Category: Applicant Advice

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What To Do If You Have A Blemish On Your Radiology Application!

blemish

Some of you are applying for radiology this year with a blemish. Maybe, it’s a course or two in medical school that you initially failed but later retook it and did fine. Or maybe, you had a tough time in one of your clinical rotations because of an errant resident or attending. Regardless, now is the time you need to deal with these issues. Why? Because radiology has become more competitive, many program directors toss aside many applications with a blemish since there are many without them. This problem can also be the case, even though you would be an excellent candidate for radiology. So, what can you do?

Own The Blemish

First of all, don’t disregard the facts. Own your blemish. Yes, you may get fewer interviews than others. But, if you play your cards right, you can increase your chances of acceptance at sites where you interview.

By owning the blemish, you need to have insight into what caused it in the first place and use it to make you stronger. Yes, it will affect you. But, you need to address the issue. The program director will ask you about it. So, explain in your personal statement. Show what you learned from your blemish and why it can be a strength rather than a weakness. No radiologist is perfect,  Don’t go hiding it or sweeping it under the rug. Most programs will know or find out!

Complete Radiology Research

Radiology research is the grand equalizer. It shows that you are interested in radiology even while busy with an internship or senior-level courses. And, it allows you to succeed even though other parts of your application are subpar. It is not a cure-all, but it can compensate for some faults elsewhere. Heck, a paper of yours that gets into the New England Journal of Medicine will undoubtedly elevate your application to a much higher level!

Ace Your Internship/ Senior Level Courses

This statement goes without saying. However, many applicants concentrate so much on the blemish that they don’t get the grades in their most recent courses or internship that will give them that needed boost. Don’t forget that your current courses can count just as much as the blemish. If you don’t perform well on your current rotations, all may be lost!

Do Well On Your Remaining USMLE Exams

All is not lost if you did not ace Step I or even II. Yes, it will make it a bit harder since many programs screen those exams. But, whether it is step II or III USMLE that you need to take, they can still matter a lot if you do very well, especially while you are busy with other endeavors. It shows you can handle stress well and have the potential to pass the radiology core exam.

 And remember, for those of you who have not yet graduated, USMLE step I is no longer going to be scored in the future. So, the Step I exam will become less of an issue (unless you fail, of course!)

Get To A Know A Radiology Residency Program

Finally, try to get to know the faculty in a radiology residency near you. Maybe, you are in medical school and have access to the folks in a residency program. Or you are amid an internship. In any case, attempt to get to know the staff in the local residency program. Ask to meet with the faculty or participate in projects. These connections can help get them to know you as a person and not just as an application with a blemish!

Applications With A Blemish: All Is Not Lost!

I cannot give you a money-back guarantee that you will find a spot in a residency with an application blemish, especially as radiology has become a bit more competitive. However, in most cases, all is not lost. If you own the blemish, complete research projects, do well at your current level, ace the following USMLE exams, and get familiar with a radiology residency faculty, you can surely up your chances of getting accepted!

 

 

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Why Artificial Intelligence (AI) Will Not Take Over Radiology!

AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is still front and center for the layperson when discussing radiology. Family and friends always ask me why AI will not take over my day job. I had one of those “aha” moments in one of those discussions recently. We discussed how many factors will prevent AI from taking over our jobs anytime soon. These included legal, ethical/moral, and financial reasons. As I was droning on, I realized I could argue why AI could overcome these issues. However, one reason not related to these is why we won’t see a blank screen or a computer person from India, China, or any other country for that matter replacing our presence for a very long time. And that is that medicine is local, not universal. 

Medicine Is Local, Not Universal- AI Cannot Account For It!

“Standards”

Why would differing local “standards” be the most critical reason for keeping radiologists busy? Well, every country and every physician has their opinions about the best way to treat patients. Medicine is not universal. It is local. Yes, a few standards are omnipresent, like the Hippocratic Oath not to harm. But, other standards like lung nodule management vary widely among physicians, counties, states, and countries. The Fleishner criteria for managing pulmonary nodules are not standard. Some folks use that criterion; Others use LI-RADS.; And even others use ELCAP. 

I also know some clinicians that modify all these criteria to fit their patient populations. Therefore, it is only possible to standardize standards in an AI computer algorithm when your physician wants to use a different bar from the rest. One great way to lose the radiology business is to make recommendations that run counter to your referrers!

