One of the most appealing aspects of radiology is that it is dynamic and continuously expanding. The role of the radiologist in participating in the diagnosis and treatment of acutely ill or injured patients has seen tremendous growth in recent years.
Clinical Rotations
The four years of the residency are spent in an organized, logical radiology curriculum, which offers a wide variety of educational opportunities. The early rotations focus on basic radiology imaging studies with the resident graduating to more advanced studies and modalities and interventional procedures during the four-year curriculum. Although the schedule varies, the following is typical.
Basic radiology (including radiographs, CT and ultrasound) is emphasized, covering the areas of:
- Thoracic
- Gastrointestinal
- Genitourinary
- Musculoskeletal
- Pediatric
- Emergency Radiology
- Neuroradiology
New rotations, in addition to those continued from Year I, include:
- Nuclear medicine
- Neuroradiology (MRI)
- Abdominal CT
- Advanced thoracic (chest CT)
- Breast imaging
- Interventional radiology
- Pediatric cross-sectional imaging and fluoroscopic procedures
Rotations are scheduled in:
- Interventional radiology
- Advanced cross-sectional chest and abdominal CT
- Advanced neuroradiology (MRI)
- Obstetric ultrasound
- Abdominal MRI
- Advanced musculoskeletal imaging (CT and MRI)
- The American Institute for Radiologic Pathology, a four-week program that offers a valuable opportunity to study radiologic-pathologic correlation from the best collection of cases in existence
- Nuclear medicine
- Breast imaging
American Board of Radiology requirements for breast imaging and nuclear medicine are completed in the fourth year. Residents rotate through predominantly chosen elective rotations based on career goals and interests. Elective rotations include:
- Advanced musculoskeletal
- Neuroradiology: MRI and CT
- Interventional radiology
- Thoracic/Cardiac imaging
- Advanced pediatric radiology
- Research elective (length varies)
- Abdominal MRI
- Abdominal CT/fluroscopy
Simulation Education
Residents participate in an organized procedural simulation curriculum in our Radiology Simulation Lab. Residents receive faculty instruction for performing ultrasound-guided biopsies (breast, thyroid, kidney/liver) and vascular access. The lab has a high-quality ultrasound machine and ultrasound probes with attached tablets to learn procedures on high- and low-fidelity phantoms. Residents participate in teaching sessions with faculty and have access to the lab 24/7 to practice on their own. Residents also participate in a contrast reaction simulation annually using a high-fidelity mannequin. 3D printed models are used for simulation of fluoroscopically guided spine and joint procedures.
Global Health Education
Senior residents have the option of doing a radiology global health elective in Kenya. This is a two- to four-week elective doing radiology (ultrasound, plain radiograph and CT) in a hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. The resident goes with a supervising faculty member.