Eric Postal, MD

Whether it is humorous associations with common terminology, oddities on X-rays or decidedly uncomfortable imaging findings, this author shares a few chuckles from his experience.

Do we settle for oblique truths more often than not to mitigate potential repercussions?

Amid a bevy of questionable referrals for X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, an unwavering due diligence prevents skepticism from giving way to cynicism and a possible missed diagnosis.

Amid a glut of unnecessary imaging requests, common worklist frustrations and perceptions from other clinicians that they can interpret medical images just as well, recognizing your role as a humble difference maker may provide the ultimate RVU for patients.

Is it a thoughtless verbal reflex or a failure to go beyond a surface read of imaging?

When remaining cool and collected is a challenge, providing an overload of detail is another way of turning the tide with a frustrating referring clinician.

Addressing alternate realities may be common practice for radiologists when they are subjected to questionable or negligible patient histories.

Are frivolous time-wasting tasks eating away at the core of what you think your job should be?

Does the assessment of complex cases in patients with multiple medical issues carry a certain psychological burden?

In addition to recharging one’s batteries, a temporary hiatus from employment may provide time for self-reflection and recognition of what you truly enjoy about your work.

Does concern over productivity and RVUs prevent you from taking the time to address weaknesses and workflow inefficiencies?

The combination of subtle persuasion and allowing a decision-maker to own your idea can be a useful strategy to help remedy workflow inefficiencies.

How advanced are we if we constantly settle for extra clicks, endless scrolling on multiphase contrast-enhanced scans and other pet peeves?

Whether you are adjusting to a new venue, a new job, new coworkers or new software, patience and perseverance are key to adapting and excelling.

Promoted as a helpful tool for increasing efficiency, voice recognition can be an endless source of frustration for radiologists.

Is there a tipping point when the technology you need overwhelms a workstation designed for optimal efficiency?

Resolving this recruiting dilemma often comes down to how one spins the incentive “differentials.”

When unexpected curveballs lead to a paralysis of analysis by teams, having a small subgroup in place with executive authority can have a genuine impact.

Complacency can be subtle and costly for one's career.

Are we defined by self-imposed limitations or our adaptability to changing circumstances?

Amid a landscape of reimbursement cuts, productivity-based pay, flat salary gigs and possible exposure to malpractice lawsuits, what is an optimal, efficient work pace?

Would rad group employers consider a compensation model that offers a compromise between productivity-driven renumeration and a reasonable “floor” in the event of downtime?

A lack of flexibility in nailing down the final details of a radiology employment contract can put employers back at square one in the hiring cycle.

Does it pay to use outside recruiters or should rad groups handle this function internally to attract the best hires?

Abundance of seven-day workweek positions seems out of touch for recruiting radiologists.

A variety of imaging experience can open doors to new career opportunities, but subtle communication tips can be key to landing your next job.

Why it behooves radiology recruiters to include compensation in job posts

Perfection is a goal, one realistically never achieved.

Retaining good people should never be about giving them as little as you can get away with for as long as you can.

A four-phase approach to moving onward and upward in your career.