Management Differences Between Places

Different countries have different standards of care. For example, it would not be appropriate to recommend imaging a patient with an MRI of the shoulder in Canada due to lack of availability. Over there, physicians may be more apt to order a musculoskeletal ultrasound. Likewise, a radiologist in Canada may be more likely to recommend a musculoskeletal ultrasound for a possible rotator cuff tear. Yet, an MRI is part of a routine workup in the United States. Why? Because they have a much more significant backlog of patients waiting to get their studies done with fewer MRIs than we do in the United States.

In China, clinicians may regularly recommend “cupping” for different ailments. How can AI programs account for each cultural difference among countries, states, or counties based on availability, preferences, and cultural norms? These obstacles would be exceedingly difficult to overcome.

Differences Between Surgical And Medical Preferences

We work for other physicians. Our role is to make it easier for them to treat patients. And each clinician has specific needs for caring for their population. Oncologists look at assessment criteria differently from surgeons. Neurosurgeons have different interests than internal medicine doctors when they order a study. An AI program needs to consider all these factors when it summarizes findings and makes recommendations. AI is not ready to make different individualized reports for each subspecialist clinician. It would take massive programming power for which it’s not ready!

Differences Among Individual Patients

And finally, even among patients, culturally speaking, some patients want more aggressive workups, and others are more conservative. For instance, I may have a patient who can’t live with a small complex cyst in their breast and wants it drained. Meanwhile, another patient might be more willing to follow it. Some of these differences may be cultural or related to individual differences. How would an AI program account for that? AI is not ready to interpret every patient’s cultural and emotional status to make these decisions. Again, no supercomputer could make these individual recommendations for patients.

A Radiologists Job Is Still Way Too Complex For AI!

Whether it is differing standards, cultural differences, physician preferences, or individual patient preferences, radiology, in particular, is not a one-size-fits-all discipline. No program can consider all of these issues to replace a radiologist within the foreseeable future. The processing power required to figure this out for every clinician’s report would be enormous. Of course, 500 years later, a program may accomplish all these tasks and replace radiologists. But, by then, the same computer will replace every other job, and no trace of humans may exist as the singularity has come and gone! So, for those thinking about entering radiology, keep these issues from dissuading you. Over your career lifetime, you will still have a job!

 

 

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Are Less Paperwork And EHR Selling Features For The Radiology Specialty?

paperwork

As I was scrolling through some random Twitter feeds that came up in my email, I saw the following statement come up from a fellow physician: “Physicians should not use the amount of paperwork as means to decide on which specialty they should choose.” Well, as I stared at this statement, I became more and more incensed. Why? Because many burgeoning medical students were possibly looking at this Twitter feed. And, some may utilize this suggestion as they search for their specialty of choice. Meanwhile, this statement/question could not have been further from the truth. An excessive amount of paperwork could ruin the most glamorous and exciting medical specialty work.

High Paperwork Burden And Electronics Health Records (EHR) Use Is A Cause For Burnout

One of the main reasons for burnout and lack of interest in a specialty is the excessive paperwork and the inordinate number of clicks on an EHR system. This person suggested that medical students should ignore this factor and go into a subspecialty regardless. Now, I don’t know about you. But, for me, one of the best parts of radiology is having to deal with much less paperwork than our colleagues in other subspecialties. I delight in not having to constantly document interactions with patients and write tons of prescriptions, and mull through a myriad of HIPAA forms every day. These are tasks that would have made me miserable. And, we, as radiologists, do not have nearly as many of these issues as other subspecialties.

Of course, I also chose radiology based on the diversity, large information base, and my interest in technology. But, if I knew at that time that we had so much less paperwork than most other specialties, that would have indeed reinforced my decision. I certainly would use it as a way to choose between several subspecialties of interest!

Should We Use The Benefit Of Less Paperwork To Our Advantage In Recruitment?

Now, telling medical students that they should choose our specialty because we have less paperwork is like saying to become a secretary because you get to sit down all day. Sure, it is a perk of the job, but not the reason for joining our fold. But if presented in the right way and placed in the context of how other specialties have to deal with the work daily, it could become a game-changer. Have a student ask an internal medicine doctor how much time you spend on dictating reports and phone calls. And then have them sit with them while they are doing these tasks. The amount of time spent away from the more exciting patient care activities may shock them!

