Author: Barry Julius

My name is Barry Julius, MD and I am the founder and chief editor of the website. I have been practicing as the associate radiology residency director at Saint Barnabas Medical Center since 2009. Through many years of on-the-job training, I have gained significant insight regarding all things radiology resident related. Over this time, I have noticed a significant lack of organized online resources for many common radiology residency issues unrelated to the typical medical education and scientific side of radiology. Therefore, I have created a credible, reliable, and informative site that is dedicated to radiology residents, students, program directors, and physicians interested in other radiology residency topics. The emphasis is on day-to-day residency information that is not covered on most educational sites. Topics will include surviving a radiology residency, radiology residency learning materials/books, financial tips, jobs, among other subjects that residents and other visitors may be afraid to ask or unable to find out.
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What Are The Best Extracurriculars For Radiology?

extracurriculars

Question About The Best Extracurriculars:

 Hello Dr. Julius. I am an incoming MS1 interested in radiology, and I wondered if you had any recommendations for medical school extracurriculars that radiology residency directors highly value. Having talked to several medical students about their extracurriculars, there seems to be a wide variety of options. I know that I will be swamped in medical school and only have time for a few activities. I would love to know if any extracurriculars would be particularly helpful in preparing me for radiology. Thank you!

 

Answer:

Radiology Relevant Extracurriculars

There are two types of extracurricular activities that radiology program directors like to see. The first are those that are relevant to radiology. These would include research, participating in national radiology specialty conferences, etc. These show a depth of interest in radiology and not just taking a two or 4-week rotation.

Non-Radiology Relevant Extracurriculars 

The second of those extracurriculars that you do that may have nothing whatsoever to do radiology but are something that you have explored profoundly and have been successful performing. It could be music but not just strumming a guitar. Maybe you have played in Carnegie Hall or were doing vocals for a cover band. Or, if it is astronomy, you don’t just look at stars at nighttime. But maybe you are actively involved in searching for new planets and found one that has your name!

I am trying to point out that we like to see that you have other interests outside of radiology that make you not just another number but also an interesting person. And that you want to do things, not just superficially, but will work at it to get better and better. These second sorts of interests are so important because we can sit with you for hours at a time. And, we want to make sure that we will like the person that is by our side and have a person there that will work hard for the residency program. 

The Crux Of The Matter 

So, get involved in some radiology-specific research or organizations if you can. But, also explore things that interest you like to do on the side. Doing too much and mastering nothing does not mean much. But, someone that pursues their interests to the nth degree, now that is special.

Even after all this discussion, more important than all the extracurriculars in the world, is doing well in your medical school and getting good grades for the Dean’s letter and good board scores (correlated with passing the core radiology examination). So, don’t forget about the basics!

 

Good luck,

Barry Julius, MD

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Which Radiology Reporting System Should I Use?

reporting systems

Nowadays, there are so many different reporting systems: TI-RADS, PI-RADS, BI-RADS, ELCAP, Fleishner criteria, LI-RADS, and more (If you like acronyms, you are in heaven!) Sometimes, like the Fleishner criteria, LI-RADS, and ELCAP, there are multiple reporting systems for the same specialty reads. And, in our practice, we tend to use two of them for lung screenings, both the ELCAP and the Fleishner criteria. But, when you have so many systems to choose from, which ones do you choose and why? Can or should you use two different types? Here are some suggestions to make your decisions to use one reporting system over another a bit easier.

Recognize That There Is No One Right Reporting System

First of all, you need to recognize that there is no one correct answer. Each reporting system is just that, a reporting system. So, your conclusions and management can slightly differ. Even within the reporting system itself, there is a bit of wiggle room because patients don’t always follow the rule books. In my experience, I can find exceptions to almost every “rule.” For example, sometimes, you might think that they need a follow at a slightly smaller or larger interval than one year for a lung cancer screening because the patient cannot come in at a particular time. Regardless, many different systems have the potential to work for your practice. Check out all the ones that may be useful for your practice.

Decide On And Ask Your Audience

Who is referring the patients to you? Is it the pulmonologists, primary care docs, or cardiothoracic surgeons? Once you find out which is the source, then you should find out what they want. Or, at least use the type of system for which the authors have written. Why? Because they are the ones that are going to be reading your reports and deciding on patient management. Making your referrers happy is one of your top goals. If some want one type of reporting system and others wish to have another. Consider using both if your technology has the capability. It may be worth it to keep your referrers from using the practice down the street.

