RETURN TO ABSTRACT LISTING


Background
Today, radiologists are facing unprecedented stresses caused by increasing workloads and staffing shortages. These challenges are added to the preexisting pandemic associated stress that all health care workers faced. Most radiologists and radiology practices are grappling with trying to minimize physician burn out and optimize physician wellness. One of the tools that has been shown to be effective in achieving work-life balance is innovative scheduling. Part time and flexible work schedules result in increased radiologist satisfaction, decreased burn out, and increased retention. However, nontraditional work patterns are associated with unique challenges both for the radiologist and the practice. Scheduling templates must be revised and all stake holders must make changes in the way they work.

Educational Goals / Teaching Points
After this exhibit participants will be familiar with various nontraditional work patterns: how to decide whether a nontraditional work pattern is ideal for you; factors that allow one to negotiate part-time work schedules; logistics of offering nontraditional work patterns in your practice; challenges faced by the radiologist, the management, and colleagues; innovative solutions to unique problems in a nontraditional schedule; when to return to full-time work, and the challenges associated with the comeback.

Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
This exhibit focusses on mental health and describes practical steps that can be taken to improve work-life balance and address burn out.

Conclusion
Radiologist burn out is a real and challenging problem that will need innovative solutions. This exhibit provides an in-depth guide to various nontraditional work patterns, which can be used by radiologists and administrators to address burn out. It highlights the challenges associated with nontraditional work patterns faced by radiologists and administrators, as well as practical solutions.