A Practical Guide to Leadership and Management in Academic Radiology

Aurelio Matamoros

doi:10.2967/jnumed.112.112425

R.L. Arenson and C. Garzio

Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd., 2012, 268 pages, $37.95

This book provides valuable guidance for those individuals seeking to become appointed or recently appointed as a chairperson in an academic radiology department. After an introductory chapter, the next 23 chapters describe steps recommended by the authors on the basis of their experience in setting up an internationally recognized academic radiology department at the University of California at San Francisco. The lead author also describes the experiences of other colleagues in academia who have set up similar departments. The benefits derived from reading this book are significant both in teaching individuals from the experience of others and in allowing them to establish their own unique style of leadership. Needless to say, academic politics come into play, and this issue is addressed in the book. Chapter 25, the last chapter, comprises conclusions and a summary.

The various chapters describe the thoughts and actions behind the 3 missions of academic radiology: clinical service, teaching, and research. Supporting these missions are personnel, who create multiple demands in the form of recruitment, incentives, compensation, workload, retention, and morale. In most medical centers, high emphasis is placed on the revenue stream from radiology to support other medical center services. As such, the financial management of the department is of the utmost importance. The issues of billing, joint ventures, capital budget, turf struggles, marketing, and outreach are beautifully described.

Great emphasis is placed on the importance of an excellent information system that connects the radiology system with the medical center system. The authors recommend establishing an information technology team within the department. Other chapters are dedicated to residency and fellowship programs, along with postgraduate education.

This book should be read not only by those seeking to become the chairperson of an academic radiology department but also by those in senior-level leadership who assist the departmental chair. Also, this book is recommended for individuals in the search committee who identify and negotiate with a potential candidate.