Background: Maccabi Healthcare Services has more than 20 Diagnostic Imaging Clinics in Israel, and many radiologists are needed to perform and interpret the imaging studies. There was a shortage of radiologists willing to work full-time in these clinics. In the late 1980s and early 1990s a large number of immigrants arrived in Israel, some of them radiologists, who were looking for a position at Maccabi. However, their training was inadequate for the needs of modern radiology. Therefore, a program in radiology was initiated to support a number of these physicians to complete additional training in radiology, a process that would facilitate their employment as radiologists for Maccabi Healthcare Services. Objectives: To support several years of residency in radiology for immigrants and other physicians who would, on completion of their residency, work as radiologists for Maccabi Healthcare Services. Methods: A total of 21 physicians entered the program, 16 women and 5 men, including 11 physicians from the former Soviet Union. They started their training in various academic hospitals during the years 1991-1997. A questionnaire regarding the program was completed by the residents and the chairmen of the relevant departments were interviewed. Results: All physicians except one, who left the country for medical reasons, have as of now successfully completed their residency, and are employed as radiologists in Maccabi. One candidate received a grant for one year of residency abroad, and has been employed by Maccabi since completing her residency. Conclusion: The program can be termed a success, as all the parties concerned - residents, Maccabi Healthcare Services and the participating hospitals, profited from the arrangement.

Education Immigrant physicians Socio-economic issues radiology Radiologists

residency education training Education, Medical, Continuing Israel human immigration health service USSR Physicians diagnostic imaging health program Humans male female outcomes research clinical article Article Questionnaires adult physician Emigration and Immigration radiology