Shortage Of Radiologists Making it Hard to Get Mammographies

The need for radiologists is dire, says a recent study. Published in the May issue of the journal Radiology, the study claims access to mammography may become a problem for American women if staffing shortages at screening centers continue.

Researchers surveyed 45 mammography facilities in three states - Colorado, New Hampshire, and Washington - and found that 44 percent did not have enough radiologists on staff to meet the demand for mammography services. The shortages were higher in non-profit facilities than facilities that operated for-profit.

Desperately Seeking Radiology Career Professionals

Study author Dr. Carl D' Orsi of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia said that he believed that the ability for women to get a mammography in timely fashion may decrease. And if women have to wait even longer for a mammogram, they may not get one at all, he said.

Because the study's most infuriating implication, says Dr. D'Orsi, is that doctors spend so much time persuading women to get a mammography in the first place. Regular mammography is widely believed to reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to thirty percent.

"Since most women are fearful of the outcome of screening mammography, a drop in access may be a reason for them not to go at all for screening," D'Orsi suggested. "This would be a huge step backward," he said.

Radiology Jobs for the Taking

In nearly half of the facilities surveyed, patients had to wait two or more weeks. In some facilities, patients had to wait as many as four weeks.

This survey makes it perfectly clear that radiology jobs are there for the taking. Radiology career can be had in any part of the country. Radiology degrees and certifications are offered at vocational schools and community colleges across the country. Often, radiology will be a specialty department of nursing schools.