Then, have a student sit next to a radiologist on any given day. And let them see the amount of time we get to spend on patient care activities such as looking at films and performing procedures. They will see a significant difference between the amount of paperwork and EHR time. Then, they can use these factors as a valid means to deciding on which specialty is right for them.

Let The Student Decide On A Specialty Based On The Facts!

We all should choose a specialty in medicine based on the facts, not on emotion alone. One of those critical factors is the amount of paperwork and EHR. It is a pressing problem. And, pundits should not gloss over the unenticing aspects of a specialty. Practicing a medical specialty is not just about the glorified moments in the operating room or with a patient.

In reality, you can’t always do only the things you love. You also need to accept the facts of any specialty. And, if excessive paperwork is one of those realities, students need to know about it and make an informed decision. Negative information cannot just be swept under a rug when you make your specialty choice!

 

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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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Will Translational Research Help My Radiology Application?

translational research

Question About Translational Research And Residency

 

Hi Dr. Julius,

I’m a first-year MD student and wondered, for research-heavy residencies, whether the type of research I’ve done is essential. For example, do PD’s like to see more translational research rather than clinical?

 

Answer

 

That is an excellent question. I would look at an application with research dramatically different from how a program director at some of the other research-heavy institutions like Mass General, University of Pennsylvania, or Washington University would look at the same application. Since I am in more of a clinical residency, my eyes begin to gloss over when I see too many bench-type research projects on an application. This soporific circumstance happens, mostly, when I see lots of enzymatic reactions with words that I have not heard of before without much explanation. It just does not capture my attention. On the other hand, at one of those bench research institutions, that same application with enzymatic reactions may excite them.

In my world, I am always trying to figure out the relevance to radiology residency. Nevertheless, even if not directly related to radiology residency, any exposure to research for you makes our lives a lot easier when you need to complete research requirements as a resident. You will know some of the basics and can “hit the ground running.”

More importantly, most of the more clinical-based residencies (like ours) are looking to see if you have had some research exposure. In the setting of my residency, clinical-based research would trump the translational variety. That being said, having done some research in any area does add a little to the application. It shows a commitment to learning and studying a topic in depth.

Bottom line. You may want to emphasize research a little differently at the various institutions when you apply. Think about the residencies you are applying to and gear your experiences and your applications to those residencies. It will augment your ERAS application to make it more relevant!

 

Regards,

Barry Julius, MD

 

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From The Trenches! How Competitive Is Diagnostic Radiology For The 2021 Match?

2021 match

From a program director’s standpoint, the competition for residents this year has been one of the most difficult to ascertain. First, we have a pandemic preventing applicants from traveling to the institutions they have been applying to. Second, applicants can now apply to as many programs as they like without having to travel. And, finally, most programs are relying on the internet entirely for the interview experience. All these experiences are new and unique for radiology residencies. So, how can you compare the competitiveness of this year to others for the 2021 match? Is the increasing number of applicants and interviewees related to the match’s new dynamics, or is it a real increase in numbers?

Even the quality of applicants this year does not entirely help answer how competitive is diagnostic radiology. Increasing applicant quality may relate to the growing ease of interviewing with Zoom and a decreasing number of excellent canceling their interviews. Why cancel when it is so easy to complete your interview online? Nevertheless, let’s take on some of the secondary criteria and try to tackle the answer to how competitive is radiology this year using our crystal ball.

What Are Some Of The Secondary Criteria To Help Us To Determine Radiology Competitiveness For The 2021 Match?

Applicant Board Scores

No. I am a firm believer that board scores cannot measure the quality of a future radiologist. However, it is associated with future pass rate on the core exam test (another marginal exam!) And, “higher quality” applicants do tend to have higher Step I board scores. (Soon to disappear!)

So what is my first-hand experience with board scores? Of course, I am working in a microcosm. Therefore, I can’t vouch for other institutions. Nevertheless, board scores overall seem to be grossly the same as in other recent years. I have not seen a noticeable uptick in the numbers. These statistics lead me to believe; perhaps, applicant competitiveness may have marginally changed, if at all.

Residents Applying From Other Specialties

I have noticed a significant uptick in applicants applying from other subspecialties this year, especially surgery. This phenomenon only tends to happen when applicants perceive radiology as a hot field. Why sacrifice another residency and go into radiology if the prospects of finding a suitable job are not there? This secondary statistic does bode well for the increasing competitiveness of applicants.

