Diagnostic Radiology Training (R1-R3 Years)

The residents' rotation schedule is predicated upon the eleven subspecialty areas tested on the oral ABR examination. As such, all residents rotate through all subspecialty areas several times by the time they have completed their residency. The structure of the training program assures that all residents spend months in dedicated rotations in ultrasound, CT, MRI and interventional radiology.  

These rotations are structured so that resident experiences and responsibilities are focused specifically on these imaging modalities. Additional CT and MRI experience is gained through neuroradiology, head and neck imaging, chest, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, body MR, noninvasive neuroangiography and pediatric rotations. At least five months of nuclear medicine and PET imaging is also obtained to complete their training. Cardiovascular imaging is predominately taught on the body MR and chest months where advanced MR and CT imaging of the heart and peripheral vasculature is performed. Additionally, a noninvasive neuroangiography rotation has been established to supplement the experience on neurointerventional radiology. This allows the residents a chance to focus on the anatomy and imaging techniques required to obtain noninvasive angiography as more and more radiologic imaging moves into the noninvasive realm.

During the R1-R3 training years, residents assume greater responsibility in monitoring, performing, and interpreting radiologic examinations of increasing complexity, commensurate with their confidence level and experience.

Dedicated Training in Nuclear Medicine

All residents are required to complete 4 months of dedicated nuclear medicine training in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the ABR. Additionally, residents receive three months of dedicated mammography training to comply with the recommendations set forth the American College of Radiology.

Radiology Pathology

Radiologic-pathologic correlation is provided through the American Institute of Radiologic Pathology (AIRP) a six week course in Washington DC, which is required of all of our residents. The department pays the tuition ($1500.00) plus provides each resident with a stipend of $1500.00 used to defray the costs of expenses incurred at the course.

Veteran's Administration Medical Center Rotation

The resident experience at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) is largely related to general radiology, and traditionally provides our residents with an excellent source of pathologic conditions. Junior resident responsibilities relate primarily to fluoroscopic procedures and plain film interpretation. Senior residents are responsible for more complex imaging modalities and interventional cases. Resident rotating through the VAMC are supervised by five full-time staff radiologists. Additional faculty support is provided by the UI Hospitals & Clinics Department of Radiology from the subspecialty areas of musculoskeletal, pulmonary, neuroradiology, angiography, and body imaging (CT and ultrasound). The VAMC Department of Radiology assumes some resident teaching responsibilities primarily through scheduled weekly conferences. All radiologic examinations and procedures performed by our residents at the VAMC are under the direct supervision and guidance of faculty members.

Obstetric Sonography

Residents are exposed to obstetric sonography during their ultrasound rotations. Radiology residents participate in the interpretation of routine and complex obstetric sonographic studies twice a week. An additional month of obstetric ultrasound experience is obtained with direct resident involvement through the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Interventional Radiology Training (R4-R5 Years)

R4 residents will be expected to gradually perform routine IR procedures independently over time, eventually moving to performing more complex procedures independently during their R5 year.  Procedures residents will participate in over the course of their training include:

Non-Invasive Vascular Imaging

CTA/MRA Abdomen/Pelvis
CTA/MRA Extremities
CTA/MRA Chest
Lower Extremity Arterial Segmental Evaluation

Angiography

Carotid/Cerebral Arteriography
Extremity Arteriography
Mesenteric/Renal Arteriography
Dialysis Graft/Fistula Evaluation

Arterial Vascular Intervention

Arterial Angioplasty
Arterial Stent Placement
Lower Extremity Arterial Revascularization
Peripheral Thrombolysis/Thrombectomy
Embolization (Any)
TACE
UFE
Aortic Stent Graft
Carotid Stent Placement
Stroke Thrombolysis

Venous Vascular Interventions

TIPS
Port Placement
Tunneled Catheter Placement
IVC Filter Placement
Venous Ablation
Venous Thrombolysis
Hemodialysis Intervention

Nonvascular Intervention

Biopsy
Chest Tube Placement
Nephrostomy/Nephroureteral Tube Placement
Biliary Drainage Catheter Placement
Percutaneous GI Tract Tube Placement
Abscess Drainage
Tumor Ablation
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty