How to survive and thrive as a new breast imager: what they don't teach in fellowship

Purpose: To provide practical tips to assist new breast imagers succeed in their first job after fellowship training. Methods: Transitioning from fellowship to a practicing breast radiologist is daunting for the new radiologist. There is a void in the literature addressing this transition. Practical tips are described based on various roles a new breast radiologist must navigate and highlights skills that can help ensure a successful transition and career. Results: Proficiency in clinical acumen may be assisted by becoming familiar with sentinel works and feedback based on the medical outcome audit. Noninterpretive skills that can assist the transition include communication skills, delegation of tasks, and implementing hanging protocols. Depending on the practice, skills in research, education, administration, teamwork, and community engagement may also assist the successful transition. Conclusion: Practical strategies can assist the new breast radiologist to become proficient at essential skills that will assist the radiologist to survive and thrive in clinical practice.