Results of and comments on the 1998 survey of the American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The American Association of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology annually surveys residency programs on a variety of issues related to residency training. The survey allows for comparison between programs regarding training and follows trends on current issues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Questionnaires were mailed to all accredited programs in the United States (188 programs). The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding general demographic information and specific topics regarding residency training. The 1998 survey focused on turf issues, teleradiology use, residency selection, and prior training.

RESULTS

Completed surveys from 61 programs (32.4%) were returned. Important findings included (a) the ongoing turf battles regarding vascular and obstetric-gynecologic ultrasound, both in general hospital and emergency department patients, (b) the use of teleradiology by most residents, and (c) the low percentage of women in radiology residency programs.

CONCLUSION

The information obtained during yearly surveys is useful for program evaluation and future planning. Current survey results indicate an increasing use of teleradiology in residency over the past 4 years. The turf battles in ultrasonography (both vascular and obstetric) have remained unchanged over the same time frame.