This article is the second of a two-part series exploring topics of interest to residents. In our previous story, Charlotte Taylor, MD, vice chair of education and residency program director at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, discussed how changes to the American Board of Radiology board certification could affect residency programs. For this article, we again interviewed Taylor, this time to discuss the pros and cons of pursuing teleradiology work straight out of residency.
As remote radiology opportunities expand, teleradiology has become an increasingly visible career path for early‑career physicians. But according to Charlotte Taylor, MD -- vice chair of education and residency program director at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson -- going fully remote straight out of training may shortchange new radiologists at a critical stage in their professional development.
Charlotte Taylor, MD
Teleradiology isn't the ideal first job for most new graduates, according to Taylor. The early years of practice, she explained, are a period of "peer‑directed learning," when new radiologists benefit profoundly from immediate interaction with colleagues. Being physically present with more experienced radiologists offers opportunities that are difficult to replicate remotely: informal case discussions, real‑time feedback, and the modeling of professional judgment and workflow.
"Having a role model, having a mentor who is on site with you, can help you pace your standards and your practice," she said.
The first two years out of residency are especially formative, Taylor noted, with rapid growth in clinical confidence and interpretive skill. While some remote positions -- particularly those with strong group integration -- can offer mentorship, many high‑volume, pay‑per‑click models are more impersonal. In those settings, she believes new radiologists may miss out on the "work family" that supports long‑term career satisfaction and growth.
Taylor also highlighted broader evidence about learning environments, such as studies predating the COVID pandemic that showed that students in online college courses retained less than their peers in traditional classrooms -- findings that resonate with her belief that early‑career radiologists benefit from in‑person interaction. Experienced colleagues, she said, hold "10,000‑plus hours" of expertise that new radiologists should seek access to through mentoring.
Teleradiology remains a strong option later in a career -- or even early on if carefully structured -- but Taylor encourages new graduates to establish an in‑person home base first, and to spend time with experienced radiologists.
"That's healthy for your career longevity," she said.
