The Royal College of Australian and New Zealand Radiologists (RANZCR) has called for greater government support to increase the rural and regional radiology workforce in Australia and New Zealand.
RANZCR has made the plea to mark the International Day of Radiology (IDOR), which took place on Friday, November 8, and recognises radiology’s essential role in the patient journey.
RANZCR President Professor John Slavotinek said: “IDOR allows medical imaging professionals to celebrate our sector and our unwavering commitment to high-quality patient care.
“It also allows RANZCR to highlight pressing issues in radiology across Australia and New Zealand and advocate for measures to fix them.
“It is critical that we act on the severe maldistribution of radiologists and their vital support staff in non-metropolitan locations.”
According to RANZCR’s internal data, 89% of its clinical radiology members work in major cities such as Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
In New Zealand, 63% live in either Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington.
“Our numbers show the desperate need to increase the number of radiologists working in rural and regional areas,” commented Professor Slavotinek.
“We know from evidence that getting trainee doctors living and working in non-metropolitan areas early in their careers is key to long-term settlement.
“We plan to work with governments in both Australia and New Zealand to gain more funding for trainee places outside the cities, including through our tried and tested rural and regional pathway scheme.”