What Is The Simplest For You

Next, what is the most straightforward reporting system to manage? Do you have preset templates in your system that make it easier to use one reporting system over another? Or, can you do your reports freehand? What do the radiologists in your group prefer? Sometimes, these factors can be the overwhelming cause to choose one reporting system over another. Especially in the case that many of the systems could potentially work for your referrers.

Revisit The Data

Finally, once you’ve been using one or two reporting systems for a while, check how they have fared. Canvas the referrers to find out if they think the reporting and management suggestions have been reasonable. Make sure to keep up the changes within the reporting system to make sure that you are up to date. I have found that the reporting instructions for any given system have new recommendations every few years.

Also, a head-to-head comparison from time to time between the different reporting systems in terms of patient outcomes may help to decide which one to keep and which ones to chuck. This comparison can be your mini-research project or a review of the literature.

Selecting A Reporting System- The Final Decision

Arriving at a reporting system does take a bit of forethought and action. Recognize that more than one reporting system can work for you. Ask your audience and find out what works best. Utilize what makes the most sense with your system’s capabilities. And constantly check the data to make sure that your reporting systems are working as they should. Completing each of these steps will ensure that you make that you are making the right decision. Remember, reporting systems are a critical part of creating an actionable final report!

 

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Virtual Radiology Conferences: Are They Worth It?

virtual conferences

Nowadays, when you look online for your favorite conferences, most of them have still not returned to the live format. For me, it is RSNA, AUR, and SNMMI. (of which I believe RSNA will be going live later this year). And this goes for most radiology and radiology subspecialty conferences. So, what have we lost by going to the virtual meeting format? And, why have I not signed up for virtual radiology conferences this year (I also have a sneaking suspicion that many of you are in the same boat!) We will embark on all these issues and more as we delve into the frailties of the virtual conference.

Hard To Concentrate At Home On a Computer – Kids, Dogs, etc.

I don’t know about you, but home is a different environment compared to a conference. Many of us have constant interruptions from all sorts of creatures, kids, relatives, love ones, and more. It is challenging to listen to a conference when the dog is barking and the kids need dinner. Virtual radiology conferences provide an escape from the daily trials and tribulations of home and allow you to learn without interruptions!

No Meetings With Colleagues Over Lunch/Dinner

At conferences, I often learn more from my colleagues than I do from the speakers themselves. Going to events, dinners, and scheduled meetings allows you to learn about other radiologists’ practices and issues throughout the country. These meetings are where I often find out about what is going on in other residencies or the radiology business world. And, many times, I will try to apply it to our own. Going to virtual conferences does not allow you to have these experiences without a significant challenge!

Loss Of Esprit De Corps

Then, of course, something about attending a meeting and being in the same boat as the other hundreds or thousands of attendees rejuvenates my excitement for all the new possibilities in the world of radiology. Knowing that you are there and not alone makes you feel like part of a large team. Listening to miscellaneous lectures anonymously on the computer does not have the same effect, even though many others are also attending!

Can’t Check Out The New Wares

It’s hard to get a feel for the latest and greatest equipment when you cannot see the demos, play with the software, and check out the sizes and shapes of the new PET-CTs, MRI, etc. Going to conferences allows you to talk to the vendors and get an idea of what to push your hospital to purchase. It’s kind of hard to do all this from home.

Opportunity For Side Vacations Gone

Ever thought about bringing your whole family to check out the scenery while you are at a conference? Or have a desire to take a few hours or a day off to check out the local sightseeing and food? It’s kind of challenging to do that from home. One of the reasons to go to a conference is to experience something new. Traveling allows you to do all that.

Virtual Radiology Conferences: It’s Just Not The Same!

For me, virtual radiology conferences are a no-go. All the interruptions, lack of interpersonal connections, loss of the ability to check out all the new gadgets, and the lack of ability to explore the area do not make these semblances of conferences worth my while. Until we return to a fully open live conference format again, I’d instead just get my CMEs the old-fashioned way: at home!

 

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ABNM-ABR Pathway Completed: Do I Need A Breast Fellowship?

abnm-abr

Question About ABNM-ABR Pathway And Breast Fellowship

Hi,

I am a 4th-year radiology resident graduating from the ABR-ABNM 16-month dual certification pathway in June. I matched fellowship in breast imaging starting July. However, I am liking nucs and am considering bagging the breast fellowship and working in nucs.

