The Residency Training Program

General Compentencies - Expectations of all Residents in Radiology Rotations

The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in the basics of diagnostic imaging and rapidly progresses to advanced imaging modalities. Though introduced to new residents gradually, advanced imaging practices are integrated into the fiber of all rotations and help develop an early familiarity with sophisticated imaging technology.

First year residents rotate through each of the major specialties (GI, Chest, Pediatrics, Neurology, Bone and, ED Radiology) and two technology-specific rotations (Nuclear Medicine and Vascular/Interventional). Rotations are essentially preceptorships; residents work directly with attending staff, senior residents, fellows, and support staff. During the early months of training, first year residents are required to consult with more experienced members of the house staff or faculty prior to offering preliminary readings to clinical services. Resident responsibility grows as experience is gained.

The second year builds on the fundamentals learned during the first year and transitions into more sophisticated imaging techniques. Mammography, vascular-interventional radiology and neuro-MR rotations are added to the schedule. Some elective time is offered. Repeat assignments to specialty areas with the philosophy of assigning graded responsibility develops a professionally mature perspective and better enables residents to correlate and integrate diverse bodies of information and more rapidly gain cross functional capabilities and confidence.

The organization and structure of the latter part of the second year, the third year, and the fourth year are not rigidly distinguished as the program strives to seamlessly integrate reinforcing basic diagnostic imaging principles, understanding of radiologic-pathologic correlation, fundamentals of cutting-edge imaging research, and the rigors of subspecialty training to produce well rounded, sophisticated diagnostic imagers. As training progresses, the resident assumes greater responsibility in general radiology and technology specific rotations, and receives supplemental subspecialty training such as Body-MRI, Musculoskeletal MRI, and PET-CT. There is continued close attending supervision, especially in the procedure oriented technologies such as vascular-interventional radiology and neuroradiology.

All residents attend the AFIP Radiologic Pathology Course, usually during the third year. To summarize, progression through subspecialties with graded assumption of responsibilities enable residents to organize and structure their studies. The first year rotations serve as an introduction to the basic specialties of radiology. The recapitulation of rotations during the second year further develops skills and allows the residents to consolidate and integrate their radiologic knowledge base. More advanced concepts, techniques and responsibilities are emphasized during the latter part of the second year, and the third and fourth years. Elective time after the first year gives residents an opportunity to further explore areas in which they feel weak or have special interest. The system provides graduated responsibility encouraging residents to develop and grow without ever being placed in a situation in which they feel they have not had adequate preparation or consultation.