Supply and Demand of Radiologists in Korea: Is it adequate?

ABSTRACT

Department of Choong Ang University College of Medicine PURPOSE: To assess adequate supply and demand for diagnostic radiologists in Korea in the future. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed previous supply for residents of diagnostic radiology during the last eight years, and evaluated the cause and problems of increasing numbers of residents in diagnostic radiology in Korea. The appropriate numbers of residents in diagnostic radiology in Korea were estimated. RESULTS: The number of diagnostic radiologists in Korea in 1998 increased three times as compared with that in mid-1980s. The number of diagnostic radiologists in Korea in 1999 increased eight times as compared with that in 1980s. Causes of increasing numbers of residents of diagnostic radiology were increasing demand of residents in each hospital in the past, and limitation of control of the number by the Korean Radiological Society as well as the Korean Hospital Association. Problems of increasing number of residents of diagnostic radiology was decreasing quality of education and oversupply of diagnostic radiologists. The appropriate number of residents in diagnostic radiology in the future would be about 100 per year. CONCLUSION: A new plan and strategy for the appropriate supply and demand of diagnostic radiologists in Korea are needed.