Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Program

The mission of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program is to nurture and empower future radiologists with comprehensive radiologic skills in a collaborative and humanistic environment. The educational curriculum emphasizes the importance of adapting to the ever-changing landscape of scientific and technological advancements in medicine.

The Radiology Residency Program has ACGME accreditation, offering 40 positions in diagnostic radiology and 10 in interventional-integrated radiology. Additionally, the program hosts two early specialization interventional radiology (ESIR) positions available for fourth-year residents, educating them in specialized techniques and procedures. Residency training primarily occurs at Northwell Health’s two prominent tertiary hospitals, North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) and Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC), both situated a mere two miles apart. Residents also receive focused pediatric radiology training at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, which resides on the LIJMC campus. State-of-the-art imaging equipment is available at all training sites, including advanced 640-slice CT scanners, high-field strength MRIs, and PET/CT technology, providing residents with exposure to diverse modalities and techniques.

With a robust faculty team of 72 members between NSUH and LIJMC, the program performs around 600,000 imaging studies and image-guided procedures annually. Faculty members hold numerous leadership roles in both local and national professional societies, including the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), enhancing the educational experience for residents through exposure to the latest practices in the field.

The application process for the diagnostic radiology training program admits 10 new residents each year for its four-year curriculum. Applicants are required to utilize the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to submit necessary documents, including a universal application, CV, USMLE Step 1 Score, medical school transcript, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. It is critical for trainees to complete an ACGME-accredited internship prior to starting their residency training. All positions are matched through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

The first three years of residency (R1-R3) prepare residents for the American Board of Radiology Core Exam, while the fourth year (R4) offers opportunities to delve deeper into subspecialty interests through mini-fellowships. The curriculum incorporates varied rotations in multiple radiological disciplines, ensuring comprehensive training in areas such as mammography, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, and musculoskeletal radiology, among others. Residents are supported throughout their research endeavors with dedicated mentors, structured curricula, and financial assistance for attending national conferences.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, residents are actively involved in educating medical students from the Zucker School of Medicine, providing lectures and hands-on guidance. There are also chances for residents to engage in global health electives domestically and internationally, allowing them to expand their horizons within the medical field. The program offers competitive salaries and an exceptional benefits package, reflecting Northwell Health's status as one of New York's largest employers.

With respect to visa support, the program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates (IMGs) to apply. The program is regarded as DO-friendly, and whilst it is competitive, it actively welcomes applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including international medical graduates.

Residents enjoy a collegial atmosphere with a strong emphasis on wellness, and they are provided with 20 days of paid time off each year, along with additional wellness days. On-campus housing is available through a departmental lottery, enhancing the residents' work-life balance as they pursue their training in this demanding yet rewarding environment.