LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A new residency program at University Medical Center aims to help address the shortage of radiologists in Nevada. The goal is to expand access to care and keep more doctors in the state.
From broken bones to life-threatening injuries, radiologists at UMC play a critical role in diagnosing patients.
“When somebody comes through our doors, at some point they’re going to need some image-care guidance. That means we’re going to interpret the films, and then based upon what we see on the films, we’re going to have a report made to the clinicians, and that can change the outcome of the treatment of the patient,” said Dr. Eduardo Escobar, chief of musculoskeletal radiology at University Medical Center.
Nationwide shortage puts pressure on hospitals
A nationwide shortage of doctors is putting pressure on hospitals. More than 30 radiologists at UMC conduct 750 reads per day.
Nevada has the lowest number of radiologists per capita in the United States, with nine radiologists per 100,000 people, according to Medicus Healthcare Solutions.
Some of the reasons include population growth, aging workforce, and limited residency spots.
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New program trains future radiologists
UMC is now working to close that gap with a new radiology program. It is currently training four residents, with approval to grow to 16 across all four years.
“So by providing this resident, this resident will provide us more radiologists for the state of Nevada,” Dr. Escobar said. “So they might fall in love with the community and decide to stay.”
For first-year resident Dr. Chase Permann, from Indiana, it’s an opportunity to make a difference.
“That did sway me to go into the career and just wanted to help add to that shortage and try and combat that any way I could,” Dr. Permann said.
AI described as a tool, not a replacement
While artificial intelligence is becoming another tool in medical imaging, Permann said human expertise remains essential.
“I think it’s just going to be a tool that we will use as radiologists to help augment and just kind of further read more studies and more accurately. But it’s not going to kind of completely take over, I don’t think, anytime soon. So, I’m not worried about my job,” Dr. Permann said.
UMC received a $2.1 million state grant to help cover the cost of the program, with hospital leadership committing to its long-term success. It is also looking at expanding residency training in other specialties facing shortages.
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