Radiology

Part-time, locum tenens, moonlighting—in its many forms, practicing radiology on the side is a time-honored tradition. It offers an alternate pathway to financial freedom, an opportunity to broaden your skillset, and a tool for career exploration. Maybe you do some yourself. You wouldn’t be alone; a recent study from Medscape found that 42% of radiologists supplement their income with extra work, either by extending their hours or working outside their current position.

Leaving private practice is hard. As vRad’s Medical Director, I interview radiologists every day who are wrestling with that difficult decision. Even in the face of exhaustion and burnout, they run up against loyalty to their colleagues. Others worry about the impact of unwinding their current financial entanglements.

For those considering teleradiology, the thought can seem particularly daunting. Will I feel isolated? How fast do I have to read? Can this really be a stable career change?

So how did those who made the switch do it?

For radiologists, finding time for personal interests can be challenging. However, Dr. Maryellyn Gilfeather has leveraged vRad’s flexible and predictable work schedules to blend a successful career with a remarkable passion for running.

With an extraordinary record of over 300 marathons, including more than 50 since joining vRad in 2019, Dr. Gilfeather embodies the work-life balance that vRad strives to offer. Her journey through marathons is as diverse as the locations she’s run, from energetic urban races to Antarctica.

Dr. Gilfeather’s experience demonstrates how working at vRad opens doors for personal fulfillment in a demanding field. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Dr. Gilfeather as her medical services liaison at vRad. I sat down with her recently to hear more about her fascinating story of 300+ marathons.

The thought of missing a critical finding can strike fear in the heart of even the most seasoned radiologist. So, when I’m asked which findings are most commonly missed, I don’t hesitate to answer. The most-missed findings that can lead to a devastating patient care outcome, or are most likely to land you in court, are spinal epidural abscesses, aortic dissection, ischemic bowel, intracranial hemorrhage and pulmonary embolism. The first three are most likely to result in a malpractice claim and may account for 40% of all indemnity payments paid by a practice. The remaining two, while they might not end in a lawsuit, are still some of the most common critical misses. 

The second thing radiologists want to know is, “What can I do to reduce the possibility of missing one of these pathologies?” And my answer is: Develop a solid search pattern and stick to it. With every single read. 

Imagine having a 150-bed hospital without a radiology department. Imagine being an obstetrician in an isolated area without access to ultrasound. Imagine trying to diagnose complex conditions by physical exam alone. Across the globe, medical professionals face challenges like these every day. Over 60% of the world’s population lacks access to radiology services or imaging technology. Many don’t even have access to reliable power or transportation, much less any medical care.  

Now imagine you are part of the solution. 

Ever since I was in grade school, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. I discovered radiology in middle school, and you could say it was my first love. 

When I started a family, a new love came into my life, but that did not diminish my passion for radiology. I wanted a well-rounded life: a fulfilling radiology career and significant time with my family. I honestly thought a traditional radiology career could provide a healthy work-life balance, but during residency, fellowship, and a few years of private practice, I had not managed to achieve it.

And so I started to look elsewhere.

Is your happiness worth anything? It was a question I asked myself at the height of my burnout as a partner at a private practice.  The answer led me here, to vRad.  And while greater work-life balance was essential to eliminating my own burnout, another key element not to be missed has been vRad’s commitment to physician wellness.

In the U.S., 22% of marriages have women breadwinners over the age of 30[1]. These relationships face unique challenges and experience as much as 50% increased divorce rate[2]. In addition to being a full-time radiologist, I’m also a writer and host a podcast on this topic. Stemming from financial inequities experienced in my own marriage, and the resulting challenges, I was inspired to delve into the psyche of the Female Breadwinner. I learned that my situation was not unique.

Women earning more than their spouses are like pioneers; we don’t have mentors to show us how to navigate this dynamic. In addition, long-standing societal norms still portray husbands as the primary breadwinners.

In my first book, She Makes More-Inside the Minds of Female Breadwinners, I share insights from my experience and research for couples where the women are out-earning their male spouses. However, many of these concepts apply equally well to any partnership. Let’s have a look at some issues that may arise in these relationships and how to handle them.

As radiologists, we make it through the difficulties of residency and fellowship on the idea that if we can just hang in there, we’ll be rewarded on the other side with a successful career helping patients. “Only a few more months and life will be good!” 

However, what traditionally comes after training isn't any easier. The early years of private practice include the same long hours and strict schedules with a vague promise of stability one day.  

I think this reality is often underappreciated among early-career radiologists. I know it was for me and a few of my colleagues. With this article we hope to cast light on these issues and share our experience with a solution that is often overlooked—the alternative career path of teleradiology.