University of California Davis Health Program

The Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program at UC Davis Health offers a well-structured and enriching training experience in a vibrant learning environment. Residents benefit from exposure to diverse pathologies and are supported by a dedicated faculty committed to academic excellence and professional development. The program is hosted at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, which serves as the primary teaching facility for the UC Davis School of Medicine. This medical center is a key referral center for northern California, Oregon, and Nevada and provides a full range of services including a level 1 trauma center.

The residency program spans four years and includes comprehensive rotations through various subspecialties, such as Abdominal, Pediatric, Chest, Cardiovascular, Musculoskeletal, Breast, and Neuroimaging. The program also incorporates Nuclear Medicine and Interventional Radiology, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Daily teaching conferences, interactive lectures, and interdisciplinary discussions are integral to the curriculum. Residents participate in a robust didactic series that includes non-interpretive topics, reinforcing the program's emphasis on total wellness and professional readiness.

Residents at UC Davis enjoy a balanced clinical rotation schedule coupled with a graduated call system designed to nurture their clinical skills progressively. Alumni have gone on to prestigious fellowships and notable positions in both academic and private sectors, often remaining within California.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The UC Davis Radiology program is recognized as competitive and provides visa sponsorship to foreign medical graduates. The program typically supports J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating international trainees' participation in the residency.

Application for the residency can be competitive. The program welcomes applications from both MD and DO candidates as well as international medical graduates. There are specific requirements, such as incoming residents must have completed a transitional or preliminary PGY1 year before starting the program.

Application Requirements

Applications to the program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) with a submission deadline of November 1 for residency training beginning on July 1 of the following year. Applicants should ensure that all components of the standard MyERAS application are completed; supplemental applications are optional but encouraged. The program places a strong emphasis on academic readiness and must verify that all residents obtain a Postgraduate Training License (PTL) to practice in California within 180 days of enrollment.

Educational Experiences

The educational format includes numerous daily lectures and dynamic learning sessions designed to equip residents with the knowledge required to succeed in their professional careers and on the American Board of Radiology's Core exam. Furthermore, the curriculum integrates hands-on simulation experiences in the UC Davis Simulation Center, ensuring residents gain competency in essential procedural skills.

In addition, residents engage in research opportunities throughout the residency, supported by financial stipends for attending conferences and presenting their work. All residents are assigned a mentor who plays a crucial role in shaping their medical careers and guiding them through research endeavors.

Rotations and Training Sites

Training occurs in various specialized areas, including Neuroradiology, Interventional Radiology, and Musculoskeletal Radiology. Residents will gain access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment, including the world's first whole-body PET scanner, the EXPLORER.

The program commits to fostering environments where residents collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Such experiences prepare radiology residents for future practices in diverse clinical settings.

Living in Sacramento

Residents enjoy a rich personal and professional life in Sacramento, which boasts a family-friendly environment with various recreational and cultural activities. Sacramento is known as the “farm-to-fork capital” of the United States, providing numerous local dining and culinary experiences. Additionally, the city is strategically located near several outdoor recreational spots, including the Bay Area, Napa Valley, and Lake Tahoe, presenting residents ample opportunities for adventure and relaxation during their off time.

The Radology residency program at UC Davis Health thus not only prioritizes an exceptional educational experience but also emphasizes well-being and work-life balance.

Research Opportunities

All residents are required to complete at least one research project initiated during their training. The program supports scholarly activities by providing funding to attend conferences and engage in research throughout their residency training period. Residents are encouraged to pursue various research interests within radiology while being guided by experienced faculty mentors.