Foreign Versus American Graduates

In more competitive years at our institution, we have tended to see a lot more students from American medical schools, fewer students from the Caribbean and foreign schools, and fewer students from D.O programs. This year’s numbers are grossly very similar to other recent years regarding the mix of students applying to our institution. So, I don’t see this as a vote for increasing competitiveness.

Amount of Research Published

More students do more research when the match is very competitive because applicants know they need it to ensure a spot. What about this year? Well, it seems to be very similar or marginally increased compared to other years. This statistic does not significantly change the outlook.

So, What Is My Final Assessment Of Radiology Competitiveness For The 2021 Match?

You would think that the pandemic would increase radiology’s desirability due to the ability to work from home and the increasing utility of imaging in the health care system. However, based on the secondary statistics, I see a similar to slightly increased match competitiveness for radiology. Like other institutions, we are interviewing more candidates. But, otherwise, the changes seem to be less significant than one might think, with little difference in board scores, similar numbers of foreign grad applicants, and overall unchanged research quantity of applicants. Of course, the one factor that can bode more increased competition from my small world is an increasing number of applicants are applying from other specialties. But, it is only one of many. All these factors add up to a similar year as the last few when it comes to radiology competitiveness. We will see what the future holds on 2021 match day!

 

What do you think? If your opinion differs throw me a comment or email!

 

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How To Keep Up The Momentum For Residency?

momentum

 

Question About Maintaining Momentum For Residency

Hi Dr. Julius,

I’m a first-year DO, and I am just finishing up the final exams for the first term. I’ve done very well so far and am on track to be near the top of the class, if not first (Though it is just the first term, much can change). I’ve had a strong interest in radiology before medical school, much of it due to my physics background as an undergrad.

I wanted to ask, how can I keep the ball rolling to make for a successful radiology application? I’ve heard conflicting answers about research. Some say that research isn’t as important in the eyes of PDs, but most of that advice I hear is towards MD candidates and may not necessarily apply to me.

I have two publications from undergraduate in my specialty field of physics. Still, I am a little lost on finding opportunities in radiology research, given that my school does not have a radiology department. Is it unprofessional to reach out to nearby departments to see if residents have any ongoing projects?

The Momentum Chaser

Answer About Maintaining The Momentum:

Hi Momentum Chaser,

I’m glad to hear that you are starting your medical school on the right foot. However, remember that the first couple of years are very different from your school’s clinical portion. Many students who do well during the first two years do not repeat the same grades when they make it to the clinical years when the medical school evaluates you on some of your softer skills. (Although some do) So, try to play nice in the sandbox to keep the momentum when you get to your clinical years!

Importance Of Research For Residency

Regarding research, the importance of it to residency programs differs widely depending on where you apply. And, I don’t believe it changes anything if you are DO or an MD. Some highly academic programs rely on their residents performing research during the four-year residency program. So, a Mass General type of program is going to want to see lots of research. On the other hand, a community program will not care to the same extent about the research you have conducted already. They will worry a lot more about having a good quality clinical resident. Specifically, they want one that can handle the overnight call and the residency workload. So, the answer to your question about the importance of research is it depends.

What To Do If Your School Doesn’t Have Radiology Research Opportunities

To answer your last question, it is certainly appropriate to ask other departments within your school or other sites for ongoing research opportunities. You may also want to consider finding a project within your school that may overlap with radiology, although not radiology specific. For example, there may be an internal medicine project that requires some imaging. I mention this because it can be more challenging to find projects outside your institution (although possible). To also answer your question, it is also professional and appropriate to ask about projects in nearby departments. It may be helpful to continue the momentum for your application and career!

I hope that helps a bit,

Barry Julius, MD

 

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How Critical Are Connections To Getting Into Radiology Residency?

connections

Let’s face it. In any job, position, or institution, connections can make all the difference between getting an opportunity or falling short. Even in medicine and radiology, nepotism is alive and well. Sometimes, a lesser qualified applicant can get an interview because the father is a large donor to the institution. Maybe, a cousin of the applicant is a physician on staff and asks the coordinator to give her nephew an interview.

So if you ask the question, does influence sometimes trump qualifications on an application? The answer is still yes. Unless egregious, it is easy to disguise. Why? Because the evaluation of applicants for an interview is so subjective.

All this said, I believe most programs and program directors strive to take the best applicants possible to make sure that the most qualified applicants get the position. And I think that the radiology field is more equanimous than most!

So, How Critical Are Connections In Radiology Residency?

