Radiologists show more interest in telemedicine job opportunities than representatives from any other specialty, according to a new report published by Doximity. The report, “2019 Telemedicine and Locum Tenens Opportunities Study,” used data from Doximity’s own network of job postings.
“Our research shows that doctors are embracing telemedicine as an alternative to traditional clinical practices, which is good news for patients,” Amit Phull, MD, vice president of strategy and insights at Doximity, said in a prepared statement. “By removing physical limitations, physicians can now expand their patient-base to rural areas that are currently underserved by different specialties. If you start to view the physician shortage as a problem of where the doctors are located, which is mainly in the major metros, it’s easy to see how more telemedicine can help address this serious challenge.”
While radiology came in at No. 1 on the report’s list of the most engaged specialties with telemedicine job postings, psychiatry (No. 2), internal medicine (No. 3), neurology (No. 4) and family medicine (No. 5) rounded out the top of the list. The least engaged specialties were anesthesiology, general surgery and orthopedic surgery.
Radiologists also showed significant interest in locum tenens positions, defined in the report as “temporary work that can be full or part-time.” Radiology was No. 3 on the list of the specialties most engaged with locum tenens job postings, behind only anesthesiology (No. 1) and emergency medicine (No. 2).
The global telemedicine market was valued at more than $38 billion in 2018, according to the report, but that number is expected to exceed $130.5 billion by 2025.
“This hyper-growth is powered by a convergence of factors, but mainly, by the growing need to access medical care matched with the introduction of technologies that make it possible for physicians to do clinical work remotely,” the report’s authors explained. “In this sense, telemedicine helps to remove geographic boundaries and offers a convenient way for patients and physicians to connect virtually and in real-time.”
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.