How much do radiologists and radiation oncologists specialize?

Abstract

To present detailed information about the actual, current extent of the subspecialization of radiologists and radiation oncologists. The authors used data from the ACR's 2003 Survey of Radiologists and 2003 Survey of Radiation Oncologists. Multiple measures were used to ascertain the overall extent of the subspecialization of radiologists and radiation oncologists. Also, the percentages of radiologists and radiation oncologists in each subspecialty are reported. Multiple regression analysis identified the probable effects on specialization of characteristics of radiologists and radiation oncologists and the practices they work in. Overall, 69% of posttraining, professionally active radiologists specialized at least to a small extent. Thirty-one percent of radiologists spent at least 70% of their work time in a single subspecialty. After controlling for other factors considered in the regression analysis, younger radiologists, those having taken fellowships, and those working in academic practices were more likely to be specialized; solo and locum tenens radiologists were less likely to be specialized. Forty-eight percent of radiation oncologists specialized at least to a small extent, whereas only 11% spent at least 70% of their work time in subspecialties. Controlling for other factors, radiation oncologists between 45 and 54 years of age had a low likelihood of being specialized, and the effects of practice type were the same as for radiologists. Depending on the measure used, between one third and two thirds of radiologists were specialized in 2003. Radiation oncologists were less specialized, but approximately half of them specialized at least to a small extent.