Radiologists’ personal income and general knowledge of the federal advocacy process can influence their chances of donating to a radiology political action committee (PAC), according to new research published in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. Could these findings help radiology PACs secure more donations moving forward?
“Radiology PACs represents the interests of radiology on Capitol Hill, educating politicians about the merits and importance of diagnostic imaging and image-guided procedures, as well as lobbying on behalf of those interests,” wrote lead author Michael J. Drabkin, MD, Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York, and colleagues. “This is perhaps even more important for radiologists than for other specialties, as nearly half of the public is unaware of the fact that radiologists are doctors.”
The authors surveyed more than 300 radiologists, asking them about their own donation histories. Overall, they found that more than 46 percent of respondents had donated to a radiology PAC in the last year. Radiologists with an annual personal income of at least $450,000 had a greater chance of making such a donation than those with an annual personal income less than $450,000.
“This is expected, as those with higher incomes tend to have more disposable income,” the authors wrote. “Perhaps by using targeted fundraising strategies aimed at higher earners, radiology PAC donations could be bolstered overall. However, the ideal strategy to target high earners preferentially has not yet been identified.”
In addition, more than 77 percent of respondents said they had a limited knowledge of how the federal advocacy process worked. Radiologists who had "good" or "excellent" understanding of that process had a greater chance of donating to radiology PACs.
“The implication is that education will lead to more donation,” Drabkin and colleagues wrote. “Raising awareness of political advocacy in medicine and the federal advocacy process may be an effective means of bolstering PAC donations. This may be accomplished through publication of this study, increased visibility of PACs at Annual Meetings, and telethons.”
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.