Radiology

Radiology is a medical specialty in which a variety of radiologic methodologies are used to diagnose and treat diseases. Diagnostic radiology encompasses a variety of diagnostic and image guided therapeutic techniques, including all aspects of radiological diagnosis (nuclear radiology, diagnostic ultrasound, magnetic resonance, computed tomography, interventional procedures, and the use of other forms of radiant energy). Physicians studying diagnostic radiology are primarily hospital based and can specialize in a number of areas, including: vascular interventional; neuroimaging and intervention; abdominal imaging and intervention; nuclear medicine; chest and cardiac imaging; pediatric imaging; and mammography. The radiologist`s role has grown not only through great improvements in diagnosis, but also through the technological developments that permit numerous interventional radiology procedures. A diagnostic radiologist is the eye of medicine, helping the primary care physician diagnose and treat diseases.

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Competitiveness: High

IMG profile

Average Stats for a Matched US IMG in 2023:

USMLE Step 1 score: 242
USMLE Step 2 CK score: 248
Research: 3.7
Abstracts/Presentations/Publications: 7.1
Work: 4.7
Volunteer: 4.6

Average Stats for a Matched Non-US IMG in 2023:

USMLE Step 1 score: 248
USMLE Step 2 CK score: 251
Research: 3.7
Abstracts/Presentations/Publications: 17.0
Work: 5.5
Volunteer: 4.3

Speciality Factors

In March 2023, the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) conducted its survey of directors of programs participating in the Main Residency Match® to characterize the factors that Program Directors use to select applicants for interviews and rank applicants for the Main Residency Match. See results of the Program Director Survey for Radiology below:

Drivers for Engaging in Holistic Review (For Those Indicating that they Performed Holistic Review) 2023:

Increase resident diversity: 64%
Identify promising applicants: 81%
Improve applicant program alignment: 69%
Support institution mission better: 60%
Other factors: 2%

Percentage of Programs Citing Discrete Factors and Mean Importance Rating¹ of Said Factors 2023:

Applicant personal attributes: 94% (4.5)
Applicant interests: 84% (4.1)
Applicant interpersonal skills, ethics, and professionalism: 96% (4.5)
Applicant personal experiences: 91% (3.9)
Applicant geographic preferences: 64% (4.2)
Other component or components: 7% (5.0)

¹Ratings on a scale from 1 (not at all important) to 5 (very important).

% of Programs Interviewing IMGs:

US IMG: Often 32%, Seldom 58%, Never 10%
Non-US IMG: Often 25%, Seldom 61%, Never 14%

% of Programs Ranking IMGs:

US IMG: Often 32%, Seldom 56%, Never 12%
Non-US IMG: Often 25%, Seldom 61%, Never 14%

% of Programs Using USMLE to Select IMG Applicants for Interview:

Step 1: Does not consider 0%, Requires pass only 9%, Prefers but does not require target score 28%, Requires target score 63%
Step 2 CK: Does not consider 3%, Requires pass only 6%, Prefers but does not require target score 54%, Requires target score 37%
Step 3: Does not consider 64%, Requires pass only 0%, Prefers but does not require target score 32%, Requires target score 4%

Fast Facts

Total Training	5 years; PGY-1 year must consist of training in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery or surgical specialties, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, family practice, emergency medicine, or any combination of these, or an ACGME or equivalent accredited transitional year.
Average Residency Salary	$62,500
Average Physician Salary	$438,000
Average Work Week	58 Hours
Peak Interview Months	December-January
Key Organizations and Societies	The Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research American Association for Women in Radiology The American Board of Radiology American College of Radiology American Osteopathic College of Radiology The American Roentgen Ray Society Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiological Sciences Association of Program Directors in Radiology Association of University Radiologists Radiological Society of North America
Anyone who wishes to specialize in any of the subspecialty areas must first certify in Diagnostic Radiology. Radiology is one of the major consultation specialties which requires a broad knowledge base, research skills, and the ability to keep up with new modalities. The most competitive locations for Radiology are California, Boston, New York, and Seattle.