Overview of the Specialty
Diagnostic Radiology encompasses medical imaging interpretation and performance of image-guided procedures and includes all aspects of radiology diagnosis including x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, mammography, and fluoroscopy as well as positron emission tomography (PET), SPECT, and other forms of nuclear radiology. In addition to its interpretive components, Diagnostic Radiology includes a wide range of minimally invasive procedures performed with imaging guidance including biopsies, drainages, angiography, embolization, angioplasty, stent insertion, arthrography, myelography, nerve root blocks, vertebroplasty, and more. While most people focus on the critical role that radiologists serve in the interpretation of imaging exams, radiologists play an increasingly important role as consultants in their own right, particularly in breast imaging, vascular and interventional radiology and endovascular surgical neuroradiology. Responsibilities for these specialties can include outpatient clinics and inpatient admissions/management.
Training Requirements
A minimum of five years of postgraduate education is required, including one preliminary year of training in clinical medicine (internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, or a transitional year) and four years of training in Diagnostic Radiology. There were 185 diagnostic radiology residency training programs accredited by the ACGME for 2014/15 that offered 1,132 categorical/advanced positions.
At a Glance
Training
- 1 transitional/preliminary year
- 4 years of residency
- Categorical and advanced positions available
These are minimum requirements. Some programs may have longer residencies.
Fellowships
| Subspecialty | Length |
| Abdominal Radiology | 1 year |
| Cardiothoracic Radiology | 1 year |
| Endovascular Surgical Neuro (ESN) | 2 years |
| Musculoskeletal Radiology | 1 year |
| Neuroradiology | 1-2 years |
| Nuclear Radiology | 1 year |
| Pediatric Radiology | 1 year |
| Vascular & Interventional Radiology | 1 year |
Lifestyle
| Median, Academic Salary | $361,000 |
| Median, Clinical Salary | $498,000 |
Source: Association of American Medical Colleges
Matching Program Information and Match Statistics
Diagnostic radiology residency training programs participate in the NRMP. Match results through the NRMP and competitiveness information for diagnostic radiology residency training positions are summarized in the U.S. Match Statistics table below.
US Match Statistics |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
| Competitiveness* | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| # Categorical/ Advanced positions available for U.S. Seniors | 1132 | 1145 | 1143 | 1111 |
| % U.S. Seniors matched* | 99% | 99% | 99% | 98% |
| # Unfilled Categorical/Advanced Positions | 64 | 74 | 65 | 86 |
| # Unmatched U.S. seniors | 3 | 5 | 6 | 10 |
Source: NRMP Match results for U.S. seniors applying in a single specialty. *Competitiveness is based upon the percentage of U.S. Seniors who ranked each specialty as their only choice.
WUSM Match Statistics
For a list of WUSM match statistics for the past several years, please visit Search for WUSM Statistics. (password protected)
Subspecialty/Fellowship Training
Subspecialty/fellowship training following the completion of a diagnostic radiology residency training program is available in abdominal, cardiothoracic, endovascular surgical neuroradiology, musculoskeletal radiology, nuclear radiology, pediatric radiology, vascular and interventional radiology, and neuroradiology. Detailed information about the scope of these subspecialty training programs, number of positions offered, and length of training is available at the FREIDA website.
Visit AMA website »
Visit FREIDA website »
Career Information
FREIDA physician workforce information for each specialty includes statistical information on the number of positions/programs for residency training, resident work hours, resident work environment and compensation, employment status upon completion of program and work environment for those entering practice in each specialty.
Washington University Resources
- Washington University Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME): Information about graduate medical education at Washington University
- Department of Radiology/Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology
- Diagnostic Radiology Elective Recommendations
- Database of WUSM alumni searchable by Specialty, Year, and/or State (password protected)
Faculty Contacts
| Sanjeev Bhalla, MD | 362-2927 |
| Jennifer Demertzis, MD | 362-2916 |
| Mike Friedman, MD | 362-2916 |
| Jennifer Gould, MD | 362-2900 |
| Michelle Miller-Thomas, MD | 362-5950 |
| Janice Semenkovich, MD | 362-2927 |