Can you help me think through if this would be advisable?

Thanks,

Nucs Versus Breast

 

Answer

Dear Nucs Versus Breast,

 

If you are graduating from an excellent ABNM-ABR dual certification program, you have completed a “fellowship.” So, if you can find a job in nuclear medicine or nuclear radiology that you like, I don’t think it would be unreasonable to forgo the breast fellowship. Especially nowadays, the market for all sub-specialist radiologists is excellent (nucs included).

 

However, some breast fellowships rely on their fellows a lot. So, bailing out just before the start of the fellowship year may not be the best way to make strong connections in radiology. Of course, this is especially the case if you have already committed and signed on the dotted line. So, make sure to discuss the issue with the breast fellowship director if that is what you want to do. See if they can find another fellow easily and if it will be a hardship on the program if you decide to leave before starting. But before you do anything, make sure you have a job (with a contract in hand) before you talk to anyone about canceling the breast fellowship!

 

Also, just because you are not doing a breast fellowship doesn’t mean that you can’t practice breast imaging when you leave. I have been reading screening mammos and diagnostic mammos for some time now without a fellowship. And, you will likely have the opportunity to do interventional mammo as well if you want to go in that direction, with or without a fellowship. Completing a fellowship only implies having some additional expertise. It does not mean that other radiologists cannot be excellent breast imagers!

 

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What Do Private Radiology Practices Need To Survive? (From A Real Private Practice Radiologist!)

private radiology practices

Like many of you trying to keep abreast in the radiology world, you will notice many articles by academic radiologists about the status and survival of private radiology practice. (JACR article, i.e., State of Private Practice) Answering these questions as an academic radiologist is like asking your average physician how to fly a plane. Most of them will not have a clue! Without having ever worked in the trenches of a private radiology practice, an academic radiologist will give a very partial response about what they think about the status of private radiology practices. So, let me give you some real insights about what private radiology practices need to survive! Here are five critical pillars to ensure you will weather the most storms!

Readers That Can Plough Through Cases

First and foremost, a private practice needs work to be completed. (Academic radiologists tend not to consider this issue as much!) These include general and subspecialty work alike. (Not all cases need a sub-specialist!) Therefore, there needs to be a certain percentage of employees or partners that can manage high-volume workloads to meet the demands. It does not have to be the entire practice. However, you need a minimum base of these types of radiologists to ensure that your patients, referrers, and administrators are satisfied with the numbers. Work grinders are still a necessity in today’s day and age. We have still not arrived at Radiology 3.0 for most patients!

Physicians That Can Appease Administration

Next, you need a certain number of radiologists in any organization who can schmooze with the best. These sorts need to attend all hospital events, parties, and golf outings. They need to be available to manage, negotiate, and make nice to the hospitals, imaging centers, and other referring physicians in high positions. These folks are vital to keeping friendly relations between the practice and the systems that ensure success. We need our administrators unless the group is independently wealthy and can afford to donate the next latest and most fantastic gazillion detector CT scanner!

Good Systemic Organization To Maintain The Peace 

It’s not just about appeasing the administrators; you need to take care of your own. Scheduling and a chairman or president who cares about practice stewardship are some of the critical roles that your group will need to fill. You need to schedule your workers fairly so that there is an “even” distribution of work. It would also help if you had folks who care for the workers to make it to family functions, graduations, funerals, etc. 

Also, it would help if you had leaders willing to help the group in times of need and crisis. Leadership must step up and protect the worker bees, whether you have angry clinicians from a recent miss or other systemic issues. It goes a long way toward maintaining peace.

An Excellent Management Team To Ensure The Bills Roll In

Management can be external or internal. Either way, you need a quality organization that can negotiate contracts, send out the bills, take care of benefits, and all the other fun stuff that goes into keeping a practice alive. A practice with thieves at the top won’t last too long. A disorganized management team will not allow you to capture all the income that you should. In either case, your practice will lose out on maintaining the income that private practice radiologists should make.

Appropriate Technology To Meet The Demands

For some groups that own their equipment, this involves the hardware itself or a PACs system. For others that rely on professional fees alone, it may be home workstations or scheduling software. In any case, you must have the appropriate technology to tackle all the problems. If not, other practices will rapidly leave you behind!

