Curriculum

The Emory Radiology Research Track is structured to provide core training and expertise with research in the context of a diagnostic radiology residency. This research training is highly individualized and includes structured guidance in key research topics as well as protected time for research.

The Emory Research Track permits up to 16 months of research time during the four years of the diagnostic radiology residency. Protected academic time includes approximately 15% research time spread predominantly through years 2-4 of the program, when residents typically receive 20% academic time. To minimize disruption to education on clinical services, academic time is assigned as weekly blocks assigned through coordination with the radiology chief residents. Individual days can potentially be assigned on an individual basis as needed. Applying for external funding is encouraged and may allow for additional protected research time (up to a maximum of 50% per year).

During their research time, Research Track residents will receive guidance commensurate with their level of training and research experience. At the beginning of residency, this typically means assistance in selecting an appropriate research project and mentor. As the resident progresses, expectations for the resident’s research time are commensurate with the time spent in research and with the scope of the project and include generating publications, giving presentations at local and national scientific meetings, and applying for seed grants or other funding opportunities targeted to trainees.

The primary goal of any diagnostic radiology residency is to obtain outstanding clinical training. The Radiology Research Track is no different. By the end of the four-year residency, all residents are expected to have completed all core radiology requirements, taken the relevant portions ABR board examinations, and developed into independent and capable radiologists. As the resident's primary responsibility is to obtain superior clinical training in radiology, all benefits of the research track are dependent on meeting expected milestones of clinical radiology. Residents participate in the same call duties as all other residents and attend required conferences. Should specific conflicts arise with the research program, they will be addressed by the Diagnostic Radiology Residency and Research Track Program directors on an individual basis.

Extension of residency training to five years to accommodate a more intensive research program is possible but is not common. If desired, a extra year of training devoted to research may be considered on an individual basis with a plan devised between the leadership of the research track, the resident’s research mentor, and the diagnostic radiology program director. Such programs typically require extramural funding.

* Research time in years 2-4 can be increased up to 50% if extramural funding, such as the RSNA Resident Research Award, is secured.

Residents in the research track benefit from a wide range of resources, some of which are formally structured and others which are available on an as needed basis.

Program director meetings. As part of the diagnostic radiology residency, research track residents have semi-annual reviews with the diagnostic radiology leadership. In addition to this, research track residents typically meet with the research track directors at least once per year. This meeting is designed to ensure that the resident is progressing successfully through the program as well as to provide an opportunity for the residency leadership to assist the residents with any difficulties or obstacles. In addition, the residency track leadership are available throughout the year for additional meetings and guidance as needed.

Monthly meetings. As part of a structured curriculum, the radiology research track meets once a month to discuss research topics, project progress, and program updates. These meetings are a mix of guest speakers and resident presentations. Guest speakers typically begin with a 20-30 minute presentation on a research topic of interest followed by a question and answer session. Resident-driven meetings have two presentations from research track residents on their research in progress and current challenges. These informal meetings are great ways to brainstorm new ideas and troubleshoot problems in projects.

Radiology Resident “Introduction to Research Course”. In their first year, research track residents attend the program-sponsored Introduction to Research course. This is a 1-day program consisting of a half day of independent study and a half day of in-person lectures and discussion covering basic topics relevant to starting a research project, including logistical topics such as how to navigate institutional requirements (such as the IRB), statistics and data analysis, and grant writing. All residents in the program participate in this course at some point during their residency. 

Computer and Office Space. Each resident in the research track is provided funds to purchase a laptop of their choice upon entering the program. This computer is purchased through the university and can be either an Apple or PC model, whichever the resident prefers. The computer remains the property of the university for the first three years of the resident's program. After three years of residency, the resident may petition to have device ownership transferred to them. Residents also will have access to shared office space within Emory University Hospital/Emory School of Medicine.

Other resources from the university and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences are available to residents on an as-needed basis, including the following:

• Facilities (including but not limited to labs, classrooms, and libraries)
• Grand Rounds (approximately 25% on research topics)
• Research in Progress Seminars (RIPS)
• Journal Club
• Visiting Professors (many are renowned researchers)
• Emory Office of Sponsored Research
• Emory Office for Clinical Research
• Emory Office for Technology Transfer

The criteria for each individual resident may vary by level of experience, scope of research project, and career goals. However, the following are some typical objectives used to measure the success of our residents.

• Complete all diagnostic radiology requirements and board examinations
• Receive a positive evaluation by mentor
• Obtain funding for research (intramural/extramural)
• Receive Invitations to review manuscripts for prestigious journals
• Publish abstracts and peer-reviewed journal articles
• Win competitive awards for research submissions
• Pursue a career as an academic radiologist

Not all residents will achieve all of these targets, but it is just a baseline of what is our research track residents are capable of achieving.