The Growing Problem of Radiologist Shortages: Korean Perspective
Kyung‐Hyun Do, Kyongmin Sarah Beck, Jeong Min Lee
Abstract
Radiology departments in Korea are currently facing a severe shortage of radiologists, and the increase in radiological examinations is contributing to increased workload.The development of cutting-edge medical technologies and advancements in medicine have significantly enhanced the role of diagnostic imaging in healthcare.Factors such as an aging population and the evolution of health insurance systems have contributed to a substantial increase in the demand for medical imaging.In Korea, the number of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations has surged owing to the implementation of health insurance coverage policies.As of 2019, Korea's use of CT scans was 1.5 times higher, and MRI scans was twice as frequent compared to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries' average.From 2016 to 2020, the total number of CT and MRI scans has increased by 40.9%.Additionally, ultrasound examinations have seen substantial growth, especially abdominal scans, which rose from 160000 cases in 2013 to 3.22 million cases in 2021, primarily