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Abstract

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Purpose: To gauge the level of interest in breast imaging (BI) and determine factors impacting trainees’ decision to pursue this subspecialty. Methods: Canadian radiology residents and medical students were surveyed from November 2020 to February 2021. Training level, actual vs preferred timing of breast rotations, fellowship choices, perceptions of BI, and how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact BI were collected. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests and univariate logistic regression were performed to determine the impact of trainees’ perceptions on interest in pursuing BI/women’s imaging (WI) fellowships. Results: 157 responses from 80 radiology residents and 77 medical students were collected. The top 3 fellowship subspecialties desired by residents were BI/WI (36%), abdominal imaging (35%), and interventional radiology (25%). Twenty-five percent of the medical students were unsure due to lack of exposure. The most common reason that trainees found BI unappealing was repetitiveness (20%), which was associated with lack of interest in BI/WI fellowships (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.6-9.5, P = .002). The most common reason residents found BI appealing was procedures (59%), which was associated with interest in BI/WI fellowships (OR, 3.2, 95% CI, 1.2-8.6, P = .02). Forty percent of residents reported an earlier start of their first breast rotation (PGY1-2) would affect their fellowship choice. Conclusion: This study assessed the current level of Canadian trainees’ interest in BI and identified factors that influenced their decisions to pursue BI. Solutions for increased interest include earlier exposure to breast radiology and addressing inadequacies in residency training.

Keywords

breast imaging trainee radiology resident medical student women’s imaging Canadian

Introduction

The need for breast radiologists is increasing but the workforce supply does not match the demand. A 2009 United States (US) study forecasted the low number of newly graduated radiologists going into this field would result in reduced breast imaging (BI) workforce over the next 15-20 years.¹ Likewise, BI is deemed to be one of the top subspecialties for prospective hires in Canada, especially in the Prairie Provinces and Quebec.² While there has been increased interest in BI fellowship training in the past decade (0-1% in 2016 and 7% in 2009-2011) among Canadian residents, this field is still considered by many to be less attractive compared to other subspecialties.^3,4 There is a continued onus to recruit more radiology trainees to BI.

Early clinical exposure, good curriculum, mentorship, and research opportunities are essential for recruiting trainees to any subspecialty in radiology.^4,5 The purpose of this study is to assess the level of interest in BI among current trainees, explore their perspectives and exposure to BI, and identify factors preventing them from pursuing this field. To our knowledge, this is the only Canadian study dedicated to assessing trainees’ perception of BI. Both medical students and residents were surveyed to draw comparisons between the 2 groups and propose solutions to increase interest in BI early in training.

Methods

REB approval was obtained through the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Need for consent was waived. This study gathered information on training, actual vs preferred timing of breast rotations during residency, fellowship choices, perceived positive and negative attributes of BI, and opinion of how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact BI. The electronic survey was created using Google Forms and contained 10 questions in the version for medical students and 8 additional questions in the version for radiology residents with multiple-choice (both “select one” and “select all that apply”) and open-ended questions.

The survey was sent to all 16 radiology programs’ chief residents and all 17 medical schools’ radiology interest group or Aesculapian society representatives in Canada via email, and they were asked to distribute it to all residents in postgraduate years (PGY) 1-5 and all medical students from years 1-4. The survey was advertised on the Canadian Society of Breast Imaging (CSBI) website and social media. Trainees were encouraged to send an email to CSBI if they had questions regarding the survey or were interested in connecting with a mentor. A reminder was sent 2 weeks after chief residents and medical school representatives were first contacted. Responses were collected from November 2020 to February 2021.

Frequencies and statistical analyses were computed using IBM SPSS Statistics and SAS software.^6,7 The significance level was set at .05.

Chi-square tests (or Fisher’s exact tests, when expected cell counts were <5) were performed to determine associations between: (1) perceptions about BI, and whether trainees were a medical student or resident and (2) perceptions about AI on BI, and whether trainees were interested in BI/women’s imaging (WI) fellowships. Though some programs are transitioning away from using “women’s imaging” toward more gender-neutral terminology, at the time of our survey “women’s imaging” was the term most often used by Canadian radiology programs.

Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using univariate logistic regression to determine the impact of (1) perceptions about BI on interest in pursuing a BI/WI fellowship for all respondents, with subgroup analyses for medical students and residents and (2) time of first breast rotation (PGY1-2, PGY3, or PGY4-5) on interest in BI/WI fellowships for residents. For negative perceptions of BI, the event of interest was not choosing BI/WI fellowship. For positive perceptions of BI, the event of interest was choosing BI/WI fellowship.

Results

Survey Respondent Demographics

Eighty responses were received from all 16 radiology residency programs across Canada. Seventy-seven responses were received from 14 of the 17 Canadian medical schools. We were not able to distribute the survey to 4 medical schools (University of Toronto, Université de Sherbrooke, University of Saskatchewan, and University of Calgary) due to the requirement of institution-specific ethics board approval. Response rates from residents and medical students were 21% (80/382) and 1.2% (77/6565), respectively (Table 1).

Table 1.

Demographics of Survey Respondents by Region and Level of Training.

		Radiology Residents		Medical Students
Region	Schools	n	Percent (n/80)	n	Percent (n/77)
Western Canada	University of British Columbia	20	25.0	24	31.2
	University of Calgary
	University of Alberta
Prairie Canada	University of Saskatchewan	8	10.0	3	3.9
Prairie Canada	University of Manitoba	8	10.0	3	3.9
Ontario	University of Northern Ontario	28	35.0	30	39.0
	Western University
	McMaster University
	University of Toronto
	Queen’s University
	University of Ottawa
Maritime Canada	Memorial University of Newfoundland	6	7.5	9	11.7
Maritime Canada	Dalhousie University	6	7.5	9	11.7
Quebec	McGill University	18	22.5	11	14.3
	Université de Laval
	Université de Sherbrooke
	Level of training	n	Percent (n/157)
Medical students	Year 1	35	22.3
	Year 2	30	19.1
	Year 3	4	2.5
	Year 4	8	5.1
Radiology residents	PGY-1	13	8.3
	PGY-2	11	7.0
	PGY-3	12	7.6
	PGY-4	32	20.4
	PGY-5	12	7.6

Top Fellowships Desired by Respondents

A total of 28.7% (29/80) of the radiology residents and 64.9% (50/79) of the medical students were interested in either BI, WI or both fellowships. The top 3 fellowships residents were interested in were abdominal imaging (35.0%, 28/80), WI (28.8%, 23/80), and vascular interventional radiology (25.0%, 20/80). However, 52.5% (42/80) of the residents were not aware of any Canadian BI/WI fellowships. The top 3 fellowships medical students were interested in were BI (61.8%, 47/77), WI (42.1%, 32/77), and emergency radiology (42.1%, 32/77). A quarter of medical students (19/77) were unfamiliar with radiology subspecialty choices due to lack of exposure (Table 2).

Table 2.

Radiology Subspecialty Interests of Radiology Residents and Medical Students. This was a Select-all-that-Apply Question, Each Respondent Could Choose More than 1 Option.

Subspecialty Interest of Respondents	Residents		Medical Students
Subspecialty Interest of Respondents	n	Percent (n/80)	n	Percent (n/77)
Breast or women’s imaging	29	36.3	50	65.8
Abdominal imaging	23	35.0	29	38.2
Women’s imaging (breast and body imaging)	23	28.8	32	42.1
Vascular interventional radiology	20	25.0	20	26.3
Emergency radiology	17	21.3	32	42.1
Breast imaging	15	18.8	47	61.8
Musculoskeletal imaging	14	17.5	20	26.3
Neuroradiology	12	15.0	17	22.4
Pediatric radiology	10	12.5	22	28.9
Nuclear medicine	9	11.3	12	15.8
Cardiac imaging	6	7.5	24	31.6
Neuro-interventional radiology	7	8.8	21	27.6
Thoracic radiology	4	5.0	12	15.8
I am not interested in a fellowship and plan to work straight after radiology residency	8	10.0	1	1.3
Unsure	4	5.0	19	25.0

Mentorship and Research

Thirty-seven percent of the trainees (59/157), comprising 22.5% residents (18/80) and 53.2% medical students (41/77), indicated interest in connecting with a BI mentor. However, only 6 trainees emailed CSBI and were matched with a local mentor. A small proportion of medical students (1.3%, 1/77) and residents (21.3%, 17/80) had conducted BI research.

