What specialists, faculty can do to stop decline of pediatric radiology

A lack of interest and a limited supply of jobs are just some of the reasons why pediatric radiology is a field on the decline, according to a recent opinion piece published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. But what can be done to reverse that trend?

“Although there are cyclical ebbs and flows in fellowship desirability, pediatric radiology is the only subspecialty in which resident interest incrementally decreased from 2013 through 2017,” wrote author Cory M. Pfeifer, MD, MS, with University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

The overall fill rate for pediatric radiology programs dropped from 66 percent in 2015-2016 to 52 percent in 2016-2017, and declined a further 6 percent in the fall of 2017. Additionally, the total number of programs lacking fellows in accredited positions increased from 11 to 23 in the same time frame.

Pediatric radiology fellowship training is also concentrated in limited areas in the nation, Pfeifer explained. Forty-six percent of pediatric radiology fellows were focused in three northern and northeastern programs in 2017, creating a lack of diversity in pediatric radiology training throughout the country.

A key solution to this problem includes more exposure to the practice of pediatric radiology, according to the authors. Many programs send trainees to other children’s hospitals, which continues to promote the notion that pediatric radiology is separate from diagnostic radiology.

And pediatric radiology faculty, as Pfeifer noted, should be allotted equal time with residents.

“A rebound in pediatric radiology recruiting will be necessary to avert significant shortfalls in the number of pediatric radiologists moving forward,” Pfeifer concluded. “Pediatric radiologists must be accountable for the current situation, provide high-quality training longitudinally throughout residency, and take steps to enhance the reputations of their own departments before change can take place. Radiology residency programs must likewise be willing to give pediatric radiology its due attention. After all, children need radiologists too.”