Jordan Peel | April 28, 2025
Tips for Your Next Step in Your Career as a Radiologist
You’re nearing the finish line of fellowship—congrats! After years of intense training, you’re just a few months away from becoming an attending radiologist. It’s an exciting and uncertain time, especially if you haven’t yet signed a contract.
The decisions you make now will shape your early career and personal life. Whether you’re sorting through offers or just starting the process, this is the moment to be strategic. At Inspire Radiology, we work with radiologists right at this crossroads, and we’ve put together a few essential tips to help guide your next steps with clarity and confidence.
Don’t Rush the Offer—Prioritize the Fit
You’re highly trained and in demand. That means you have choices—so use that leverage wisely. Go beyond the headline salary and ask the deeper questions:
- Will you be reading the modalities you enjoy and trained in?
- What’s the team culture like?
- How is work-life balance handled?
Your first job should energize you, not just pay you.
Get Savvy About Contracts Before You’re Handed One
No contract in hand yet? Perfect. This is your opportunity to learn what to look for before you’re under pressure. Understand standard terms around compensation, call expectations, vacation time, tail coverage, non-competes, and partnership pathways. Having this knowledge now means you’ll be ready to negotiate with confidence when the time comes.
Think About Your Financial Foundation
You’re about to start earning attending-level income, which is a major shift. Take some time now to understand how you’ll manage it. Create a loose plan for handling student loans, building savings, and investing for the future. A physician-focused financial advisor can help you map it out so you’re not flying blind once the paychecks start coming in.
Consider Reputation Before Day One
You may not be in the job yet, but your professional reputation starts forming the moment you begin conversations with groups or employers. Be thoughtful in your communication, follow up when you say you will, and ask smart questions. These early impressions matter—and they last.
Plan for Longevity, Not Just the Launch
This isn’t just about finding a job. It’s about building a sustainable career. Look for places where new attendings are supported—not just clinically, but as people. Ask about mentorship. Ask how new radiologists are integrated. And most importantly, ask yourself: Can I see myself here for the next few years?
Pick a Practice That Feels Like a Partnership
You want to work somewhere that values your voice, not just your reads. At Inspire Radiology, we’re intentional about creating a collaborative culture where new radiologists are heard, encouraged, and equipped to grow. Your career is just beginning—and it should begin with the right team behind you.
This is your moment. You’ve put in the work—now it’s time to find a practice that recognizes your potential and invests in your future.