Meeting Private Radiology Practices Need To Survive

So, now you know some of the basics that most private practices need to continue with operations. It is not to call every patient with their result. And, it is not kowtowing to every referrer. But, it is the daily plowing through work, maintaining relations with administration and staff, keeping the bills flowing, and having the appropriate technologies to do so. These roles and skills will ensure your practice will be around for many more years to come!

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Now That My Crystal Ball Was Right For This Year’s Match, How Competitive Will Radiology Be Next Year?

crystal ball

For those of you that read my recent article during the interview season called From The Trenches! How Competitive Is Diagnostic Radiology For The 2021 Match?, you will know that my crystal ball was on target. Just take a look at the following NRMP match statistics to confirm my suspicions. If you look at the percent American MD and DO slots filled and add them up, that number is slightly higher than last year compared to the previous year. Then take a look at my prediction at the end of the blog; you will see the following statement: ” based on the secondary statistics, I see a similar to slightly increased match competitiveness for radiology.” Well, it just about matches!

Some people say that a broken clock is always right twice a day. But, I like to think that I do know a little something based on my pseudoscience. Now that I have established some street cred, the big question is, how does the crystal ball line up for next year? Well, my tarot cards project some changes over the next several years. And what will they be? So let me give you some of the reasons for my final opinion on next year’s match and then I will conclude after I sum it all up!

It Will Take A Few More Years For The Pandemic Effects To Settle Into The Medical Students Consciousness

News from the current radiology market tends to settle down into the medical school statistics several years after the fact. Why? Because medical students that have already decided to go for a particular subspecialty don’t like to change specialties right before the match. Therefore, whatever slight trends have occurred the year before, will tend to increase over the coming years. These trends include desirable radiology features like relatively more minor patient contact than other subspecialties (a positive in a pandemic) and a more remarkable ability to work from home than other medical specialties. Based on this theory, I expect more medical students to continue the upward trend of competitiveness for a radiology residency. We are in a positive feedback loop!

Zoom- The Crystal Ball Says The Trend Continues Allowing More Students Than Ever To Interview

We are in a period where the initial zoom interview is replacing the standard live interview. It’s just that much easier and cheaper to screen candidates. That fact also makes it much easier for candidates to take interviews that they may not have previously encountered before. It’s no big sweat to interview from your screen. But, it’s a major ordeal to travel two thousand miles by plane and car to arrive at your destination. So, we will continue to see a higher percentage of candidates interview at more institutions.

More Emphasis On Lifestyle/Flexibility

One of my colleagues recently polled graduating radiologists from want-ads. More than ever before, more new radiologists want the ability to do more work from home. Many new radiologists expect that they will not have to come into work to cover injections, perform procedures, or collect histories from patients. It has become a turn-off for some new radiologists to do anything at the hospital. I expect a similar trend to ensue over the next several years. And, radiology is one of those few specialties that can accommodate these sorts of candidates.

Artificial Intelligence Is Not The Sea-Changer It Was Expected To Be

It’s been 5-10 years since the artificial intelligence revolution had begun in earnest. And, what are the sharp changes that we have seen in the practice of radiology yet? Not as many as the pundits initially projected! Sure, we have some great triage tools, mammo CAD, lung nodule CAD, and improvements in software for reading CTs, PETs, and MRI. But has it changed the day-to-day work that much yet? Not at all. As usual, the folks in Silicon valley overmarketed their technologies to increase sales. But, it doesn’t necessarily amount to definite real-world changes in the practice of radiology. The replacement of radiologists is a far-off prophecy. It will remain that way for some time. And, medical students are beginning to understand the same!

So, What Does My Crystal Ball Say For The Next Year?

Well, if you can’t figure it out, re-read the previous four paragraphs! I am relatively bullish on the competitiveness of radiology in the NRMP match. My crystal ball sees continued increases in the quality and number of applications over the coming several years. What can stop this bullish trend? Lots of things! But, if I were an applicant now, I would have many more reasons to apply to radiology than several years before.

But remember this. Usually, periods that the match is more competitive are less valuable for the same applicants when they get out in the job market. The competitiveness and radiology market are highly cyclical. So, you may find yourself in a downdraft once you graduate or not! Regardless, as always, it is more important to apply to a subspecialty that you like. And even though I think radiology is the bomb, make sure that when you send your applications out, it is the specialty that you want!

