Is the “per diem” model of radiologist employment in pediatric radiology becoming more prevalent?

With the ongoing shortage of radiologists in the USA, especially pediatric radiologists, as well as an ever-increasing workload, one strategy for maintaining adequate coverage, quality, and efficiency of service is to employ radiologists on a “per diem” basis [1]. “Per diem employment” may be defined as non-full-time employment compensated on an hourly, shift, or daily basis without a yearly salary and regular benefits (although certain required costs such as malpractice insurance may be provided). It may apply to radiologists of any age, often on a scheduled ad hoc basis, i.e., as needed, and has no minimum participation requirements. It may apply to any shifts and might be done in-house or remote. It does not include regular “night hawk” shifts or moonlighting by full-time staff. The “per diem” model has the additional advantage of retaining senior, experienced pediatric radiologists who do not want to work in a full-time capacity, but who do not want to retire completely [2‐4]. There is little known about the current prevalence and acceptance of this model by employers under different circumstances and environments within pediatric radiology. We wanted to learn whether this model of employment has become more prevalent and whether it is viewed as successful. We also wanted to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the per diem radiologist as perceived by leaders in pediatric radiology. …