Reading in Retirement
Because of the technology that allows for remote reading, radiologists can seek to build a reading-in-retirement lifestyle. This might involve scaling back on hours or focusing on specific modalities, such as plain films. This adaptability is particularly relevant considering the projected growth of the 75+ workforce by 2030. As Dr. Howard B. Fleishon highlights, this trend presents a valuable opportunity to tap into a wealth of experienced, retired radiologists who can continue contributing their expertise and fill crucial gaps in the workforce. This not only benefits healthcare institutions but allows seasoned professionals to stay engaged in a field they find rewarding.
Retired Radiologists can stay engaged in their specialty
While the average retirement age in the US is 62, radiologists often extend their careers, retiring closer to 75 on average.1 After retiring, many radiologists find themselves missing the intellectual challenge and sense of accomplishment that comes with the profession With a current shortage of radiologists, your expertise and experience are more valuable than ever. Consider retiring from the daily grind – the commute, the suits, the administrative tasks – but not from reading imaging. For radiologists reading in retirement, staying engaged in image interpretation might be the very lifeline to a fulfilling post-retirement life.
1. Mental Acuity and Continued Learning
There is a shift in mentality one must embrace when entering retirement. Research shows a correlation between the early stages of retirement and cognitive decline.
In James DeMartini’s essay, “I Flunked Retirement,”2 he states “In general, retirement was OK, but I found it rather empty. I was no longer a contributing member of society, though the whole world was open before me. The one thing I was fairly competent at and always enjoyed was radiology.”
Dr. DeMartini is not alone in feeling a sense of lost purpose. A 2022 Forbes Health survey of more than 1,000 recent retirees conducted by OnePoll found that 32% of respondents reported wishing they’d kept working longer. Another 32% indicated they didn’t feel well prepared for the day-to-day realities of retirement.3
As long as you are still mentally sharp and willing to dedicate time, continuing some amount of reading may be an excellent option for retired radiologists who aren’t quite ready to end their careers. With the ever-growing shortage of radiologists and reporting delays in imaging, your skills and expertise are highly sought after and could be put to good use. The brain thrives on continued learning and work. Continued mental stimulation is the key to maintaining cognitive function.
2. Autonomy in Your Schedule
Burnout within the profession remains a significant factor in early retirement for radiologists. Striking a work-life balance with autonomy in scheduling and prioritizing well-being can be key to finding happiness as a retired radiologist. There are many ways to continue reading in retirement while tailoring your work options to your individual wants and needs.
Radiologists looking for reading-in-retirement can consider teleradiology work, such as work offered by Excalibur Healthcare. Teleradiology provides location flexibility. This might mean reading from a remote work location – that lakeside cabin or Hawaiian getaway you’ve dreamed about. Teleradiology also can remove administrative burdens, allowing you to focus on image interpretation.
Having greater flexibility in your work schedule is a goal for a lot of retired radiologists. reach out to discuss your goals with us.
3. Social and Personal Benefits
As social creatures, humans crave the company of others, and the strength of these connections is intertwined with both health and happiness. Experiencing social isolation or failing to grow your social circle in retirement can significantly impact your well-being, potentially increasing the risk of health problems like depression or cognitive decline.4
Continuing your radiology career, perhaps by transitioning from a demanding full-time position, offers a wealth of social and personal benefits for retired radiologists. Teleradiology allows you to maintain connections with the medical community and fellow radiologists, share your knowledge and expertise, and continue contributing to patient care – while experiencing a sense of purpose, intellectual fulfillment, and continued professional connection.
4. Financial Gains
While not the only factor that warrants careful planning and consideration, financial preparedness plays a significant role in retirement decision making.
Retired radiologists might seek out pay-per-read work to provide additional income for needs and wants they had not anticipated prior to retirement.
What are the Best Teleradiology Companies for Retirement Reading?
What’s best is a balance of what works for you while mutually addressing the needs of the patient.
Teleradiology companies can offer work that might be the right fit for reading in retirement. Just like no two careers are the same, each teleradiology company is different. Here at Excalibur, each potential opportunity starts with a conversation. If you’d like to discuss what work Excalibur can offer, we welcome you to inquire.
SOURCES
- https://www.auntminnie.com/practice-management/article/15636167/radiologist-recruiting-remains-robust#:~:text=The%20average%20age%20of%20retirement,worked%20full%2Dtime%20until%20retirement. ↩︎
- https://www.acr.org/Member-Resources/srs/SRS-eNews/I-Flunked-Retirement ↩︎
- https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/cognitive-health-in-early-retirement/ ↩︎
- https://www.retireguide.com/retirement-life-leisure/healthy-aging/social-connections/ ↩︎
https://www.acr.org/Member-Resources/srs/SRS-eNews/Staying-Professionally-Active-in-Retirement
https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(23)00739-1/abstract
https://www.diagnosticimaging.com/view/big-and-small-retirements-in-radiology
https://www.diagnosticimaging.com/view/six-options-retiring-radiologists
https://radiologybusiness.com/topics/healthcare-management/healthcare-staffing/could-enticing-retired-radiologists-back-practice-help-solve-workforce-crisis
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