Reasons why Respondents were Not Interested in BI/WI

Compared to radiology residents, significantly fewer medical students considered high workload (0% vs 6%, respectively, P = .02) and fear of lawsuits (5% vs 15%, respectively, P = .04) as reasons not to pursue BI. All other reasons had similar response rates (P > .05) between residents and medical students. A total of 20.4% of all respondents reported “I think it might be repetitive” as a reason they are not interested, which was associated with significantly increased odds of being disinterested in BI/WI fellowships (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.6-9.5, P = .002). Table 3 summarizes the ORs for all reasons for lack of interest (Figure 1).

Table 3.

Impact of Negative Perceptions of Breast Imaging (BI) on Interest in Pursuing Breast/Women’s Imaging (BI/WI) Fellowships. The Perception Questions in Table 3 and Table 4 were Select-All-That-Apply Questions. “Other” perception Indicates Free Text Responses. Frequencies, OR, 95% CI, and P Values are Shown. Asterisk (*) Indicates P < .05. For (a), the Event of Interest was Being Disinterested in Breast/Women’s Imaging Fellowship. “.” Indicates that the Analysis Could Not be Performed due to Zero Observations Under one of the Groups. P^ Columns in Table 3 and Table 4 Show Associations Between Each Perception and Whether Trainees were a Medical Student or a Resident.

Negative Perceptions of Breast Imaging	All Respondents (N = 157)				Medical Students (n = 77)				Residents (n = 80)				P^
Negative Perceptions of Breast Imaging	Total Selected	Interested in BI/WI Fellowship	OR [95% CI]	P	Total Selected	Interested in BI/WI Fellowship	OR [95% CI]	P	Total Selected	Interested in BI/WI Fellowship	OR [95% CI]	P	P^
Breast imaging is boring	14	0		.	4	0		—	10	0		—	.11
I think it might be repetitive	32	8	3.9 [1.6-9.5]	.002*	11	5	2.6 [.7-9.4]	.15	21	3	4.7 [1.3-17.8]	.02*	.06
Fear of lawsuits	16	3	5.1 [1.4-18.6]	.01*	4	3	.6 [.1-6.1]	.67	12	0	—	—	.04*
Stress of having to deal with patients with breast cancers	8	1	7.7 [.9-641]	.06*	4	1	6.1 [.6-62.0]	.13	4	0	—	—	.96
Stress of having cancer screening/surveillance	13	2	6.3 [1.4-29.6]	.02*	5	1	8.5 [0-80.5]	.06	8	1	4.5 [.5-38.1]	.17	.43
Breast imaging is challenging to master	15	2	7.7 [1.7-35.4]	.009*	6	2	4.2 [.7-24.5]	.11	9	0	—	—	.46
High workload	5	0	—	—	0	0	—	—	5	0	—	—	.03*
Low compensation	6	0	—	—	1	0	—	—	5	0	—	—	.11
Lack of jobs	4	1	3.1 [.3-30.7]	.33	3	1	3.9 [.3-45.4]	.27	1	0	—	—	.29
Touching patient’s breasts makes me uncomfortable	7	0	—	—	5	0	.	.	2	0	—	—	.23
It is a female-dominated field	7	0	—	—	2	0	.	.	5	0	—	—	.27
I prefer doing something w less patient interaction	2	0	—	—	0	0	.	.	2	0	—	—	.16
There are too many additional continuing education requirements	2	0	—	—	1	0	.	.	1	0	—	—	.98
Breast imaging has too many political controversies	6	0	—	—	3	0	.	.	3	0	—	—	.96
Lack of exposure	12	7	.7 [.2-2.3]	.57	9	6	.9 [.2-4.0]	.91	3	1	1.1 [.1-13.2]	.91	.06
Other	19	6	2.4 [.9-6.8]	.09	10	5	2 [.5-7.8]	.30	9	1	5.2 [.6-44.0]	.13	.74

Figure 1.

Reasons residents and medical students were not interested in breast/women’s imaging. Asterisk (*) indicates a significant difference in the proportion of medical students compared to residents who considered this as a reason not to pursue breast imaging.