Well, all this discussion leads us to the theme. For the average applicant to radiology residency, how critical are these connections? And, my brief answer to that is not so much. Of course, this statement comes from someone who has vested interests not to expose the radiology program to undue scrutiny. However, in all sincerity, we strive to be as fair as is humanly possible. And, I believe for most program directors, the answer is the same.

It is exceedingly rare that a connection will have more influence than allowing a candidate to receive an interview that otherwise wouldn’t. But even if the candidate with a relationship gets an interview, most program directors and chairmen are unwilling to take candidates that cannot get through the rigorous requirements of a radiology residency no matter how “powerful” the connection. A resident who can’t make it through a four-year residency is far more damaging to the program’s reputation than the opportunity cost of an “upset connection.” The amount of time and effort wasted to support an unqualified candidate is enormous. And, the pain and suffering of having to terminate an incompetent resident is worse. Even more so, when the resident who we admitted is a relationship to a “connection.”

Should You Use A Connection If You Have One?

Given all this questionable power of the “connection” and how it affects the application process, you may ask, is it even worth it to use one. Well, as always, the answer is it depends. If you are a borderline candidate who may not score an interview, a kind word from a known connection can push your application into the interview pile. On the other hand, if you have excellent qualifications that speak for themselves, too much name dropping can irk the interviewers. Yet, a well-placed phone call from a trusted source can confirm the quality of the candidate.

So, you can see using a connection appropriately can be a bit tricky. You need to thread the needle, so to say. And make sure to do it diplomatically.

Using Connections To Get Into Radiology Residency- A Mixed Bag

So, there you have it. Connections can help, to some extent. But, more importantly, you need the appropriate qualifications to get the spot. No matter how good the link, make sure that the program is the right fit for you. And use the relationship discreetly so as not to overpower the admissions committee. A connection should confirm the candidate’s quality, particularly when the admissions committee may otherwise skip over the application before the interview ever happens. If used as a battering ram to push an unqualified candidate into an open residency slot, it doesn’t work. (At least at our program!)

 

 

 

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Live Second Look Interviews Post Covid: A Permanent Paradigm Shift?

live second look interviews

Nowadays, all radiology programs have migrated to a completely remote online interview model. And I get it. With Covid around, it needs to be that way. Regardless of the reasons, there are a few advantages to Zoom interviews. Especially now, applicants don’t have to waste time and money traveling from program to program. But it’s not all a bed of roses. The remote interview system leaves some significant issues. How do you get a good feel for the program when you are not present? And how do you know about the area around the residency? Here lies the new role for live second look interviews!

Rank Lists Will Be Different With Online Interviews!

I harken back to my interview experience back in the days of the dinosaur! If I couldn’t join the residents at my Brown University residency dinner the night before, I am not sure that I ever would have ranked them. By meeting the program’s capable and happy residents the night before (maybe it was something in the fruit punch!), I changed my opinion entirely. I don’t think I would have gotten that sense if I wasn’t there. My entire rank list would have looked wholly different, and not for the better. All these issues lead me to believe that we may have a significant problem. We have an application pool of residents this year who are applying to programs they might not want to go to but don’t quite know it yet.

So, how can we keep the low cost/time solution of Zoom interviews and allow residents to know the programs they are applying for? I am even thinking about the world post–Covid (yes, I believe that it is coming soon!). Well, the answer is straightforward. The second look will play a critical role as a new paradigm for interview seasons going forward.

The Rejuvenated Live Second Look Interviews

Second look interviews used to be the domain only of borderline or unsure candidates. Please take a look at my previous blog on this topic from 2017 about second looks. I mean, who else would want to return to a place they have already been for interviews? It’s expensive and time-consuming to do it again. Right? 

But, I have a feeling that this paradigm is about to shift in the long run. In the post-covid future, the second look interview will become the shortlist domain, those programs that residents are most interested in ranking highly. At the same time, I believe that residencies will also use this second look to reevaluate the candidate live to make sure that it is the right fit.

Think about it. Instead of going to ten to fifteen interviews or more, now you can go to your top two or three choices. And, you can get to know these programs well. Simultaneously, other programs that applicants are not interested in will not have the pleasure of meeting the resident. It makes a lot of sense because most applicants get one of their top three choices anyway. And now, applicants no longer have to waste as much time and money on interviews as they did before Covid.