 

 

 

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Can I Use Psychiatry As A Clinical Year Before Starting Radiology?

psychiatry

Question About Psychiatry Clinical Year

Hi Dr. Julius,

I initially matched into Psychiatry residency. However, I decided that Psychiatry was not for me and left after an intern year (which included two months of IM wards, one month of outpatient medicine, two months of Neuro, one month of ER, and six months of inpatient Psych) to serve as a GP for four years in the Air Force. I now plan to apply to Radiology. Will I be expected to repeat my intern year?

 

Answer

You posed an interesting dilemma about using psychiatry as a clinical year. If you look at the Radiology ACGME statement, which is as follows:

To be eligible for appointment to the program, residents must have successfully completed a prerequisite year of direct patient care in a program that satisfies the requirements in III.A.2. in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, surgery or surgical specialties, the transitional year, or any combination of these.

This statement does consider psychiatry as an appropriate substitute for an internship year. However, it appears that you did spend a good chunk of the year on clinical care.

So, I would recommend the following: Give the ACGME a call and determine if you could count that year toward the program requirement (especially since you did have substantial non-psych months). On occasion, they do grant exceptions if you could prove that you spent the year performing direct clinical care. It’s worth a try.

If they approve only part of a year, that could be a problem. Why? Because it leaves you with half a year that you still need to complete. It may be hard to find a residency slot to fill up half a year of requirements only. Nevertheless, you never know what they will say. I would be interested to know how it turns out!

Regards,

Barry Julius, MD

 

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Seven Ways Administration Can Destroy A Radiology Residency Program

administration

Like it or not, all radiology programs need the backing of their administrators to succeed. Unless faculty and residents want to pay for residency out of their own pockets and manage all the day-to-day issues themselves, it is the only way to survive. So, with all this power in the hands of the administrators, it is no wonder that they can direct a residency in ways they see fit. And they can use their power for the good of the program or to the detriment of everyone. So, if you are wondering how the administration can pull strings to destroy a radiology residency program, here are the top seven ways!

Lack Of Financial Support

Unfortunately, a residency cannot run itself without money. Whether it is the reading resources, Radexam, equipment, or teaching, all these line items cost money. If the administration takes all the money for themselves and is unwilling to cough it up for the residency program, a residency cannot continue functioning.

Lack Of Human Resources

It’s not all about equipment and stuff. It would help if you also had the workforce to make a residency function. These folks include program directors, residency coordinators, faculty, statisticians, and more. If you can’t hire or maintain these folks, you may as well pack it all in!

Unrealistic Expectations By The Administration

We all want the best for our residents. But, when administrators expect to create an academic powerhouse but are unwilling to hire the proper faculty, or if you want a class of incredible residents but are not willing to pay for the latest and greatest equipment and technology, do not expect to create a residency that will function!

Administration Culture Clash/Backseat Driving

Administrators and faculty often have different ideas about how to run a program. Just because you, as an administrator, provide the funds to operate a radiology residency doesn’t mean you can control everything. For instance, recruiting residents from only certain institutions because you get a kickback doesn’t work.

And, just because you, as a radiologist or program director, think you know everything about running a residency doesn’t mean you know enough about managing a program’s business. Spending money without controls can lead to poor hospital financial outcomes. Either side pulling all the strings can lead to a disaster!

No Backup For Program Directors/Department

To maintain respectability within an institution, program directors need support from their administration. They may encounter problems getting a statistician to help residents with studies to meet the requirements of the ACGME. Perhaps there are conflicts with another department overstepping its bounds and using radiology residents for non-educational purposes. In either case, the administration must back up the program directors and radiology department to maintain the department.

Unwilling To Update Old Equipment To Save A Buck

Yes, institutions do like to keep that ancient CT scanner or MRI. Why? Well, it becomes a cash cow when it is all paid off. No more hardware expenses mean higher profit margins. But there comes a time when you are just out-of-date and can’t keep up with the competition. And guess what? That also affects the residency. Residents don’t get the training they need, and fewer patients come to the institution because they don’t get the advanced imaging they need!

Loathe To Adopt New Technologies- Too Many Hoops

Sometimes, you need to adopt new technologies, but there is so much bureaucracy that you can never push the capital budget through. Perhaps the administration makes it so hard to obtain the correct paperwork. Or maybe they only meet in committee once every six months and are not quick to decide. In any event, if you snooze, you lose!

Yes, Administration Can Destroy A Radiology Residency Program!

Radiology residency programs are only as good as their weakest link. And if that link is the administration, the whole residency can fall apart. Whether the issues are financial, cultural, or bureaucratic, each factor can result in the program’s demise. So, when you choose a training program, make sure to look into who administers it!

 

 

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How To Pull Your Weight As A Radiologist!

pull your weight

You may not know it, but hiring a lazy radiologist is one of the biggest disasters a practice can encounter. Practices spend much time and money getting their new employees up to speed. The last thing you want to be is to have to pull your weight in addition to someone else. And you want to avoid being seen as one of these lackadaisical radiologists. Why? First of all, your job can be in jeopardy. Even worse, you will lead an unsatisfying work life fraught with the anger of your co-workers. And you will most likely miss out on the perks of becoming a senior practice member. So, how do you avoid this reputation and pull your weight? Here are some tips for holding your own!

Don’t Cherry Pick

If you want to anger your colleagues and establish a lazy reputation, this is the best way. It doesn’t take long for others to realize that you are taking all the easy-peasy cases and leaving all the tough ones out there for others to suffer.

Follow Through On Your Word

Imagine working with someone who says they will help with an overflow of cases and then decides to pack it in when the clock strikes 5 PM. Or, how would it feel to trade worksites with someone else only to have that person not show up as they said? These workers leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Just follow through on your word!

Take That One Extra Case At The End Of The Day To Pull Your Weight

I’ve written about this before (click the link above!). But, it is true that if you help by taking that one extra case at the end of the day, it can make all the difference for the rest of your colleagues. As opposed to establishing a bad reputation, this kind-hearted technique will put you in everyone’s good graces!

Pull Your Weight By Dictating Leftovers

Most practices have a list of cases that can go untouched for what seems like eons. These may be cases with QA issues, incomplete imaging, or other miscellaneous issues. If you take charge of some of these cases that everyone else ignores, the practice will deem you a hero. Who wants to avoid working with a radiologist who takes charge of the worklist?

Don’t Argue Over Minutia: Who Should Do This Or That?

Yes. Every practice has rules of etiquette that dictate who should read what and when. But, in some cases, the boundaries are crossed. Don’t be that radiologist who refuses to help because the technologist completed the case after your shift time ends by thirty seconds. Just read the study!

Don’t Let Cases Bleed Over To The Next Shift- Pre-dictate!

In some cases, they need to wait for the subsequent radiologist on shift, but many don’t. Be cautious about not pre-dictating studies that you know will have to return for delays, such as questionable diverticulitis. You don’t want the work from your shift to bleed into the next. It shows respect to your colleagues that you are willing to do the work!

Pull Your Weight!

It’s sometimes easy to let things slide when you are tired and want to go home. But others have to complete any work that you still need to complete. So, as a young radiologist, don’t garner the reputation of laziness. Heed some of the recommendations above, and you will become a well-appreciated member of a radiology team!

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What Electives Are The Most Marketable?

marketable

Question About The Most Marketable Electives

Hello Dr. Julius,

I’m having difficulty deciding what electives to do during my last year of radiology residency. I will be doing a fellowship in body imaging, and I’m considering finding a job in a private practice (outpatient, ER, private hospital). I have a total of six electives. I thought of three neuro, two MSK, and one mammo versus three MSK, two Neuro, and one mammo. What would you recommend? What would make me more marketable?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks a lot for all the info you’ve provided us!

 

Answer

 

Your marketability will depend on multiple factors. But, the specific number of each of the rotations you provided is not so critical. More importantly, you should feel comfortable in whatever areas you want to practice when you finish your residency program outside of your fellowship.

For example, you may have done a lot of mammo before coming to fellowship. So, in that case, I would opt to do that elective less. Or, if you are weaker in MSK and are interested in practicing in that area as a radiologist, go for it. Each elective you choose should help you when you leave the academic world and start a real-world radiology job. And, if you want to be more creative, you can check out my previous blog on creating electives as a senior!

Let your experiences and desires to practice different subspecialties dictate which ones you should choose as an elective. At most job interviews, they are usually not going to delve into the details of how many rotations you have done. But they might ask you about mini-fellowships (since they are all the rage!). And they are surely going to ask you what you feel comfortable reading!

 

I hope this helps,

Barry Julius, MD