University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

Welcome to the University of Louisville School of Medicine's Diagnostic Radiology Residency program, an ACGME accredited program that encompasses a unique, comprehensive training experience. The residency program currently hosts 24 residents and rotates through five key clinical sites: University of Louisville Hospital, Norton Children's Hospital, the Louisville VA Medical Center, UofL Health Jewish Hospital, and UofL Health Medical Center East. The primary training environment is the University of Louisville Hospital, serving as a Level 1 trauma center and the main academic referral facility, providing care to approximately 1 million residents of Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Each resident undergoes a detailed curriculum involving various subspecialties, including Angiography/Interventional, Neuroradiology, Body CT/MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, and Emergency Radiology, among others. The program emphasizes a conceptual understanding of radiologic science, and each resident will gain confidence and competence in critical procedures by the end of their training, ultimately achieving a level of independence typical of a fellow during their senior year.1

Curriculum Overview

The residency rotations are structured into thirteen 4-week blocks designed to provide an intensive educational experience. Throughout their training, residents will transition from foundational knowledge in their first year to specialized areas in their later years, allowing time for electives aligned with personal interests. Didactic learning is complemented by daily lectures, case conferences, and journal clubs which promote academic growth and scholarly activity. The introduction of a physics lecture series further enhances the educational framework by ensuring a robust understanding of imaging technologies.1

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the educational experience at the University of Louisville. The Department encourages residents to engage actively with research projects, attending national conferences for which the Department offers funding support for travel and accommodation. The ESIR (Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology) track is also available, allowing interested residents a direct pathway into interventional radiology.1

Living in Louisville

The cost of living in Louisville is notably favorable, approximately 5.9% below the national average. Residents often find housing options affordable, with a median home price around $240,000. The University of Louisville provides a competitive benefits package, offering health, life, disability, and malpractice insurance. Additionally, residents are granted free access to various fitness facilities and discounted tickets for university athletic events. Families are also welcomed to use these facilities at a nominal additional fee.1

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The residency program is committed to diversity and inclusivity, inviting qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply. For international medical graduates, the program sponsors only J-1 visas.6 Competitively, the program favors LCME-accredited medical schools but also accepts DOs and international graduates with proper ECFMG certification. The program does not impose minimum USMLE score requirements, opting for a holistic evaluation. The current average Step 2 score of residents is around 243, emphasizing a balanced assessment rather than strictly quantitative metrics.6

Application Process

Prospective applicants must submit their applications through ERAS, including personal statements, transcripts, and letters of recommendation—with a strong suggestion that at least one letter come from a radiology physician. Notably, the residency offers away rotations for interested medical students, significantly enriching the application experience.6 Additionally, the program provides five fellowship positions alongside their regular residency slots, fostering growth-oriented opportunities for diversity and specialization in radiology.1

Fellowship Opportunities

In addition to a robust residency program, the Department of Radiology offers various fellowships in specialty areas, including Body Imaging, Breast Imaging, and Neuroradiology, ensuring a comprehensive approach to training new generations of experts in radiologic sciences. These fellowships focus on creating clinicians adept at both research and clinical practice, delivering exceptional care to diverse populations.1