Temple University Hospital Program

The Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program at Temple University Hospital provides comprehensive training that prepares residents to become proficient radiologists. The program is based at Temple University Hospital, the primary clinical teaching facility of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. As a tertiary referral center, it serves the surrounding Philadelphia community while performing over 275,000 procedures annually within the SmithKline Beecham Department of Diagnostic Imaging. The program has a rich history, having been established in 1932, and has successfully trained over 350 radiologists since its inception 1.

The residency spans four years and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Residents are required to have completed at least one year of clinical graduate medical training prior to entering the program, and there are a total of 20 residency positions with five slots available each year 1.

Curriculum and Training

Residents engage in a robust educational curriculum that includes didactic courses covering all subspecialties in radiology. The training emphasizes the development of both interpretative and procedural skills 1. Residents also rotate through various subspecialty sections, allowing them to learn from experts in the field and ensuring a gradual increase in complexity of procedures 1.

The program includes concentrated training in multiple areas, such as:

• Breast Imaging
• Gastrointestinal Radiology
• Genitourinary Radiology
• Musculoskeletal Radiology
• Neuroradiology
• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Pediatric Radiology
• Thoracic Radiology
• Ultrasonography
• Vascular/Interventional Radiology
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Emergency Radiology

Residents spend part of their training at specialized facilities, including three months at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, enhancing their pediatric radiology experience 1. The program also facilitates a four-week elective to attend the Radiologic Pathology course at the American Institute of Radiologic Pathology, with financial support provided 1.

Research Opportunities

Residents are actively encouraged to engage in research throughout their training. The program provides financial backing for residents to present their research findings at local and national meetings, fostering a culture of academic inquiry 1. Residents receive funding for attending one national meeting or course, typically during their final year, and have access to educational resources such as online subscriptions to E-Anatomy and RadPrimer 2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is recognized as highly competitive. While it welcomes applicants from various backgrounds, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) candidates, it is vital for candidates to have a strong academic background and relevant clinical experience prior to application 1. There are typically no specific restrictions regarding the year of graduation or the number of attempts on licensing examinations, but strong performance on the USMLE or COMLEX exams is expected 1.

Call Schedule and Supervision

The call schedule for residents is structured to ensure a balance between training and well-being. Initially, first-year residents (R1) are free from call responsibilities for the first three months, transitioning into a more regular call schedule as they progress through their training. A night float system is implemented in the later years of residency, promoting a work-life balance 2.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international applicants, primarily providing support for J-1 and H-1B visas. This allows international medical graduates to participate in the residency program legally 1.

Benefits and Resources

Residents in the program receive competitive salaries and benefits, including medical and dental insurance, professional liability insurance, and life insurance. An educational allowance of $1,500 per year is provided to assist with expenses related to the training 2. The program also includes access to a well-equipped library with a range of radiology resources, including textbooks, journal subscriptions, and online databases 1.