Future Practice Intentions of Radiology Registrars in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory and Its Implications on the Rural Radiology Workforce

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction There is a shortage of radiologists practicing in regional and rural Australia. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) and the Australian Government have published their commitment to address this workforce maldistribution. This project aims to identify the future work intentions of radiology registrars training in South Australia (SA) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), focusing on attitudes toward a career in rural radiology practice. Methods A cross‐sectional study of SA and ACT RANZCR registrars was performed via an online questionnaire consisting of tick box and short answer questions relating to demographics, previous rural exposure, future work intentions, and perceived barriers to rural practice. Results A total of 72 (82%) registrars responded to the survey. While 59% agreed they would enjoy living and working rurally, 19% intend to work in regional/rural areas. Although 15% intend to live and work in these locations, 38% of registrars intend to contribute to the rural workforce through irregular locum work. Registrars who spent at least 1 year at a rural clinical school were more likely to intend to practice in a regional/rural area. Qualitative analysis revealed barriers to a rural career centred on familial opportunity, while key facilitators centred on work‐life balance and collegial support. Conclusion Most radiology registrars in SA and the ACT intend to base their practice in metropolitan Australia. Rural exposure during medical school significantly influenced rural practice intent, consistent with the broader literature. Coordinating funding and training opportunities with key barriers and facilitators can help build a sustainable rural radiology workforce.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology, 2026 · DOI ↗