Reasons Why Respondents were Interested in Breast Imaging/Women’s Imaging

The reason unique to medical students was “Direct patient contact is challenging but also rewarding” (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.0-3.6, P = .0045). The reason unique to the resident cohort, was “breast interventions are fun” (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2-8.6, P = .02). Compared to radiology residents, significantly fewer medical students considered procedures as a reason to pursue BI/WI (16% vs 55%, respectively, P < .001). All other reasons had similar response rates (P > .05) between residents and medical students (Figure 2 and Table 4).

Figure 2.

Reasons residents and medical students were interested in breast or women’s imaging. Asterisk (*) indicates a significant difference in proportion of medical students compared to residents who considered this as a reason to pursue breast imaging.

Table 4.

Impacts of Positive Perceptions of Breast Imaging (BI) on Interest in Pursuing Breast/Women’s Imaging (BI/WI) Fellowships. The Perception Questions in Table 3 and Table 4 were Select-all-that-Apply Questions. “Other” Perception Indicates Free Text Responses. Frequencies, OR, 95% CI, and P Values are Shown. Asterisk (*) Indicates P < .05. For the Event of Interest was Being Interested in Breast/Women’s Imaging Fellowship. P^ Column in Table 3 and Table 4 Show Associations Between Each Perception and Whether Trainees were a Medical Student or a Resident.

Positive Perceptions of Breast Imaging	All Respondents (N = 157)				Medical Students (n = 77)				Residents (n = 80)				P^
Positive Perceptions of Breast Imaging	Total Selected	Interested in BI/WI Fellowship	OR [95% CI]	P	Total Selected	Interested in BI/WI Fellowship	OR [95% CI]	P	Total Selected	Interested in BI/WI Fellowship	OR [95% CI]	P	P^
Breast imaging radiologists seem happier than others	2	1	.99 [.1-16.1]	.99	1	0		—	1	1		.	.98
The out-patient clinic environment	42	31	3.9 [1.8-8.6]	<.001*	16	15	1.1 [1.4-89.8]	.02*	26	16	5 [1.8-13.8]	.002*	.10
Direct patient contact is challenging but also rewarding	71	42	1.9 [1.01-3.6]	.045	32	25	2.9 [1.0-8.0]	.04*	39	17	1.9 [.7-4.7]	.19	.37
Breast imagers feel like they are making a difference	59	45	6.1 [2.9-12.6]	<.001*	32	29	11 [2.9-41.6]	<.001*	27	16	4.5 [1.7-12.0]	.003*	.31
It is a female-dominated field	32	15	.8 [.4-1.8]	.66	15	10	1.1 [.3-3.6]	.88	17	5	.7 [.2-2.2]	.51	.78
Breast interventional procedures are fun	56	29	1.1 [.6-2.1]	.78	12	8	1.1 [.3-4]	.89	44	21	3.2 [1.2-8.5]	.02*	<.001*
Multiple modalities used	75	51	4.1 [2.1-8.0]	<.001*	40	33	5.5 [2.0-15.7]	.001*	35	18	3.3 [1.3-8.5]	.01*	.30
Close working relationship with referring clinicians, oncologists and surgeons	76	51	3.9 [2-7.5]	<.001*	38	32	5.2 [2.1-18.2]	.001*	38	19	3.2 [1.2-8.3]	.02*	.82
I enjoy correlation between radiology and pathology	54	35	2.5 [1.3-4.9]	.009*	29	22	2.2 [.8-6.3]	.12	25	13	2.6 [.99-7.0]	.051	.40
Other	27	5	.2 [.1-.5]	<.001*	14	4	.1 [.04-.5]	.003*	12	1	.1 [.01-.9]	.04*	.75

