Rush University Medical Center Program

The diagnostic radiology residency program at Rush University Medical Center provides an exceptional educational experience with a strong emphasis on both competence and compassionate patient care. The residents are immersed in a supportive and friendly environment that promotes their personal and professional development. With access to a hectic caseload of over 352,783 radiology examinations annually, the residents are well-prepared for success in core and board examinations, as many have gone on to hold prestigious academic positions or have established thriving private practices across the nation.

Residents engage actively in image interpretation and directly perform a variety of radiologic procedures, leading to significant hands-on experience. This includes angiographic and interventional procedures, ultrasonic scanning, and MRI operation. The Boler Centers for Advanced Imaging at Rush house one of the most advanced radiology departments in the United States and are notable for being one of only three interventional platforms nationwide. All training occurs through diverse rotations, incorporating experience in a busy outpatient facility and at local community-based hospitals. Notably, second-year residents will spend three months at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, recognized as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country.

The residency program prides itself on its accolades, including a rank of #2 in the nation according to Vizient's Quality and Accountability Study. Furthermore, the program has consistently been featured in the top 5 for a decade. U.S. News & World Report has also recognized the program on its Best Hospitals Honor Roll for five consecutive years, with eleven specialties ranking among the top in the U.S.

Residents benefit from close supervision by attending radiologists, coupled with frequent one-on-one teaching throughout the four-year residency duration. The program features prominent guest lecturers and includes collaborations with outstanding scholars from other institutions, enriching the educational landscape.

Additionally, residents have access to a wealth of teaching files and extensive library resources. This includes full access to GE PACS, StatDX, Amirsys teaching files, Up-to-Date, and IMAIOS. While research projects are not mandatory, residents are encouraged to participate in the department's research activities. The program also offers applied clinical science research and is involved in partnerships for machine learning applications in Radiology, device trials, and Radiomics for x-ray and CT imaging.

The program offers five positions annually, requiring applicants to hold a medical degree from an approved institution and to have completed one year of postgraduate clinical training prior to commencing the residency. Candidates holding a medical degree from outside the U.S. must have passed the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) examinations. Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service, and candidates must provide a dean's letter, medical school transcript, U.S. medical licensing examination scores, and three letters of recommendation. Due to the high volume of applicants, personal interviews with each candidate may not be feasible.

The residency includes a structured call system where no independent call is taken in the first year. Residents are paired with senior residents in a buddy call system. There are no overnight calls during the first and fourth years, and two overnight residents are scheduled in-house. In-house fellows provide assistance from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., backed by evening attending coverage until 10 p.m. On-call attending radiologists are available 24 hours a day, supported by home PACS capabilities and 24-hour ultrasound and MRI technicians.

The residency training occurs at multiple key locations such as RUSH Oak Brook, RUSH Oak Park Hospital, and RUSH South Loop, offering various outpatient surgical centers and outpatient clinics that encompass comprehensive imaging capabilities including MRI, X-rays, CT scans, and mammography. The new Rubschlager Building at RUSH serves as a regional destination for cancer and neuroscience care, equipped with the latest technology for diagnostic imaging and other specialist services.

The residency offers a competitive salary with robust benefits including four in-house moonlighting shifts, comprehensive health insurance coverage, free indoor parking, and a variety of stipends for professional development. Residents receive $1000 annually for conferences, enjoy four weeks of paid vacation, and partake in social activities within the program.

The program is friendly towards DO and IMG candidates, facilitating their entry into the residency. Visa sponsorship is available for J-1 and H-1B visas, assisting international medical graduates seeking to train in the U.S. However, specific application requirements, including eligible years of graduation and limitations on failed STEP examinations, should be reviewed by the candidates during the application process.