Diagnostic Radiology Residency
The Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program provides a four-year academically and clinically oriented residency training program in diagnostic radiology beginning at the PGY II year. The American Board of Radiology and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education fully approve the program.
Radiology subspecialty training is provided to prepare the resident to become eligible for certification by the American Board of Radiology. The radiology resident is the liaison with the house staff. Reviewing of studies with house staff and discussions of further imaging procedures provide a basis of experience for future interactions with clinicians. The training program features extensive one-on-one teaching with individual attention the rule, rather than the exception. The academic year is divided into thirteen rotations of 4 weeks duration each, totaling 52 weeks. Residents rotate through general radiology and subspecialty areas. In addition, residents rotate through University of Southern California Medical Center for bone training, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles for pediatric radiology and University of California, Los Angeles for chest and pediatric radiology. Each hospital serves different patient populations, creating a well-rounded environment for training in all aspects of radiology.
During the residency, each individual is given increasing responsibility for performance of procedures and interpretation of films under the supervision of the attending radiologists. Fourth-year residents are provided with elective time to develop a subspecialized area of interest and to assume greater responsibility in that area. Residents are encouraged to engage in quality assurance and clinical research projects.
Yearly Breakdown
First Year
The first-year resident's (PGY 2) curriculum consists of rotations through CT, US, chest, general radiology, gastrointestinal, MRI, musculoskeletal, neuroradiology and nuclear medicine. During the first five months, there are no call or night-float responsibilities for the first-year resident. Staff radiologists work in the hospital 24/7 and are available for consultations at all times. Four weeks of vacation per year are provided.
Second Year
The second-year (PGY-3) curriculum includes rotations through CT, US, nuclear medicine, chest/general radiology, gastrointestinal, MRI neuroradiology, pediatric and musculoskeletal radiology, mammography, and angiography. PGY-3 residents rotate at Children's Hospital Los Angeles for pediatric radiology, and County+USC Medical Center for musculoskeletal radiology.
Third Year
The third-year (PGY-4) curriculum includes rotations through nuclear medicine, angiography, chest/general radiology, CT/US, gastrointestinal radiology, MRI, pediatric radiology and mammography. Third-year residents attend the American Institute for Radiologic Pathology in Washington, DC, for a four-week course in radiology with pathologic correlation. The program covers the cost for tuition and provides partial reimbursement for housing expenses. Call responsibility is reduced while residents prepare for the ABR Core Exam. PGY-4 residents are also given Board Review conferences by the attending radiologist in their respective specialties to assist in preparation for the American Board of Radiology examinations.
Fourth Year
The fourth-year (PGY-5) curriculum includes rotations through angiography, CT/US, gastrointestinal radiology, neuroradiology, pediatric radiology, mammography, MRI, cardiac vascular imaging, obstretical imaging and an elective. A total of four months of nuclear medicine, including nuclear cardiology, is provided as required by the American Board of Radiology.
The Teaching Program
The Department of Diagnostic Imaging conducts an active program of interdepartmental and departmental conferences and seminars, including daily subspecialty conferences and monthly radiology pathology and neuroradiology conferences. A biweekly, five-hour lecture series is given at UCLA to our residents. Additional conferences include basic science courses, weekly Brant and Helms clubs, monthly journal clubs and board review sessions. Radiology residents have performed consistently well as a result of this preparation. Staff members present first-year residents a series of emergency care lectures during the months of July, August and September. These are intended to develop the clinical foundation and imaging skills required in emergencies and in-house calls. The department owns the entire American College of Radiology (ACR) learning files, an extensive selection of audiovisual materials, essential journals, textbooks and other educational materials.
Practice and Fellowship Opportunities
Approximately 95% of graduates elect to pursue fellowships. Thanks to superior preparation, most have been successful in securing fellowships in the subspecialty and institution of their choice. Most of these physicians go into private practice, and about 20% develop successful careers in academics throughout the United States.
