The Radiologist Workforce Shortage: Shifting the Focus to Physician Retention and Creating a Flourishing Work Environment in Breast Imaging

The current radiologist shortage presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems, which may adversely affect patient care. The supply-demand gap is expected to widen as the demand for radiology services outpaces radiologist positions. Increased recruitment, locum tenens work, and teleradiology services can offset the shortage, but strategies focused on physician retention are equally instrumental. The “Stay Interview” is a retention strategy to gauge an employee’s outlook in the workplace and assess individual likes and dislikes. With bi-directional communication between employer and employee, radiology practices can make small adaptations to prioritize joy and satisfaction in the workplace, potentially reducing attrition. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are explored as they relate to the workplace. By satisfying fundamental and psychological needs, radiologists can be on the path towards self-actualization in congruence with the mission, vision, and values of their institution.