What is the future of imaging MRI, given the current state of health care and the changes afoot? Currently, the diagnostic radiology profession is growing, in spite of the economic pinch. There are over 30,500 practicing radiologists and oncologists in the United States, according to the American College of Radiology. Despite the fact that 1,000 people graduate into the medical imaging profession each year, some people, like James Borgstede MD of the University of Colorado’s Department of Radiology, reports that there is a serious shortage.

There are several reasons why analysts worry there may not be enough specialists to perform MRI scans in the future. First, more and more radiology experts are reaching retirement age. The American College of Radiology reports that there were 6,500 retirees in 2007, 5,870 retirees in 2004 and 5,100 retirees in 2000. Statistically, radiologists retire two years later than most other professions, but even so, the numbers are decreasing. Since it takes 6-7 years to obtain radiology degree, these vacancies are difficult to fill.

Another problem with the imaging MRI field is that there may be a shortage of specialists in the future. Only one third of radiology specialists spend at least 70% of their clinical work on a subspecialty like interventional radiology, breast imaging, neuroradiology or body imaging. Less than half of radiation oncologists specialize to some degree, which causes some analysts to fear that certain areas of oncology radiology will experience shortages in specialists. Radiology has so many sub-specialties that it’s challenging to train individuals to do a little of everything, so naturally some areas will lack, while others may be flooded.

The future of imaging MRI will require some technological advances and system upgrades. Currently, the equipment is very large to install and very expensive to use. Some say there will be smaller, more convenient hand-held devices, which will make it easier to examine a patient’s leg, arm or other body part, without having to slide them into a large magnet machine. This will also cut back on the claustrophobia people often feel during their radiology treatments. Smaller technology makes it easier for each hospital and doctor’s office to offer these tests right on-site, even though some of the results will need to be interpreted off-site by trained professionals. Some of the tests — like PET and CT scans — may be combined into one machine, along with updated computer software, to enable the best possible image.

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