Radiology trainee retention in Auckland, New Zealand: a survey.

Abstract

Aim: Amid growing concerns surrounding the radiology workforce in New Zealand, our primary aim was to capture the retention rate of recent graduates of the Auckland Regional Training Scheme.

Methods: In September 2023 we sent a standardised survey to all Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) fellows who commenced their radiology training in Auckland in the year 2000 or later. Additional questions were asked regarding prior subspecialty training, public versus private work mix, future career plans, the key factors influencing our radiologists' workplace selection and more.

Results: With a response rate of 71.7% (99/138 survey recipients), we found that 75.8% (75/99) of our responders currently work in New Zealand, a greater proportion than perhaps anticipated. A little over half (58.2%) work in a mixture of both public and private settings, and 56.2% are considering, on some level, significantly reducing their hours in the next 1 to 5 years.

Conclusion: We hope the insights gained through this survey encourage further efforts to retain our growing number of trainees, while helping to paint the current landscape of our specialty at the consultant level.