Factors Contributing to Disproportionate Burnout in Women Breast Imaging Radiologists: A Review
Abstract:
Physician burnout continues to increase in prevalence and disproportionately affects women physicians. Breast imaging is a woman-dominated subspeciality, and therefore, worsening burnout among women physicians may have significant repercussions on the future of the breast imaging profession. Systemic and organizational factors have been shown to be the greatest contributors to burnout beyond individual factors. Based on the Mayo Model, we review the evidence regarding the 7 major organizational contributors to physician burnout and their potential disproportionate impacts on women breast radiologists. The major organizational factors discussed are work–life integration, control and flexibility, workload and job demands, efficiency and resources, finding meaning in work, social support and community at work, and organizational culture and values. We also propose potential strategies for institutions and practices to mitigate burnout in women breast imaging radiologists. Many of these strategies could also benefit men breast imaging radiologists, who are at risk for burnout as well.
The Ins and Outs of ACR Accreditation
You’ve passed your yearly FDA/MQSA inspection and you think you can finally breathe easy. Then it happens - you get a notification from the American College of Radiology (ACR) that you are due for your facility’s accreditation renewal. You think “Ugh, didn’t I just go through this process?!”, and you start to panic… again. We tirelessly search for the perfect image and the perfect patient, only to find out that “perfect” is near impossible to find.
What if...
Are you ready? October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we all know what that means...schedules will be packed, yet somehow we’ll find room for “add-ons”. We’ll work extra hours, and often wonder if it’s time for lunch (at 9 am). Thanks to Coronavirus, this year has been challenging on so many levels.
Presenting Diagnostic Work-Ups
A few months ago, I was fortunate to spend some time working with a technologist at one of the positioning trainings I was leading. (For the purpose of this story, I’ll refer to this technologist as Amber.)
Amber was quick to pick up on each little tip and trick that I shared with her; I was so pleased at how quickly she was progressing with improving imaging quality. On the last day, I observed Amber discussing the case with another technologist as they were walking towards the Radiologist’s office. The patient was in the clinic for a new palpable lump on her right breast.
What brings you to Mammography?
We all have a story. Something that brought us to this profession. Maybe it was a family member: our mom, grandma, sister, friend, coworker, neighbor, or mentor. Breast Cancer has touched us. In one way or another, this pain-staking disease has crept into our lives and touched some aspects in one way or another.
What our clients are saying.
“Sarah was very professional, knowledgeable and understanding of technologist’s concerns. The presented lectures and live positioning training was very helpful to tweak our current techniques.
A simple thank you.
As Mammographers, oftentimes we end our day-to-day interactions with patients by saying "Thank you". Or, as our patients are walking out the door and leaving for the day they (hopefully) express their gratitude to us. Throughout the course of our shift, we probably hear "thank you" a lot. And not just from patients, but from co-workers, and Radiologists as well.
Business conference mixed with personal growth...why not?!
So many people have asked about my trip last week to the RISE Business conference in Charleston. To say that my time there was amazing would be an understatement. ‘AMAZING' isn’t a word that does it justice. Not only was the speaker lineup incredible, but the environment {likeminded people just doing their thing, without the perception of what other people thought of them}, mixed with fire and motivation is something that everyone should experience.