U.S. Radiologist Shortage: Causes and Remedies

Nearly everyone in healthcare is sounding the alarm about project physician shortages in the coming decades. One recent projection by the AAMC estimates that there will be as many as 13,500 to 86,000 physicians in shortage by 2036. But not all specialties will be affected equally, and the question of whether there will be a corresponding radiologist shortage remains open.

In this post, we examine several recent studies describing current and future projections showing a shortage of radiologists in the United States, as well as some reasons for these trends. Join us for a deep dive into the problem as well as some potential remedies. 

Understanding the Radiologist Shortage

• Is There a Shortage of Radiologists?
• Are Radiologists in High Demand?
• What Is Causing the Radiologist Shortage?
• Will Radiology Become Obsolete?
• Solutions to the Radiologist Shortage
• Teleradiology: How Flexible Work Is Helping to Address the Shortage
• How Locums Is Easing the Radiology Shortage

Is There a Shortage of Radiologists?

There has historically (for the past 20 years or so) been a shortage of radiologists in the United States. According to a study in the JACR, in 2005 there were 1,023 open positions and only 972 were filled. After COVID, moreover, radiologists left their positions at a 50% higher rate. The same study in JACR found that the number of available radiologist positions in 2024 was 1,382, and 1,378 of them were filled. But while that gap seems to be closing, experts still expect a shortage to persist into the future. Research Director of the Nieman Institute, Dr. Eric Christensen, PhD, notes that, “the shortage is not projected to get worse, nor will it likely improve in the next three decades without effective action.”

The authors of the JACR study were unable to estimate the future workforce demand because they were unable to predict whether the number of jobs would increase. They did estimate that the number of radiologists would go up by 25.7% by 2055. However, a separate study investigated imaging demand and did project an increase, as we discuss more below. 

Are Radiologists in High Demand?

Radiologists are in high demand currently, and that demand is likely to increase in coming years. A study from the JACR examined imaging demand over the next thirty years and estimated that it would be anywhere between 16.9% to 26.9% higher by 2055. 

As we noted above, the number of radiologists is also projected to increase, and scholars have struggled with more precise estimates of open to filled positions. So it is not yet clear how an increase of both supply and demand will impact the shortage in the coming decades.

What Is Causing the Radiologist Shortage?

The radiologist shortage in the U.S. stems from a combination of demographic shifts, workforce challenges, and systemic limitations in medical training. One of the biggest contributors to the radiologist shortage is the rapidly aging U.S. population, which requires significantly more medical imaging than younger demographics. According to a study cited by the Neiman Health Policy Institute, the U.S. population is projected to grow by 8.2% between 2023 and 2055, but the most dramatic increases will be among older age groups:

• Ages 75–84: Expected to grow by 51.5%
• Ages 85–94: Expected to grow by 149.6%
• Ages 95+: Expected to grow by 282.1%

As Dr. Christensen notes, “Both the projected increase in the number of older individuals and the relative aging of the U.S. population contribute substantially to the projected increased future imaging demand.” 

Since older adults require more frequent imaging (e.g., cancer screenings, osteoporosis assessments, stroke diagnostics), radiologists will face an ever-growing workload—one that current training pipelines may not be able to support.

COVID-19 also played a key role in exacerbating the shortage. Post-COVID, radiologists experienced higher turnover rates, with many reducing hours or leaving due to burnout. Increasing workloads, night call demands, and productivity pressures contribute to early retirements and career shifts.

Will Radiology Become Obsolete?

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging has led some to question whether radiologists will eventually be replaced by machines. However, the consensus among experts is clear: radiology will not become obsolete—but it will evolve. Here’s why:

AI excels at pattern recognition (e.g., detecting tumors, fractures, or hemorrhages) and can help prioritize urgent cases, reducing radiologists’ workload. However, AI lacks clinical context—it cannot integrate patient history, consult with other physicians, or make complex diagnostic judgments. Radiologists don’t just interpret images; they guide treatment plans, perform procedures (e.g., biopsies, angioplasties), and communicate findings to patients and referring doctors.

Some predicted that PACS (digital imaging systems) would make radiologists obsolete in the 1990s—instead, it made them more efficient and in demand. Similarly, CAD (computer-aided detection) for mammography improved cancer detection but still required radiologist oversight.

Solutions to the Radiologist Shortage

One promising approach to addressing the radiologist shortage involves expanding opportunities for international medical graduates (IMGs) to enter the U.S. workforce. Traditionally, IMGs faced significant barriers to practicing radiology in the U.S., but recent policy changes are helping to close this gap.

A key development is the alternate certification pathway introduced by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). This pathway allows IMGs who have completed diagnostic radiology (DR) residency outside the U.S. and Canada to become eligible for ABR board certification after completing four additional years of training in the U.S. (Source: Radiology Journal).

While challenges remain—such as ensuring equitable access to residency positions and addressing visa restrictions—this pathway represents a practical, scalable solution to the radiologist shortage. Combined with other strategies like AI integration and expanded domestic training, it could play a crucial role in meeting future demand for imaging services.

Teleradiology: How Flexible Work Is Helping to Address the Shortage

The radiologist shortage has spurred the growth of teleradiology, a model that leverages remote technology to deliver imaging interpretations across geographic boundaries. By enabling radiologists to work outside traditional hospital settings, teleradiology is emerging as a key strategy for improving access to diagnostic expertise while offering clinicians greater flexibility.

One of the most significant advantages of teleradiology is its ability to bridge gaps in underserved regions. Rural hospitals and small healthcare facilities often struggle to recruit full-time radiologists, forcing them to rely on outsourced overnight reads or delayed interpretations. Teleradiology networks allow these institutions to access real-time or after-hours coverage from qualified specialists, reducing diagnostic delays and improving patient outcomes.

Beyond geographic flexibility, teleradiology also supports workforce retention by offering radiologists more control over their schedules. Many physicians—particularly those balancing clinical demands with personal commitments—are opting for hybrid or fully remote roles. This shift has proven especially valuable in mitigating burnout, as radiologists can avoid lengthy commutes, adjust workloads, and even take on per-diem assignments without being tied to a single institution.

However, challenges remain, including licensing complexities (since radiologists must be licensed in the state where the patient is located) and reimbursement disparities for remote interpretations. Despite these hurdles, the continued expansion of teleradiology suggests it will remain a critical tool in alleviating the radiologist shortage—not by replacing in-person roles, but by creating a more adaptable and resilient workforce.

How Locums Is Easing the Radiology Shortage

The growing radiologist shortage has made locum tenens staffing an essential solution for hospitals and healthcare systems struggling to maintain consistent imaging coverage. By offering flexible, short-term placements, locums providers help facilities bridge staffing gaps, prevent burnout among full-time radiologists, and ensure patients receive timely diagnoses.

For physicians, locum tenens work presents a unique opportunity to take control of their schedules, explore diverse practice settings, and supplement their income—all while making a meaningful impact on underserved communities. Whether covering vacations, parental leave, or long-term vacancies, locums radiologists play a vital role in stabilizing departments that would otherwise face critical shortages.

At Era Locums, we specialize in connecting skilled radiologists with healthcare facilities in need of reliable, high-quality coverage. If you're a physician seeking greater flexibility or a hospital looking to strengthen your radiology team, reach out today to discover how our network can help. Together, we can address the radiologist shortage—one placement at a time.

Contact Era Locums to learn more about opportunities or search open job posts today!