OVERVIEW

"Tulane Radiology provides the optimal environment for training in the clinical and academic aspects of radiology, including a variety of clinical settings to prepare the resident for the diversification and specialization available in the field."

Tulane's Department of Radiology accepts four residents annually into a four-year program (PGY 2-5) covering all aspects and subspecialties of diagnostic radiology. The PGY 1 year is a required clinical year in an accredited residency program to be selected by the applicant in either internal medicine, surgery or a transitional program. The PGY 1 year can be performed at Tulane Medical Center if the applicant successfully matches into the program of their choice.

Residents gain experience and instruction in all areas of medical imaging, including general radiology, COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT), MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI), INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY, MUSCLOSKELETAL (MSK), ULTRASOUND (US), NUCLEAR RADIOLOGY and PEDIATRIC RADIOLOGY.

Residents work closely with faculty members at both Tulane and integrated institutions who represent every subspecialty of diagnostic radiology. Internationally known academicians participate in the department's Charles M. Nice, Jr. visiting professor program.

In 24 radiographic and related imaging rooms, residents and faculty perform approximately 150,000 procedures annually at Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, Lakeside Hospital, affiliated and integrated institutions. Resident training takes place at Children's Hospital, Veterans Affairs Hospitals, Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine, West Jefferson and the Medical Center of Louisiana in New Orleans.

After the first year of training, first-year residents assume night call responsibilities with senior residents and faculty providing back-up call. Night call scheduling places increased responsibilities on residents as they progress through the program.

Teaching conferences on a variety of topics are conducted usually twice daily. Residents also participate in interdepartmental and city-wide conferences with medical staff and residents of Tulane and Ochsner Hospital. Guest speakers with particular expertise in various disciplines are regular participants in these teaching conferences.

In the first year, rotations cover orientation topics and radiographic technique; radiology pertaining to the chest, skeleton and abdomen; pediatric and nuclear radiology; CT/MRI, and ultrasound. The second year covers general, nuclear, chest, skeletal, abdominal and pediatric radiology, as well as mammography and special procedures.

Third and fourth-year residents rotate through neuroradiology, abdominal, CT/MRI, PET, mammography, pediatric, general, special procedures, and an elective. The fourth year also includes cardiac radiology, nuclear medicine, musculoskeletal radiology and sports imaging.

Clinical and laboratory research experience is available and encouraged. A research month has recently been added to the curriculum with hopes of promoting research endeavors during residency. Residents are responsible for one formal Grand Rounds presentation each year, giving them insight into academic pursuits. Elective experience provides each resident with "mini-fellowships" in specific areas of interest. All residents are expected to participate in clinical research projects.

Department faculty are recognized for extensive academic achievements in subspecialties such as neuroradiology, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging, and pediatric radiology, body imaging and musculoskeletal radiology. The Tulane Radiology Department faculty have earned honors for numerous award-winning scientific exhibits at professional meetings, and are known for a high volume of contributions to professional books and journals. Members are also prominent in national radiology organizations.

Approximately 80 percent of Tulane radiology residents pursue fellowships in subspecialty areas, and about 30 percent enter academic medicine.