The real world of Italian new-generation radiologists: challenges and career expectations.

PURPOSE: To assess the perceived work-life balance, sources of job dissatisfaction, and career aspirations in the new generation of residents and young radiologists.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A national survey was conducted among young members of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM) including a total of 15 questions related to job satisfaction, work-life balance, work preferences, career challenges, as well as use and challenges of artificial intelligence. Responses were compared according to the different career stages.

RESULTS

A total of 204 responses were collected, of which 113 (55.4%) reported to be resident, while 91 (44.6%) were practicing radiologists. Senior radiologists reported the lowest job satisfaction (p < 0.001). The most common factors contributing to job dissatisfaction were inadequate compensation (73.0%), inadequate work-life balance (39.2%), and excessive workload (36.3%). Overall, young residents expressed a preference for private practice in future careers (34.0%), public hospitals were preferred by senior residents (38.3%) and young radiologists (42.9%), while senior radiologists expressed a preference for university hospitals (42.9%, p = 0.001). The most commonly reported career challenges were lack of AI training (44.6%), lack of guidance/mentorship (38.2%), and lack of fellowship programme (35.8%). Particularly, most of the responders (37.4%) used AI only rarely, learned AI on their own (31.4%), and felt to be only "somewhat prepared" to face the AI challenges (48.5%).

CONCLUSION

Early-career professionals face several challenges with difficulty of achieving a sustainable work-life balance and limited job satisfaction.