The increasing demand for radiology services is colliding with a constrained supply of radiologists, creating a growing imbalance. Imaging volumes are projected to rise by 3-4% annually, while workforce growth remains limited due to retirements and training bottlenecks. These trends highlight the need for strategic staffing strategies to support radiology programs and maintain access to essential diagnostic services.
Why is There a Shortage of Radiologists?
An Aging Population & Workforce Attrition
The aging U.S. population is driving a dual challenge for radiology: a rising demand for imaging services and a wave of retirements among older radiologists. Currently, 56.4% of diagnostic radiologists are 55 or older, indicating a significant portion of the radiology workforce is nearing retirement. Compounding this issue is the fact that many of these retiring radiologists are generalists skilled in performing and interpreting a wide range of imaging studies. As generalists leave the workforce, hospitals will need more radiologists to meet demand, especially as the field shifts toward increased interest in sub-specialization.
Simultaneously, an aging population is driving a significant increase in imaging needs. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of adults aged 65 and older grew by 34%, while the number of diagnostic radiology trainees increased by just 2.5%. With imaging volumes projected to rise by 3-4% annually, the demand for radiologists will continue to outpace the supply, creating additional pressure on healthcare systems.
Limited Radiology Residency Positions & Increased Sub-Specialization
In the field of radiology, the demand for radiology services is growing rapidly, but the supply of new radiologists is not keeping pace. Despite strong interest in the specialty, the number of residency positions remains limited, creating a significant bottleneck in the training pipeline. In the 2024 Match, nearly all residency slots were filled, with 97.9% of diagnostic and 98% of interventional radiology positions filled. However, these limited slots left 88% of diagnostic radiology applicants and 83% of interventional radiology applicants unmatched.
Since 2020, only 74 new radiology residency positions have been added:
- 13 in interventional radiology
- 22 in diagnostic radiology
- 39 in other radiology programs
This modest growth in residency opportunities is not enough to address the increasing need for radiology services. Without significant expansion of residency programs, the demand for radiologists will continue to outpace the supply, further straining the healthcare system.
Adding to the challenge, radiology sub-specialization is becoming more prevalent. While sub-specialization enhances expertise, it also creates additional strain on healthcare systems by narrowing the scope of general radiology practice. A recent survey found that 92% of radiologists consider sub-specialization important to their professional identity.
However, this focus has a downside: approximately 40% of radiologists accept studies across all areas of expertise, and less than 50% feel “very confident” reading cases outside their subspecialty. As retiring generalists leave the workforce, healthcare systems will face increasing difficulty in finding radiologists capable of covering broad diagnostic needs.
Strategies for Overcoming the Radiologist Shortage
As healthcare leaders work to solve the radiology workforce shortage, several strategies are proving effective. One approach is leveraging locum tenens radiologists to bridge gaps in coverage, manage periods of increased patient volumes, and alleviate strain on permanent staff. For longer-term needs, project-based interim healthcare staffing solutions, such as the Medicus Transition Program, offer a structured approach to stabilizing clinical workforces while maintaining continuity of care.
Technology also plays a key role in mitigating the radiologist shortage. Teleradiology enables hospitals in underserved or remote areas to secure radiology coverage regardless of location, ensuring timely diagnoses and treatment. Additionally, AI-powered tools can streamline workflows by automating repetitive tasks, improving efficiency, and allowing radiologists to focus more time on diagnostics. Together, these solutions provide healthcare systems with the flexibility and tools needed to help navigate the radiologist shortage and ensure uninterrupted care for patients.
Learn More about the Radiologist Shortage
The radiologist shortage poses complex challenges for healthcare systems, requiring innovative solutions and proactive strategies to maintain consistent radiology coverage. Our report, Navigating the Radiologist Shortage: Strategies for Meeting the Rising Demands in Healthcare, provides healthcare leaders with a comprehensive analysis of the supply-demand gap, workforce trends, and practical approaches to stabilize radiology programs.
Download the Complete Radiology Shortage Report Below:
