Correlating Economic Cycles with Job Placement in Academic Radiology: Implications for Graduating Residents' Recruitment and Mentorship.

RATIONALE AND

OBJECTIVES

To assess the correlation between US economic cycle and radiology residents' entry into academic vs nonacademic practice models.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data from 2002-2023 identified two discrete economic recessions: the 2008 mortgage crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. An alumni database was created for graduating residents from a large academic tertiary care center 2years prior to, during, and after these recessions: 2006-2012 (n=52) and 2018-2024 (n=58). Fisher's Exact Test compared alumni ratios in academic vs other practice models (ie, private, teleradiology, community hybrid) pre- and post-GDP decelerations.

RESULTS

35% (6/17) of alumni graduating during the mortgage crisis recession currently practice in academics vs 6% (1/16) who graduated prior to the recession (P=.05). 67% (12/18) of alumni graduating during the COVID recession currently practice in academics vs 35% (7/20) prior to (P=.05). In post-COVID economic expansion, only 25% (5/20) of 2023-2024 graduates practice in or have signed in academics compared to during the recession (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

There is an inverse relationship between phases of economic growth and graduating radiology resident job placement with academic practices. Understanding economic cycles can help academic practices develop timely recruitment strategies to maintain workforce stability and provide resident mentorship.