University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The University of New Mexico Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program is a four-year training program that thoroughly prepares residents for both fellowship and practice opportunities in diagnostic radiology across the United States. Situated in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and endeavors to train physicians capable of performing and interpreting a comprehensive spectrum of diagnostic radiology procedures.1

Mission Statement

The mission is to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare across New Mexico, focusing on underserved populations. The department aims to produce physicians equipped to serve in New Mexico or community practices, aligning with the overall mission of the UNM School of Medicine, which emphasizes healthcare access for all citizens within the state.1

Program Aims

UNM's program emphasizes adherence to ACGME standards, fostering innovation in teaching methods, and ensuring a diverse resident selection process through unconscious bias training. The educational environment focuses on collaboration, deliberate practice, and supporting residents' individual passions within clinical, educational, and research domains.1

Curriculum and Rotations

Residents will engage in a structured curriculum that includes both core lectures and practical training in various radiology specialties. Rotations are predominantly hosted at the University of New Mexico Hospital, with additional exposure at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center. The annual training experience includes comprehensive diagnostic, interventional, and therapeutic radiological training.10

The various rotations cover disciplines such as:

• Body Imaging
• Breast Imaging
• Cardiothoracic Radiology
• Emergency Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Musculoskeletal Imaging
• Neuroradiology
• Pediatric Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine

Each resident is expected to complete areas of concentration in their final year, allowing them to immerse themselves in two specific subspecialties for a month each.4

Research and Quality Improvement

Research is an integral component of the residency. Residents are required to undertake a scholarly and a quality improvement project during their training. These projects may include scientific research, educational initiatives, and case report publications. Students present their findings at the department's annual Radiology Research Day, providing an opportunity for recognition and awards for distinguished projects.9

Application Requirements and Visa Support

To be eligible for the Diagnostic Radiology Residency, candidates must be graduates of accredited medical schools and should possess a valid ECFMG certificate if they are international medical graduates. The program encourages diverse applicants and is open to candidates with various backgrounds, including DO and IMGs. The program also provides support for J-1 visa sponsorship for international applicants, assisting those who require work authorization to complete the residency.3

Benefits and Resident Life

The University of New Mexico offers several benefits to its residents including financial allowances for educational materials and moonlighting opportunities. Additionally, residents enjoy a supportive community and numerous recreational activities, leveraging Albuquerque's natural beauty with outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, contributing to wellness and work-life balance.511

Competitiveness

The program is known to be competitive, valuing strong academic backgrounds and relevant clinical experiences. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their personal motivations and commitment to the specialty through complementary activities, ensuring alignment with the program’s mission and values.3

Wellness Initiatives

The department places significant emphasis on the well-being of its residents through structured support systems designed to mitigate burnout and encourage resilience. This includes wellness committee initiatives and opportunities for residents to engage in community-building activities both inside and outside of the hospital.12