by a third year resident going into pediatric radiology
Here is a quite insightful and well written post that we felt would be useful for all those possibly considering pediatric radiology as a fellowship or career choice. So here goes. Let us know if you have any questions about pediatric radiology:
"I’m a third year resident going into pediatric radiology.... I’ve come across a number of vocal people with negative views of pediatric radiology. As a result, I took extra time investigating my fellowship options to get a clear idea of what I was getting myself into... I’m posting to share my views on the benefits of choosing pediatric radiology, and also a few things I wish were different.
Cons:
Pediatric radiologists, if reading mostly peds cases, tend to produce fewer RVU’s than other subspecialists. Peds cases can take longer, particularly fluoro cases.
Pedrad fellowships are call heavy compared to other subspecialties.
Skeletal dysplasias and child abuse cases aren’t my idea of fun.
Some of my classmates dislike taking care of screaming kids.
About half the jobs in Pedrad are in big hospitals/big cities/University settings. About 20% of other subspecialists are in academics.
Pros:
Caring for the young and otherwise healthy rather than old, morbidly obese, degenerated, self-destructive adults. Studies seem more meaningful when they can result in a healthy child, who generally didn’t make choices leading to their illness.
Multiple modalities. Yes, I’ll be doing fluoro and plain film, but I’ll also be getting a lot more daily variety (MRI, CT, and US) than many other subspecialists.
Being part of the clinical team. You make a real difference through increased interaction with other specialists. I went into medicine in the first place to make this kind of difference.
Responsible imaging. Pediatric radiologists are in tune with the dangers of CT overutilization. They are taking the lead in this issue through the Image Gently campaign. Indications for ordering CTs in adult centers have been getting more and more ridiculous. I look forward to being part of the solution.
With regards to money: Across the board, after 5 years of practice, pediatric radiologists make an average of $15k less than other subspecialists, probably due to the higher percent of pediatric radiologists that practice in academic centers. However, monetary differentials are not absolute. Many of the jobs listed on the Society for Pediatric Radiology career board are for partnership tracks in large private practices, with opportunities to practice 80-100% peds. Your salary would be equal to adult imagers in such settings. There are job listings for 700k as partner on that board.
Right now the demand is very high for pediatric radiologists. There are over 100 spots advertised, and only around 30 fellows entering the workforce each year. There are also many, many unadvertised spots. I got several invitations to “come check out our place, we’re hiring” when attending the most recent Society for Pediatric Radiology meeting.
I know Peds isn’t for everyone, but I hope more residents will give it an honest assessment. I personally can’t wait to go to Boston Children’s for fellowship in a year." -- Trexate
"I’m a third year resident going into pediatric radiology.... I’ve come across a number of vocal people with negative views of pediatric radiology. As a result, I took extra time investigating my fellowship options to get a clear idea of what I was getting myself into... I’m posting to share my views on the benefits of choosing pediatric radiology, and also a few things I wish were different.
Cons:
Pediatric radiologists, if reading mostly peds cases, tend to produce fewer RVU’s than other subspecialists. Peds cases can take longer, particularly fluoro cases.
Pedrad fellowships are call heavy compared to other subspecialties.
Skeletal dysplasias and child abuse cases aren’t my idea of fun.
Some of my classmates dislike taking care of screaming kids.
About half the jobs in Pedrad are in big hospitals/big cities/University settings. About 20% of other subspecialists are in academics.
Pros:
Caring for the young and otherwise healthy rather than old, morbidly obese, degenerated, self-destructive adults. Studies seem more meaningful when they can result in a healthy child, who generally didn’t make choices leading to their illness.
Multiple modalities. Yes, I’ll be doing fluoro and plain film, but I’ll also be getting a lot more daily variety (MRI, CT, and US) than many other subspecialists.
Being part of the clinical team. You make a real difference through increased interaction with other specialists. I went into medicine in the first place to make this kind of difference.
Responsible imaging. Pediatric radiologists are in tune with the dangers of CT overutilization. They are taking the lead in this issue through the Image Gently campaign. Indications for ordering CTs in adult centers have been getting more and more ridiculous. I look forward to being part of the solution.
With regards to money: Across the board, after 5 years of practice, pediatric radiologists make an average of $15k less than other subspecialists, probably due to the higher percent of pediatric radiologists that practice in academic centers. However, monetary differentials are not absolute. Many of the jobs listed on the Society for Pediatric Radiology career board are for partnership tracks in large private practices, with opportunities to practice 80-100% peds. Your salary would be equal to adult imagers in such settings. There are job listings for 700k as partner on that board.
Right now the demand is very high for pediatric radiologists. There are over 100 spots advertised, and only around 30 fellows entering the workforce each year. There are also many, many unadvertised spots. I got several invitations to “come check out our place, we’re hiring” when attending the most recent Society for Pediatric Radiology meeting.
I know Peds isn’t for everyone, but I hope more residents will give it an honest assessment. I personally can’t wait to go to Boston Children’s for fellowship in a year." -- Trexate
Views: 171
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael P. D'Alessandro on
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As a pediatric radiologist I think this is a superb post that fairly explains the pros and cons of pediatric radiology. I hope it inspires others beyond the author to enter this wonderful subspecialty of radiology. Besides, what other patient population hugs you after you finish their ultrasound?
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