Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Program

Overview of the Radiology Residency Program

The Radiology Residency Program at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center provides a comprehensive four-year training program for residents. The program is fully accredited and offers opportunities for clinical education, research, and professional development. Each year, six residents are accepted, contributing to a total of 24 Diagnostic Radiology residents at any given time.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to prepare residents for board eligibility by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). It encompasses a rigorous and structured education model, featuring a daily online video lecture series, noon conferences, and weekly multidisciplinary case conferences, including Chest Conference and Tumor Board. The program emphasizes clinical proficiency and resident well-being, incorporating a 'just culture' of training.

Rotations

Residents participate in 13 four-week rotations annually, providing exposure to all major disciplines within diagnostic and interventional radiology. During the second year (R2), residents begin taking diagnostic radiology calls, integrating on-call experiences into their educational journey.

Research Opportunities

In pursuit of academic excellence, residents are required to undertake research projects that culminate in publication or presentations at regional and national meetings. The program fosters collaboration and encourages resident-initiated projects, with access to the Lundquist Institute, a prominent research organization affiliated with the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and well-being within the residency environment. It incorporates a variety of high-yield educational resources to aid residents' preparation for the ABR Core Exam. The faculty comprises subspecialists who provide one-on-one instruction at workstations and during formal lectures.

Training Sites

Residents gain hands-on experience at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, a facility that provides advanced diagnostic imaging services, encompassing mammograms, CT scans, MRIs, and interventional radiology. The program's proximity to a diverse patient population enhances the learning experience by exposing residents to a wide range of clinical cases.

Benefits

The residency program offers a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance for residents and their dependents, four weeks of vacation, and allowances for conferences and research participation. Additionally, residents receive subscriptions to essential educational resources and have access to a private doctor’s cafeteria.

Visa Support

The program is equipped to support international applicants through the sponsorship of visas, typically the J-1 visa or H-1B visa, which are common for medical training in the United States. This policy makes the program accessible to international medical graduates.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Radiology Residency Program at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is considered competitive, attracting a diverse group of applicants, including both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a commitment to research are encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

While specific application requirements may vary, the program typically seeks applicants who have graduated from medical school and have passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 (CK) examinations. There may be restrictions related to the number of retakes for these exams, and successful candidates should demonstrate clinical experience in radiology or related fields.