The new generation believes in endless opportunities offered by the digital world of mobile phones, hi-tech gadgets, and social media. Being the torchbearers of an ever-evolving digital world, they are probably more dependent on technology than any other generation. As a result, the directors of radiology residency programs are focusing on varied methods of training and recruitment.
The competition in this field is quite high and medical specialties have been trying their level best to bring new-age millennials into the fold. The younger generation is talented and is pushing up the leadership ladder at a very young age. Most of them fall in the 35 to 38 age group and are already enjoying prominent positions in their field.
Young Millennials a Major Part of the Workforce
According to the U. S. Census Bureau, 73 million people from this age group are a part of the workforce in the United States of America. Therefore, it has become even more essential for recruiters and employers to respond to the demands of new-age professionals. Any employer who resists change is not likely to prosper in the long run.
Multiple studies and surveys have also concluded that new age professionals tend to stay in a job for less than three years. The findings of these studies suggest, their fleeting attention span, a very strong attachment to electronic devices and an aversion towards long-term commitment may trigger these tendencies. A number of experts also argue that new-age millennials are probably undeserving candidates for the success that they enjoy at a very tender age.
Millennials Compelling Radiology to Adjust to Changes
No matter how compelling the conclusions of various studies are, the results still are disputed. Many believe the projections and perceptions of experts are not an exact reflection of reality. Therefore, to keep millennials interested and engaged in the field of radiology, certain changes are necessary. If radiology aims at retaining the new generation, adjustments must be made to keep it relevant in the long run.
Mary Scanlon, Neuroradiologist at Penn Medicine, Philadelphia and the Vice-Chair of Education and Residency Program Director at Perelman School of Medicine’s department of radiology feels it is difficult to engage new trainees with a topic for more than 45 minutes at a stretch. According to her, it is important to engage a trainee for at least 15 minutes. The focus should be on retaining the audience and not losing them, she stresses.
New Methods Implemented in Academics
Academic medical centers have noticed this fact and gradually changing education methods. A vibrant classroom with podcasts, interactive learning, flipped classrooms, audience-response systems and case-based learning new-age encouraged to keep the audience attentive and engaged.
A millennial radiologist, Jawad Hussain, MD, believes it is about engaging in critical thinking rather than spoon-fed education. He is one of the members of a 32-physician Commonwealth Radiology team in Virginia. The mental exercise of correctly studying a scan and diagnosing requires practical training instead of theoretical knowledge, he feels. SepStream® fulfills all your diagnostic imaging requirements through its 100% cloud-based EMR/ RIS/ PACS solutions.