What is the Future of Imaging MRI?

What is the future of imaging MRI, given the current state of health care and the changes afoot? Currently, the diagnostic radiology profession is growing, in spite of the economic pinch. There are over 30,500 practicing radiologists and oncologists in the United States, according to the American College of Radiology. Despite the fact that 1,000 people graduate into the medical imaging profession each year, some people, like James Borgstede MD of the University of Colorado’s Department of Radiology, reports that there is a serious shortage.

There are several reasons why analysts worry there may not be enough specialists to perform MRI scans in the future. First, more and more radiology experts are reaching retirement age. The American College of Radiology reports that there were 6,500 retirees in 2007, 5,870 retirees in 2004 and 5,100 retirees in 2000. Statistically, radiologists retire two years later than most other professions, but even so, the numbers are decreasing. Since it takes 6-7 years to obtain radiology degree, these vacancies are difficult to fill.

Job vacancies are another way the American College of Radiology tracks the imaging MRI outlook. In 2007, they gauged the job market to be “intermediate” because it was easy to fill basic vacancies, but it was harder to fill more desirable, high-level positions like interventional radiology and breast imaging specialists. Perhaps downsizing affects even the medical industry, with 0.72 jobs for each job seeker in 2007, compared to 1.1 in 2003 and 1.2 in 2006. It seems that some retirees are coming back to the field as specialists, which prevents many young, aspiring radiology professionals from moving up and causes some professionals to move into other sectors of health care, where advancement and top earnings are more likely.

Common procedures in imaging MRI and oncology radiology include mammograms and general radiography (292 million), ultrasound (136 million), CT scans (72 million), nuclear medicine (41 million) and interventional radiology (33 million). Some are predicting radiology professionals to become increasingly busier, given that there is a shortage in some of the radioactive isotopes used in nuclear medicine. Given the expensive technology and the need for highly skilled specialists and technicians, the future of MRI scan technology may ultimately depend upon what sort of health care reform is in store for America.

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