Timing of Breast Rotations

Timing of the first BI rotation ranged across all years of residency training: PGY1 (1.3%), PGY2 (21.3%), PGY3 (47.5%), PGY4 (15%), or PGY5 (1.3%). Thirty (37.5%) of residents, including 3 PGY-3 and 4 PGY-4 residents, had not rotated through BI to date. Approximately equal proportions of residents stated that they would prefer to have their first breast rotation earlier (42.5% in PGY1 or 2) vs later (43.8% in PGY3, 4, or 5). Most residents (76.4%, 61/80) either agreed or were neutral about the statement that “starting breast rotations earlier would affect their interest in breast imaging.” Among the 29 radiology residents who were interested in BI/WI fellowships, 58.6% (17/29) preferred to have their first breast rotation earlier, 34.4% (9/29) preferred to have it later, and 10.3% (3/29) were neutral or unsure. Among the 51 radiology residents who were not interested in BI/WI fellowships, 33.3% (17/51) preferred to have their first breast rotation earlier, 54.9% (28/51) preferred to have it later, and 11.8% (6/51) were neutral or unsure. However, timing of first breast rotation did not have a statistically significant impact on interest in BI/WI fellowship. The odds of being interested in BI/WI fellowship was not significantly different between those who had their first rotation in PGY3 or PGY4/5, compared to those who had their first rotation in PGY1 or PGY2 (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: .4-3.6, P = .8 and OR = .3, 95% CI: .05-1.7, P = .17, respectively) (Table 5).

Table 5.

Impacts of Time of the First Breast Imaging Rotation During Residency on Interest In Pursuing Breast/Women’s Imaging (BI/WI) Fellowships. PGY1 and 2 were Combined, and PGY 4 and 5 were Combined Because of Small Sample Sizes.

Timing of the First Breast Imaging Rotation	Total Selected (n = 80)	Interested in BI/WI Fellowship	OR [95% CI]	P
PGY1	1	1	Reference category (PGY1 or PGY2)
PGY2	17	7	Reference category (PGY1 or PGY2)
PGY3	38	16	1.1 [.4-3.6]	.80
PGY4	12	1	.3 [.05-1.7]	.17
PGY5	1	1	.3 [.05-1.7]	.17
Not yet scheduled	11	4	.9 [.2-4.2]	.89

Frequency of Breast Imaging Interpretation or Procedures by Residents

Of the 50 residents who have completed at least 1 breast rotation, 13 (26%) have never interpreted an MRI, 36 (72%) have never performed an MRI-guided biopsy, 38 (76%) have never performed a ductogram/galactogram, and 44 (88%) have never encountered molecular breast imaging. Responses from 30 residents who had not completed a breast rotation were excluded from this analysis (Table 6).

Table 6.

Frequency of Interpretation or Participation in Breast Imaging Modalities and Procedures by Residents. Bolded Text Indicates the Most Common Response.

Modality/Procedure	Frequency of Interpretation or Performance n (% out of 50 Responses)
	Never	Rarely	Sometimes	Often	Always
Mammogram	0	3 (6.0)	2 (4.0)	12 (24)	33 (66)
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT)	7 (14)	4 (8.0)	4 (8.0)	15 (30)	20 (40)
Ultrasound (US)	0	1 (2.0)	6 (12)	28 (56)	15 (30)
MRI	13 (26)	13 (26)	12 (24)	9 (18)	3 (6.0)
US-guided biopsy	3 (6)	6 (12)	9 (18)	22 (44)	10 (20)
Stereotactic or tomosynthesis guided biopsy	5 (10)	8 (16)	13 (26)	16 (32)	8 (16)
MRI-guided biopsy	36 (72)	9 (18)	3 (6.0)	1 (2.0)	1 (2.0)
Preoperative localization	10 (20)	13 (26)	16 (32)	10 (20)	1 (2.0)
Ductogram/Galactogram	38 (76)	8 (16)	1 (2.0)	0	1 (2.0)
Molecular imaging	44 (88)	2 (4.0)	0	1 (2.0)	1 (2.0)

Breast Imaging Educational Resources

The most common educational resources used by radiology residents are BI-RADS atlas (n = 57),⁸ electronic textbooks (n = 50) and in-person didactic lessons (n = 40). Trainees were allowed to select more than 1 choice. BI-RADS atlas (P < .01), question bank (P < .01), online textbook (P < .01), and flashcards (P = .02) were significantly associated with increased level of training in radiology.

Future of Breast Imaging

Most respondents (74.5%, 117/157) believed that “AI will improve BI in many ways.” Significantly more trainees disinterested in BI/WI fellowships compared to those who were interested believed that “AI will decrease the need for future breast radiologists” (20.5% vs 8.9%, 16/78 vs 7/79, P = .04) (Figure 3).

