Nearly half of radiologists in private practice are feeling burned out, according to new survey data published Wednesday in JACR [1].

Meanwhile, about 27% of radiologists in this setting feel professionally fulfilled, with a significant inverse association between the two measures: Being more burned out means feeling less fulfilled.

Radiologists on call for weekends or evenings were most likely to experience burnout, the survey found.

“Private practice radiologists are dependent on the effective management of their practices, adequate imaging volume and high productivity to maintain their salaries,” lead author Jay R. Parikh, MD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and co-authors wrote. “Taking call has previously been shown to be a stressor for subspecialty radiologists. Our data suggests that the burden of radiologist call in private practice, which helps sustain salaries, also contributes to radiologist burnout.”

Researchers conducted the survey online in August and September of 2021, targeting members of Strategic Radiology, a coalition of 31 independent imaging practices. A total of 254 radiologists filled out the questionnaire (for a response rate of 21%). Radiologists over the age of 65 were found less likely to experience burnout, while eating nutritious meals and exercising four-plus times a week correlated with a sense of professional fulfillment. Gender, ethnicity, geography and practice size appeared to have no statistically significant association with burnout or fulfillment.

Burnout has been strongly associated with a doctor’s intention to leave an organization, and it can cost upwards of $1 million to replace a physician. Parikh et al. believe addressing these factors can help boost a practice’s bottom line.

“Radiology practice leaders are increasingly becoming accountable within the United States for addressing burnout in their practices, with more than three out of four practice leaders acknowledging that radiologist burnout as either a significant or very significant problem,” the authors advised.

“There is therefore a business case for practice leaders to address radiologist burnout, especially in the climate of recruitment challenges within the current job market,” they added. “Our study suggests an opportunity for private practice leaders to address burnout in their practices is to review call structure, especially call involving weekends. Possible options include increasing radiologist staffing and outsourcing call.”