Challenges to Radiologists: Responding to the Socioeconomic and Political Issues Keeping Radiologists Up at Night: The Third Annual Open Microphone Sessions at the 2011 AMCLC

Radiologists and their practices and departments are facing challenges that are increasing in number and intensity. These include higher expectations from hospital administrators and referring physicians, new regulatory requirements, lower reimbursements, and competition from predatory practices. For many radiologists, these forces are having a negative impact on their job satisfaction, their lifestyles, and the time they have available for consultation, teaching, and research. Some radiologists face loss of employment, and the specialty faces existential threats. This article includes surveys of the ACR Council regarding recent challenges and summarizes comments from the councilors, the literature, and the authors with respect to recommendations to radiologists in meeting these challenges.