Figure 3.

Perceptions of residents and medical students on artificial intelligence and breast imaging.

Discussion

A total of 157 responses from 80 radiology residents and 77 medical students were collected. The top 3 fellowship subspecialties desired by residents were BI/WI, abdominal imaging, and interventional radiology. The most common negative perception of BI shared by medical students and residents was repetitiveness. While the most common reason residents found BI appealing were procedures, this was not the case among medical students. Although the majority of the medical student respondents were interested in BI, only 1 had conducted research in this field. Most residents had their first BI rotation in the mid to later years of training. Forty percent of the residents reported that starting breast rotations in first or second year would affect their fellowship choice. The most common educational resources used by radiology residents were BI-RADS Atlas, textbooks (e-book/online format), and in-person didactic lectures. There were many areas where residents may not have received adequate training, including MRI interpretation, MRI-guided biopsy, ductogram/galactogram, and breast nuclear medicine. More trainees disinterested in BI/WI believed that AI will decrease the need for breast radiologists.

This is the first multi-institutional, Canadian study dedicated to exploring trainees’ interest in BI. It serves as an update from prior Canadian surveys on fellowship training in 2009-2011 and 2016 that identified the top fellowship subspecialties as musculoskeletal (12-20% and 19%, respectively), abdominal (19-30% and 17%) and interventional (6-18% and 14%) imaging.^3,4 Responses from medical students and residents were directly compared in our survey, which facilitates the discussion of solutions to make BI more attractive to junior trainees, even before they become radiology residents.

Similar to our study, several US surveys identified “fear of lawsuits” as one of the most common reasons for not choosing breast radiology,^9-11 which is unsurprising given the recent increase in mammography-related litigation.¹¹ While breast radiologists face higher litigation rates compared to other radiology subspecialties, they substantially overestimate their risk of a future malpractice lawsuit.¹² Workshops on how radiologists can avoid breast-related litigation may help relieve anxiety.

Other reasons identified were “not an interesting field”^9,10 and “too stressful.”^8,9 BI has many unique patient-facing, multi-modality and multidisciplinary workflows that may appeal to trainees.¹³ Compared to other radiology subspecialties, breast radiology is a relatively hands-on field with many opportunities to perform procedures under sonographic, mammographic, or MRI guidance. Breast radiologists take ownership of patient care by having the ability to recall patients and may often be the first to disclose cancer diagnosis to patients. Furthermore, they play an active role in radiology-pathology correlation and multidisciplinary rounds for management of breast cancer patients. It would be worthwhile to explore specific aspects that make BI seem boring and stressful in future surveys.

A third reason previously identified was low reimbursement,^9,11 which may account for why 63% of radiology residents did not want to spend more than a quarter of their clinical practice time in mammography.¹ While this might be a more prevalent factor in the private health care setting, monetary compensation also drives many high volume community practices in Canada.¹⁴ Radiologists can bring in greater earnings for their group by interpreting studies that are disproportionately better compensated than mammograms, such as musculoskeletal MRIs. Improving efficiency with protocols and workflows, as well as advocating for adequate billing for breast studies would level out the playing field. CSBI has recently released a statement on the benefits of digital breast tomosynthesis, which could be used in negotiations for appropriate compensation.¹⁵

In a survey by Baxi et al. with 344 radiology residents in New York and New Jersey, respondents endorsed job availability, flexible work schedules, and fewer calls or emergencies as positive attributes of the practice.⁹ While these reasons were not directly explored by our survey, benefits of the outpatient environment were considered by a third of our respondents’ as positive. These benefits could be emphasized in radiology interest groups, departmental dinners, “why radiology lectures,” mentorship, research and observerships/electives.⁵ Incorporating hands-on breast interventions might attract more trainees to this field.

In a survey by Lee et al. with 2018-2019 applicants of the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) Fellowship Match, 37% of residents had their first BI rotation in PGY2, 59% in PGY3, and 4% in PGY4.¹³ Having earlier breast rotations is even more important for Canadians due to the earlier fellowship application timeframe. One reason for late introduction to BI might be due to the focus on core subspecialties important for call at the beginning of residency. Flexibility should be given to residents to rotate through BI during late PGY2 year after completion of core rotations, so that residents have enough time to make an informed decision regarding fellowship.

