Private Equity Backed Radiology Considerations for the Radiology Trainee.

Radiology trainees are served well by understanding the financial and operational aspects of the burgeoning phenomenon of private equity (PE) backed radiology and its implications on radiologist roles and remuneration. Consolidation in radiology has two major patterns, namely coalitions and PE-backed corporations, with distinct ownership, remuneration, and clinical decision-making dynamics. PE is defined by stock ownership, reduced base compensation, and greater conflicts of interest with respect to clinical decision-making given private investors' arguably larger appetites for profit. Data on PE's impact on radiology are scarce, but literature in other specialties suggests a potential for negative effects. Early career radiologist data point to growing concerns over this phenomenon's growing presence in radiology. Radiology trainees are encouraged to become more financially literate with respect to PE, as this model has the potential to disrupt the practice of radiology and the competitiveness of future talent pools.