Career paths in diagnostic radiology: scope and effect of part-time work.

Abstract

To determine the extent and consequences of part-time work in radiology. A survey was mailed to 1,500 male and 1,500 female radiologists. Questions assessed part-time work and its effect on professional and family issues. The effects of education, radiology practice characteristics, organizational support, human resource practices, and family responsibilities on career and professional satisfaction were studied. Ten and a half percent of the radiologists surveyed--7.4% of the men and 30.2% of the women--were working part-time. The part-time radiologists reported earning 56.3% of the income earned by full-time radiologists and working 56.9% of the hours worked by their full-time counterparts, with disproportionately fewer benefits. Part-time private practice radiologists were significantly less likely to be partners. For academic radiologists, having worked part-time at any time was significantly associated with lower academic rank. The motivation for working part-time differed significantly according to gender and age. Benefits were disproportionate, and radiologists who had worked part-time were less likely to be partners or full professors.