Health Business Blog

Compared to most medical specialties, radiologists make more, work less, and have less stress. There are always plenty of jobs available –demand has continually outpaced supply. Why, then are radiologists so paranoid about losing business to other specialties? Here’s a prime example of this tendency from AuntMinnie (Radiology still has a chance to control cardiac CT)

In the decades-long struggle between radiologists and cardiologists over control of new cardiac imaging technologies, the heart specialists have an undefeated record. But history may not repeat itself with respect to cardiac CT angiography. In fact, the edge may be shifting to radiology, according to imaging utilization expert Dr. David C. Levin…

Levin contends that radiologists recognize that the need to offer CTA and compete with cardiologists is vital to the overall health and prosperity of the radiology profession. “If we lose cardiac CT and MR to cardiologists, then neurologists, medical oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, and urologists all will want to start offering specialized CT and MRI procedures,” Levin said…

“Collaborating with a cardiologist can at times be like collaborating with a rattlesnake,” Levin quipped. “But it is better than rolling over, playing dead, and hoping that the rattlesnake won’t bite you. Don’t be intimidated by the propaganda of the American College of Cardiology. With the advantages that exist for radiologists, dominance in coronary CTA is for the radiology profession to lose.”

Lovely, fellas.
It kind of reminds me of the Kinks song Destroyer (especially the last line)

Girl, I want, you here with me
but I’m really not as cool as I’d like to be
’cause there’s a red, under my bed
and there’s a little yellow man in my head
and there’s a true, blue, inside of me
that keeps stoppin’ me, touchin’ ya, watchin’ ya, lovin’ ya

Paranoia, deep destroyer. Paranoia, deep destroyer.

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