Residency Advisor

Diagnostic Radiology Residency Overview

The Diagnostic Radiology Residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) is an accredited program offering comprehensive training in diagnostic radiology. All training is conducted at the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, which houses a 649-bed adult hospital, making it a busy and diverse training environment. This hospital is also recognized as the Level I Trauma Center and serves as a tertiary referral center for a vast population base of over 2.25 million in north central Illinois.

The residency program benefits from the attached 144-bed Children’s Hospital of Illinois, providing residents exposure to a wide range of clinical conditions and procedures necessary for a well-rounded education in diagnostic radiology. UICOMP offers an Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) track and an Independent IR/DR residency, catering to residents interested in interventional radiology. The goal is to transition residents from the ESIR track into this Independent residency program.

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Curriculum Details

The diagnostic radiology curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation encompassing all facets of both diagnostic and interventional radiology. Interns start with a transitional year that includes crucial rotations in internal medicine, neurology, and emergency medicine. The residency itself includes 38 months of clinical rotations, as opposed to the standard 36 in other programs, allowing for extensive preparation for the ABR Core Exam.

The new structure ensures that residents have the opportunity for immersive experiences across various specialties throughout their training. Rotations include inpatient care and outpatient settings, allowing them to acquire important clinical skills in both environments quickly. The program emphasizes structured teaching, including lectures and hands-on training with faculty throughout the rotations.

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Training Facilities and Research Opportunities

Residents at UICOMP participate in over 300,000 imaging studies performed annually at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center and affiliated outpatient centers. This experience ensures that they are exposed to a multitude of cases before embarking on their professional careers.

Moreover, research is integral to the residency, with residents required to initiate and complete at least one research project during their tenure. Each year, the program allocates $10,000 specifically for funding resident research projects aimed at potential regional or national presentations. The research focuses on various aspects, with special attention given to areas such as neuroradiology and vascular interventional radiology.

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Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs) and will sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, providing opportunities for eligible candidates who meet strict competitiveness criteria. The residency is relatively competitive, favoring both U.S. allopathic and osteopathic candidates. However, it strives to be accessible for well-qualified DO and IMG applicants.

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Application Requirements

To apply for the residency, candidates must participate in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program accepts up to six categorical positions annually. Each applicant must provide a minimum of three letters of recommendation with an option to submit an additional fourth letter. The program requests the USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 pass/fail results, alongside the USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Level 2 scores.

Successful applications typically reflect solid academic performance and clinical experience. Notably, there are preferences regarding the maximum number of failed exams; however, specific guidelines on this remain subject to individual interpretation and review.

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Resident Life and Benefits

Resident life at UICOMP is complemented by an extensive benefits package. Residents are provided with custom lead aprons and iPads for educational usage throughout the four years of residency. Additionally, they receive paid tuition to attend educational conferences, a yearly education reimbursement stipend, and offered wellness days. Unique conveniences such as access to an extensive digital library, journals, and educational tools like StatDx and MedOne Radiology further enhance the training experience.

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Conclusion

Overall, the Diagnostic Radiology Residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria emphasizes comprehensive training that is both practical and research-oriented. This residency provides a robust curriculum, excellent faculty mentors, and valuable clinical experiences. It is well-suited for those who aspire to be leaders in the field of diagnostic radiology.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Coordinator

jeana Mcloughlin
Program Coordinator, Diagnostic Radiology Residency
jmclough@uic.edu

Program

Program Size

6, 6, 7, 5 (4 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since March 1992

Composition

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

50hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

24hrs

First Year Salary:

$65,683

First Year Paid Vacation:

-

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

-

Training

Fellowship Rate:

88%

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

-

Residents career path:

Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

-

Visa Sponsorship:

H1B, J1, F1

YOG Cutoff:

5

Match History

1175420C0

2024

6 of 6

2023

6 of 6

2022

6 of 6

2021

4 of 6

2020

4 of 4

Location

Peoria, IL

Population
181,830
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
38

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Peoria, IL

  • Crime Rate and Safety: Peoria's crime rate is slightly higher than the national average. It's essential to choose neighborhoods carefully for safety.
  • Fun Activities: Peoria offers outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the Peoria Riverfront Museum. There are also cultural events, dining options, and shopping centers.
  • Climate: Peoria experiences all four seasons with cold winters and hot summers. Be prepared for snow in winter and humid weather in summer.
  • Races and Population: Peoria has a diverse population mix with different races and ethnicities residing in the city.
  • Education: Peoria has reputable schools and universities, offering educational opportunities for residents and their families.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Peoria is relatively affordable compared to larger cities. Housing, groceries, and services are reasonably priced.
  • Proximity to Bigger Cities: Peoria is about a 2.5-hour drive from Chicago, a major metropolitan city known for its cultural attractions, dining scene, and economic opportunities.
  • Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, outdoor activities.
  • Cons: Slightly higher crime rate, weather extremes.

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Radiology-diagnostic

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