The real world of Italian new-generation radiologists: challenges and career expectations.

Journal: La Radiologia medica
Published Date: Jan 16, 2026

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the perceived work-life balance, sources of job dissatisfaction, and career aspirations in the new generation of residents and young radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A national survey was conducted among young members of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM) including a total of 15 questions related to job satisfaction, work-life balance, work preferences, career challenges, as well as use and challenges of artificial intelligence. Responses were compared according to the different career stages. RESULTS: A total of 204 responses were collected, of which 113 (55.4%) reported to be resident, while 91 (44.6%) were practicing radiologists. Senior radiologists reported the lowest job satisfaction (p < 0.001). The most common factors contributing to job dissatisfaction were inadequate compensation (73.0%), inadequate work-life balance (39.2%), and excessive workload (36.3%). Overall, young residents expressed a preference for private practice in future careers (34.0%), public hospitals were preferred by senior residents (38.3%) and young radiologists (42.9%), while senior radiologists expressed a preference for university hospitals (42.9%, p = 0.001). The most commonly reported career challenges were lack of AI training (44.6%), lack of guidance/mentorship (38.2%), and lack of fellowship programme (35.8%). Particularly, most of the responders (37.4%) used AI only rarely, learned AI on their own (31.4%), and felt to be only "somewhat prepared" to face the AI challenges (48.5%). CONCLUSION: Early-career professionals face several challenges with difficulty of achieving a sustainable work-life balance and limited job satisfaction.

Authors

  • Serena Carriero
    Postgraduate School in Radiodiagnostics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
  • Giovanni Lorusso
    Section of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70124, Bari, Italy. [email protected].
  • Maurizio Ce'
    Radiology and Interventional Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
  • Giuditta Chiti
    Department of Emergency Radiology, University Hospital Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
  • Alessandra Bruno
    Department of Clinical, Special and Dental Sciences, University Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
  • Francesca Grassi
    Institute Pasteur-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Dept. Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy.
  • Silvia Magnaldi
    Diagnostic Imaging Unit, Esperia Medical Center, Porcia, PN, Italy.
  • Alda Borrè
    Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, AOU Città Della Salute E Della Scienza Orthopeadic and Trauma Center-CTO Hospital, Turin, Italy.
  • Nicoletta Gandolfo
    Diagnostic Imaging Department, VillaScassi Hospital-ASL 3, Corso Scassi 1, Genoa, Italy.
  • Andrea Giovagnoni
    Department of Clinical, Special and Dental Sciences, University Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto, 10/A, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
  • Gianpaolo Carrafiello
    Radiology Department, Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
  • Antonio Barile
    Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
  • Luca Brunese
    Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
  • Roberto Cannella
    Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica avanzata, Università di Palermo.

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