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

SubspecialtyLength
Abdominal Radiology1 year
Cardiothoracic Radiology1 year
Endovascular Surgical Neuro (ESN)2 years
Musculoskeletal Radiology1 year
Neuroradiology1-2 years
Nuclear Radiology1 year
Pediatric Radiology1 year
Vascular & Interventional Radiology1 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*LowLowLowLow
# Categorical/ Advanced positions available for U.S. Seniors1132114511431111
% U.S. Seniors matched*99%99%99%98%
# Unfilled Categorical/Advanced Positions64746586
# Unmatched U.S. seniors35610

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

Faculty Contacts

Sanjeev Bhalla, MD362-2927
Jennifer Demertzis, MD362-2916
Mike Friedman, MD362-2916
Jennifer Gould, MD362-2900
Michelle Miller-Thomas, MD362-5950
Janice Semenkovich, MD362-2927

National Organizations