Radiology and Political Advocacy: Characterizing Radiology Political Action Committee Donors

Abstract

Purpose: To identify factors associated with radiologist donations to radiology political action committees (PACs). Materials and Methods: A survey was emailed to 4474 radiologists. Factors investigated include demographics, donor history, and knowledge of the federal advocacy process. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with donor behavior. Results: In total, 336 radiologists completed the survey. Overall, 152 (46.2%) radiologists reported donating to a radiology PAC in the past year. Those with annual personal income ≥$450,000 had greater odds to donate than those with annual personal income < 0.001). More than three-quarters (77.2%, n = 254) reported limited or no knowledge of the federal advocacy process. Those with good or excellent knowledge of the federal advocacy process had greater odds to donate than those with no knowledge (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.01-6.84; p = 0.047). Those with awareness that membership dues and foundation funds do not fund Society of Interventional Radiology Political Action Committee had greater odds to donate (OR: 3.54, 95% CI: 2.00, 6.25; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Radiologists’ personal income and knowledge of the federal advocacy process were identified as key factors influencing donations. PAC donation may benefit from raising awareness of the federal advocacy process, as well as from targeted fundraising strategies aimed at higher earners.