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons requires residents to have “Four blocks of BI, which must include mammography, ultrasound, MRI, nuclear imaging, and interventional procedures under ultrasound and MRI guidance.”¹⁶ However, many trainees had limited exposure to some of these modalities. Trainees should use a variety of educational resources to supplement key concepts and consider doing external electives at large breast centers to gain adequate exposure to the breadth and depth of BI. Fragomeni et al. demonstrated in a SBI-issued survey of 271 practicing breast radiologists that fellowship training in BI/WI is important in preparing trainees for future practice.¹⁷ This study demonstrated that fellowship-trained radiologists were more likely to perceive that they received sufficient training vs those without fellowship training (84% vs 62% for screening mammography, 93% vs 57% for diagnostic BI, 65% vs 14% for breast MRI, and 93% vs 44% for breast procedures).¹⁷ In addition, 18.7% of the respondents had not anticipated that they would have to interpret BI in their daily practice.¹⁷ This highlights the importance of sufficient BI training, particularly in MRI and procedures, for all radiology trainees, even those who do not plan on specializing in BI. Addressing these inadequacies in the Canadian residency curriculum and encouraging pursuit of dedicated BI/WI fellowship would increase confidence in BI interpretation and procedures.

Greater interest in WI than pure breast fellowship is concordant with findings in a previous Canadian study by Ryan et al. from 2011.³ Developing multiple skillsets may increase adaptability into community practice and suit those who have interests in multiple subspecialties. To our knowledge, there are only 3 Canadian universities (University of Toronto, McMaster University, and Western University) that offer combined (breast and abdominal/cross-sectional imaging) fellowships.^18-20 Increased availability of such programs may promote trainees’ interests in BI.

The negative impact of AI on radiology (i.e. the potential decrease in the demand of radiologists as a result of increased productivity) is often exaggerated, producing pessimism and uncertainty in those who are considering radiology.²¹ A survey of 322 Canadian medical students in 2018 found that the majority agreed AI would reduce the demand for radiologists, and anxiety related to radiologist “displacement” by AI discouraged medical students from pursuing radiology as a residency choice.²¹ As technology rapidly advances, AI has potential to improve breast imagers’ confidence, direct focus on cancer-containing cases and act as double-read.²² Increased exposure to radiology and understanding of AI were shown to reduce medical students’ anxiety level. Expert perspectives of the impact of AI on the future of medical imaging can be used to educate trainees at radiology conferences and in journal publications.²¹ Trainee research in this field should also be encouraged to increase exposure to BI and to develop realistic expectations of the impact of AI on BI in the future.

Limitations

While the response rate of medical students of 1.2% makes it challenging to draw conclusions regarding the entire medical student body, this survey presumably reflects opinions of those already interested in radiology. One explanation for the low response rate of medical students is the low interest in radiology as a residency choice and how the survey was distributed. From 2019 to 2021, only an average of 2.9% ± .2% of Canadian medical students applied to radiology as their first-choice discipline.²³

The proportion of trainees interested in either BI, WI, or both fellowships in our study was substantially higher than other North American studies (36% vs 7%), likely attributed to response bias as the survey was sent out by CSBI.^4,9 Gender was not collected in our survey. However, whether gender influenced interest in BI can be inferred by the greater proportion of trainees who considered “female-dominated field” as a positive attribute than negative attribute. Hardy et al. also did not find “female-dominated” field as a major deterrent to residents from pursuing BI.¹¹

Finally, timing of the first breast rotation, exposure to different modalities, and procedures during breast rotations may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as screening mammography and elective surgeries for benign entities were suspended or delayed.²⁴

This study assessed the current level of Canadian trainees’ interest in BI and identified factors that influenced their decision to pursue this field. Trainees play an important role in advancing the future of breast radiology and evaluating their perceptions will help us curate opportunities to recruit more talent to this field. Solutions include increasing early exposure to breast radiology as well as addressing inadequacies in training during residency.

Footnotes

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

ORCID iDs

Tong Wu

Wyanne Law

Nayaar Islam

Charlotte J. Yong-Hing

Supriya Kulkarni

Jean Seely

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Factors Influencing Trainees’ Interest in Breast Imaging