Radiology Residency Program
The objective of the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program is to expose the medical resident to every phase of radiology and encourage a disciplined approach to medical problem solving. The four-year program is structured to introduce each radiology subdivision. Basic understanding of individual techniques is emphasized, followed by hands-on experience aimed at challenging the resident to accept increasingly greater responsibilities as the training program progresses.
Overview
In addition to conventional radiology and nuclear medicine, training will be available in computer sciences, related imaging technologies, angiography, and interventional radiology. Equipment, facilities, and personnel are available to develop expertise in all areas of radiology. The Radiology Department contains three high-field MRI scanners, five CT scanners, a specialized Biomedical Imaging Center that contains a PET scanner and an 11 MeV cyclotron, and a specialized Image Processing Lab. The Department of Radiology collaborates with the Department of Medicine's state- of-the-art, 16 slice LSO crystal PET/CT scanner. In support of these devices, clinical facilities and electronic chemistry and research laboratories have been established and are available to enrich the resident's experience.
Each individual section in general radiology, nuclear medicine, and the Imaging Center is supervised by departmental personnel, including clinical radiologists, chemists, physicists, and engineers. All assume a direct role in residency education.
Angiographic, and Interventional laboratories are located in the Radiology Department. A partnership with CPS Innovations and the Graduate School of Medicine provides state-of-the-art PET/CT equipment in the Outpatient Diagnostic Center.
Collaboration between the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Radiology similarly provides thorough training in obstetrical ultrasonography.
Program
The Radiology Residency Program consists of four years of training after the PGY-1 level. Medical students will be accepted as applicants through the National Residency Matching Program for one year after graduation from medical school. Applicants may wish to apply for UT Medical Center's transitional year program.
In the first year (PGY-2), specific emphasis is placed on basic techniques, physics, and general diagnostic studies. During the second and third years, training in general radiology will continue with additional emphasis on advanced imaging techniques. Experience in positron emission tomography (PET) and cyclotron isotopes will be available. The resident's training is enhanced by an opportunity to attend the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology for pathology/radiology correlation in the third year, and to select elective programs in the second and fourth year.
There is close interaction with residents in other clinical departments. Under staff guidance, the resident will represent the department in interdepartmental conferences and will learn methods of efficient, cost-effective medical care, the rapidly changing scope of medical information, and the radiologist's role in medical management. At intra-/inter-departmental conferences, the resident will be challenged to develop a confident, consultant attitude.
Pediatric Radiology
Training in pediatric radiology occurs throughout the four years and is particularly enhanced by two months of training at the Vanderbilt Medical Center Children's Hospital. The pediatric radiology program in Nashville is particularly strong and boasts distinguished, nationally-known pediatric radiologists. The medical programs at this institution have international reputations and produce excellent learning environments. Training in pediatric radiology continues in Knoxville during the entire residency.
Research
Throughout the four years, the residents are encouraged to explore research and scholarly activities to supplement the radiology experience. Residents will receive instruction in research methodology and are given incentive to produce and present productive, peer-reviewed scientific work.