Live Second Look Interviews Will No Longer Be Optional

So there you have it. The second look interview, I predict, will no longer be the domain of the few. It will become the tool for most residents to make sure they make the right choice for four years. Choosing a residency can be difficult. There is no reason you should make that decision without getting all the information you can. Think about taking a shot at a second look!

 

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Why Radiology?

why radiology

Interestingly enough, at this point, we at radsresident.com have published around 500 posts on all sorts of topics. Yet, I have never addressed why radiology might be the right fit for you. Strange. Well, better late than never!

Let me also direct you to my previous post on how I decided to go into radiology (which certainly was not a straight path!). As a supplement to this article, hopefully, it will allow you to understand that you can enjoy a specialty even though you may not know what you want to accomplish in your career yet!

Now, with all that background, we are ready to go through some radiology features that present unique reasons for new students to consider entering the field.

Intellectual Stimulation

If you like intellectual challenges, radiology offers more than most specialties. To this day, I remember presenting the topic of histiocytosis X (eosinophilic granuloma) as an internal medicine resident and hearing jeers from my general medicine colleagues because the disease was “too rare” for a presentation. Well, in radiology, we are all about the rare and unusual. That is what makes our specialty tick. We love our cases of eosinophilic granuloma, Henoch-Schoelin purpura, and more. For us, seeing all these zebras is not a burden but a reward. And, with the number of films that radiologists read in the tens of thousands per year, we are much more likely to see many of these rare birds than our fellow medical colleagues and specialists. Welcome to our world!

Flexibility- Business, Hours, Location, Etc.

Radiology has some of the most flexible working environments. If you want to work from home, you can. Want to read films from California yet live in New York? No problem. We can more easily work remotely than most other specialties. If you like late-night shifts, go for it. Or, if you want to own your practice, it is still possible. The world is your oyster and the flexibility and ways we can practice dwarf most other medical specialties out there.

As Much Patient Contact As You Want (Or As Little!)

We’ve got specialties like mammography, interventional radiology, radiopharmaceutical treating nuclear medicine physicians, and more for those who love to see patients. Yet, for every track with significant patient contact, several do not. And, when Covid-19 came around, some radiologists were as happy as a clam to sit on the sidelines. Others had the opportunity to become a central part of treating Covid patients. Regardless, all these possibilities can allow you to practice how you want without being drained by constant patient care or insufficient patient contact.

Lots Of Contact With Fellow Physicians

There is no doubt about it. We speak and consult with more of a smattering of all physicians than almost all other medical specialties. I talk to physicians in every subspecialty for cases I have read (even the occasional dermatologist and psychiatrist!). Most other specialties cannot boast about the wide range of medicine that we cover as we can.

You Don’t Have To Be All In (Like A Surgeon)

Radiology is one specialty that allows you to practice medicine without living and breathing daily. Unlike a surgeon who must be on all the time because of the hours and pressure, many radiologists can practice as little or as much as possible. I know many senior radiologists who read films a few days a week. Likewise, if you want, you can also work a ton. The opportunities abound!

Relatively Decent Compensation

OK. We may not make as much as some orthopods or neurosurgeons. But, we certainly make a respectable income compared to most other specialties. (Check out the Medscape compensation survey from 2020) Of course, that can change on a dime. But, as it stands now, we are in relatively good shape. If you compare the highest and the lowest-paid specialties, it has never been near the bottom!

Can Be Academic Or Non-Academic

Some medical specialties are conducive to either academic or non-academic medical practice. In ours, we have a choice. Want to become the “supersubspecialist” who writes tons of papers? Practice as a neuro-interventionalist or an academic pain medicine MSK radiologist, and you’ll have many opportunities to publish. Or, if you want to work as a generalist and never see a student again, go for it! In almost any radiological subspecialty, there are many opportunities to practice in either setting!

First Clinician Users Of High Tech

Finally, we often adopt new complex technologies before almost all the other medical specialties. Whether it’s artificial intelligence, new MRI contrast agents, better PET-MR equipment, and more, we usually get the privilege of operating these bad boys before anyone else gets a hold of them. And for the tech-savvy among us, it can be a dream come true!

Why Radiology?

Well, I think these reasons say enough about why radiology can be an excellent choice for you. Our specialty may be an ideal match if you like flexibility, intellectual stimulation, reasonable compensation, high tech, and many options. Think about it. And don’t let the primary care-biased medical school Deans sway you from pursuing this specialty if these are the career options that you want. As far as I know, you only live once!