A profile of Canada's radiologists: results from the 2004 National Physician Survey.

Objective: To evaluate the demographics and practices of radiologists nationwide as indicated by a selected subset of results from the 2004 National Physician Survey.

Methods: The original email survey data were collected by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Data collected included information regarding physician demographics and research, teaching, and practice characteristics.

Results: A total of 646 radiologists responded (of an estimated 1910), giving a response rate of 33.8%. The greatest number of respondents worked either in a community hospital (59.4%) or in a private practice (50%). Most preferred working within a group (78.8%). Most respondents spent up to 120 hours monthly on call (69.1%). On average, respondents spent nearly 41 weeks yearly on clinical care, administration, teaching, continuing medical education, and research. Most respondents (75.9%) obtained their income through fee-for-service payment plans.

Conclusions: The fundamental characteristics of Canadian radiologists currently in practice are described, and their implications for the future of radiology in Canada are discussed.