SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Program

Program Overview

The SSM Health/Saint Louis University Department of Radiology offers a four-year fully-accredited residency program in diagnostic radiology. This program is available after the completion of one year of postgraduate training and emphasizes comprehensive training in diagnostic radiology within an academic environment, while also providing exposure to private practice settings. The program is committed to fostering clinical excellence, patient safety, and superior resident education, supported by a faculty of fellowship-trained and board-certified radiologists 1.

With a total of 24 residents and six residents in each class, the program offers an additional two DR/IR (Diagnostic Radiology/Interventional Radiology) residents each year. The residency also accommodates multiple ACGME-approved Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) pathway positions 1.

The major training sites include:

• SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, which serves as a Level 1 trauma center and a stroke center.
• VA Saint Louis Health Care System - John Cochran Division.
• SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, recognized for its regional care.
• SSM Health St. Mary's Health Center.

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents participate in a diverse range of rotations lasting four weeks, covering all essential areas of diagnostic imaging. The curriculum includes:

• General diagnostic imaging
• Pediatrics
• Neurological CT and MR
• Body CT and MR
• Ultrasound
• Musculoskeletal imaging
• Cardiac imaging
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Breast imaging
• Abdominal imaging
• Interventional radiology and nuclear medicine

Through progressive responsibility, residents develop skills to accurately interpret imaging studies and perform image-guided procedures across all modalities 1.

Call Experience

The program includes a unique independent overnight call experience to help build residents' confidence and skills, simulating a private practice environment. During the R1 year, residents do not take call until June. Call schedules are flexible, allowing opportunities for call switches, with a built-in discrepancy system in the PACS that provides feedback on cases taken during call 1.

Research and Teaching Opportunities

In addition to clinical training, residents are encouraged to engage in research activities, with at least one scholarly project required for graduation. The program boasts a dedicated research coordinator and access to a clinical analytics system for enhancing research projects. Residents participate in quarterly research meetings and have time allocated for academic conference attendance 1.

Teaching opportunities are abundant, with residents involved in instructing medical students and coordinating junior resident education 2.

Application Requirements

The application process for the residency program is competitive, with six positions offered annually. The program requires candidates to submit applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with all international medical graduates needing to demonstrate visa eligibility as SSM Health/Saint Louis University sponsors both H1-B and J1 visas 2. Applicants must also provide USMLE scores, letters of recommendation, and a valid ECFMG certificate.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must show the ability to master material presented in medical school and possess effective communication skills for collaboration with clinical colleagues. U.S. medical graduates are encouraged to apply through their dean's office, while international graduates can apply independently 2.

Resident Benefits

Residency benefits available at SSM Health/Saint Louis University include comprehensive health insurance plans with full premium payments from the university, free parking, in-house moonlighting opportunities, and various departmental benefits that support residents through funding for meals, research projects, and journal subscriptions. Additionally, residents receive funding for books, tuition for the AIRP and associated educational expenses 3.

Work-Life Balance

The program promotes a collegial working environment with organized wellness activities and mentorship programs with faculty, facilitating a balanced and fulfilling residency experience 3.

Competitiveness and Support for Foreign Graduates

The program is regarded as highly competitive, accepting a limited number of applicants. However, it has been described as friendly towards DO applicants and international medical graduates. Special consideration may be given to graduated applicants, particularly in submitting strong letters of recommendation and clinical experience 2.