Prevalence of Burnout of Radiologists in Private Practice.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and demographic factors associated with both burnout and fulfillment of private practice radiologists within the largest coalition of independent wholly physician-owned diagnostic radiology practices within the United States.

METHODS: The study cohort included practicing radiologists within the largest coalition of wholly radiologist-owned, independently practicing diagnostic radiology groups within the United States. Practicing radiologists within all 31 radiology private practices within the organization were electronically mailed a web link to a confidential institutional review board-approved survey in August and September 2021. The survey included validated questions from the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index, individual and practice demographics, and self-care. Radiologists were classified as being burned out and professionally fulfilled on the basis of established cutoffs from the Professional Fulfillment Index.

RESULTS: The overall response rate was 20.6% (254 of 1,235). The overall rate of radiologist burnout was 46% (Cronbach's α = 0.92), and professional fulfillment was 26.7% (Cronbach's α = 0.91). The inverse association between professional fulfillment and burnout was highly significant (r = -0.66, P < .0001) on the basis of average scores. Radiologists who took call (evenings, overnight, and weekends) were statistically most likely to be burned out. Older radiologists were less likely to experience burnout. Factors statistically significantly associated with professional fulfillment were eating nutritious meals and exercising at least four times per week. No statistically significant association was seen between either burnout or fulfillment with gender, ethnicity, practice geography, or practice size.

CONCLUSIONS: In the largest coalition of independent wholly physician-owned diagnostic radiology practices across the United States, about one-half of radiologists were burned out, and just over one-quarter were professionally fulfilled. Taking call was significantly associated with radiologist burnout. Self-care habits were associated with professional fulfillment.