Medical Physics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Medical Physics, including details on medicine, radiotherapy, biomechanics, medical imaging.

The radiologist assistant: the solution to radiology workforce needs.

McLeod N, Montane G

Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, School of Health Related Professions, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Room 359 Stanley Bergen Building, 65 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ, 07101-3001, USA, mcleodnh@umdnj.edu.

Since 2003 the radiologist assistant (RA) was introduced in response to the severe shortage of radiologists and the increased demand for medical imaging services. Other non-physician clinicians, such as PAs, currently play an important role in the medical imaging environment. The article discusses the reasons physician assistants have found favor with interventional radiologists, and advocates an increased role for physician extenders in Radiology. It refutes the skeptics who question whether the new profession will alleviate the manpower crisis in Radiology. The authors suggest that RAs are the ideal complement to radiologists; and based on their radiologic technology background, have a vested interest in the field.

Published 11 October 2006 in Emerg Radiol.
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