Eric Postal, MD

Humility, perspective and refraining from hasty, emotional responses can go a long way toward defusing confrontations.

A little positivity and praise towards others can go a long way for how you assess and treat yourself, too.

Is quiet quitting just a complacent acceptance of low job satisfaction?

In lieu of a “finishing school” for rads, this author says subtle course correction can prevent descent into rabbit holes of negativity.

While a lack of detail with patient histories is a common challenge in radiology, a dash of humorous perspective can help build a sense of camaraderie among colleagues.

Consistently leveling with colleagues, patients and others can promote a relatively straightforward path to optimal goodwill.

Has an overly critical approach from quality assurance committees led to an overly cautious approach in reports from teleradiologists?

Comparing RVU output to the numbers of colleagues or even RVUs at previous jobs is often a futile exercise.

While the status of incentives, such as yearly bonuses or partnership track aspirations, can be a tricky conversation, ignoring it can be the tipping point for a radiologist’s exit to another practice.

Juggling a physician’s perspective and a layperson’s view can be a tricky juxtaposition at times.

With an evenhanded perspective, this author looks at the challenges and frustrations for both sides of the IT help desk line in radiology.

Does excess boilerplate verbiage hamper the review of radiology reports by referring physicians?

Weighing the pros and cons of W2 versus 1099 status, this author discusses the potential impact on retained earnings in radiology, retirement savings and the stress of April 15 and quarterly estimated tax payments.

Whether it is humorous associations with common terminology, oddities on X-rays or decidedly uncomfortable imaging findings, this author shares a few chuckles from his experience.

Do we settle for oblique truths more often than not to mitigate potential repercussions?

Amid a bevy of questionable referrals for X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, an unwavering due diligence prevents skepticism from giving way to cynicism and a possible missed diagnosis.

Amid a glut of unnecessary imaging requests, common worklist frustrations and perceptions from other clinicians that they can interpret medical images just as well, recognizing your role as a humble difference maker may provide the ultimate RVU for patients.

Is it a thoughtless verbal reflex or a failure to go beyond a surface read of imaging?

When remaining cool and collected is a challenge, providing an overload of detail is another way of turning the tide with a frustrating referring clinician.

Addressing alternate realities may be common practice for radiologists when they are subjected to questionable or negligible patient histories.

Are frivolous time-wasting tasks eating away at the core of what you think your job should be?

Does the assessment of complex cases in patients with multiple medical issues carry a certain psychological burden?

In addition to recharging one’s batteries, a temporary hiatus from employment may provide time for self-reflection and recognition of what you truly enjoy about your work.

Does concern over productivity and RVUs prevent you from taking the time to address weaknesses and workflow inefficiencies?

The combination of subtle persuasion and allowing a decision-maker to own your idea can be a useful strategy to help remedy workflow inefficiencies.

How advanced are we if we constantly settle for extra clicks, endless scrolling on multiphase contrast-enhanced scans and other pet peeves?

Whether you are adjusting to a new venue, a new job, new coworkers or new software, patience and perseverance are key to adapting and excelling.

Promoted as a helpful tool for increasing efficiency, voice recognition can be an endless source of frustration for radiologists.

Is there a tipping point when the technology you need overwhelms a workstation designed for optimal efficiency?

Resolving this recruiting dilemma often comes down to how one spins the incentive “differentials.”