Is it easier for Biophysics PhD to get into radiology?

[Sanad]

Im set on a career in radiology. Someone told me it's better to do a phd in biophysics first as it'll increase my chances of getting into radiology. Is it true or the chances are pretty much the same without it? I love biophysics and dont mind doing it. If it increases my chances, it's an added bonus! Please help.

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[hans19]

Im set on a career in radiology. Someone told me it's better to do a phd in biophysics first as it'll increase my chances of getting into radiology. Is it true or the chances are pretty much the same without it? I love biophysics and dont mind doing it. If it increases my chances, it's an added bonus! Please help.

What exactly is biophysics, anyway? A PhD is neither necessary or sufficient to match into radiology. Its not a substitute for good grades, good board scores and good letters. Do the PhD because it interests you, not because you think it'll get you into radiology -- because by itself it won't.

 

[Neuronix]

Errmmm... I almost have a Biophysics PhD. I like the definition presented on Wikipedia:

Biophysics (also biological physics) is an interdisciplinary science that employs and develops theories and methods of the physical sciences for the investigation of biological systems. Studies included under the umbrella of biophysics span all levels of biological organization, from the molecular scale to whole organisms and ecosystems. Biophysical research shares significant overlap with biochemistry, nanotechnology, bioengineering and systems biology.

Our department is very diverse. As examples, we have structural biology guys, physical chemists, molecular dynamics simulators, flourescence experts, and more. My lab is a "molecular imaging" lab and we're roughly half bioengineers and half biophysics guys.

 

[shocker]

I agree with Hans and Apache, it is certainly not needed just to match into a spot... It may be helpful for you if you care about getting into one of the big-name programs. It actually can be very helpful if that is your goal. With solid board scores, grades, LORs and a PhD you become a very hot commodity. There are many applicants with the scores, grades, LORs and they have to fight very hard to secure spots at the more prestigous programs, the PhD would really set you apart.

You may not care about that stuff and I myself do not, but if you are a big researcher and "don't mind it" then maybe you would fit in well at one of those programs that is usually participating in very interesting/cutting edge research.

Only my opinion, and if you don't care about prestige then skip the extra years.

 

[bigfrank]

Im set on a career in radiology. Someone told me it's better to do a phd in biophysics first as it'll increase my chances of getting into radiology. Is it true or the chances are pretty much the same without it? I love biophysics and dont mind doing it. If it increases my chances, it's an added bonus! Please help.

Absolutely not. I don't think anyone will care, really. Academic clinicians tend to be intimidated by "experts" in other fields.

Doing well in medical school with take you much further.

 

[81bones]

Im set on a career in radiology. Someone told me it's better to do a phd in biophysics first as it'll increase my chances of getting into radiology...

I might be mistaken, but I have a feeling that the person who gave you the suggestion may have meant "medical physics," not "biophysics" (there's a big difference). I can't say either way if it will help you get into radiology; I'm inclined to agree with the previous replies that it probably won't help unless you intend to heavily pursue a research or academic position (and even then it's debatable). But I would think that a strong background in medical physics (such as a PhD) would be extremely helpful for passing the radiology physics boards.

 

[hans19]

I might be mistaken, but I have a feeling that the person who gave you the suggestion may have meant "medical physics," not "biophysics" (there's a big difference). I can't say either way if it will help you get into radiology; I'm inclined to agree with the previous replies that it probably won't help unless you intend to heavily pursue a research or academic position (and even then it's debatable). But I would think that a strong background in medical physics (such as a PhD) would be extremely helpful for passing the radiology physics boards.

Take it from a former liberal arts major who had zero physics experience beyond the prereqs for med school -- you don't need to do a 5 year PhD in biophysics to pass physics comfortably. 😉

 

[judu]

a phd might convince an academic program that you would be interested in pursuing research, but only if you proved some ability to produce relevant, unique work and answering questions that people were actually interested in.

you would be far far better off studying more for step 1 and being easy to get along with and nice during your radiology rotations

 

[rox]

What about joining a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program? Such programs take about 17 months. Would such a program increase the chances of an IMG to match into Radiology?

 

[hans19]

What about joining a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program? Such programs take about 17 months. Would such a program increase the chances of an IMG to match into Radiology?

Do you mean a sonography program in the States or in Jordan? Either way, it won't help you gain admission to residency. If you are a former radiologist who has completed training in another country, it is however, an excellent way to make money while you are studying and taking the steps, and getting your application together. Currently, in the states, ultrasound techs make more than most residents (if you exclude moonlighting).

 

[rox]

The scenario is to go into a sonography program in the states right after graduation and to apply for rads meanwhile. In case I didn't match, I would have something in hand.

Would it boost my chances as an IMG with US sonography degree to match into Rads?

 

[judu]

The scenario is to go into a sonography program in the states right after graduation and to apply for rads meanwhile. In case I didn't match, I would have something in hand.

Would it boost my chances as an IMG with US sonography degree to match into Rads?

No, not really.

 

[hans19]

The scenario is to go into a sonography program in the states right after graduation and to apply for rads meanwhile. In case I didn't match, I would have something in hand.

Would it boost my chances as an IMG with US sonography degree to match into Rads?

No.

 

[rox]

I see, thanks.

What about Radiology CME courses? There are plenty of them in the states. The average length of these course is around 2-3 days and they cost around 500$.

Here's a link: http://www.radlist.com/

 

[hans19]

I see, thanks.

What about Radiology CME courses? There are plenty of them in the states. The average length of these course is around 2-3 days and they cost around 500$.

Here's a link: http://www.radlist.com/

Radiology currently is one of the highest compensated specialties in medicine, so the competition for a radiology spot is understandably VERY competitive.

To answer your question-- No the only thing helpful are strong USMLE scores, step 1 is the most important. The other thing that is vital for a match, especialy for an IMG, are STRONG letters of recommendation from American academic faculty. Published radiology research is very helpful, but is not necessary. Though america prides itself on being a meritocracy, nepotism, though frowned upon, still exists in isolated pockets. If you have a close familty friend or relative that is highly influential at an american residency, that might help.

Thats all. You can't pay your way into radiology. Unless you donate 10 million to a radiology department to endow a chair, but even that would sound sketchy. And even if you are willing to work for 'free' most programs would not take such a candidate.

The other option, if you have already done a residency in your home country is to arrange to do 4 years of fellowship at 1 institution, in an underserved area, which would qualify you to sit for the ABR. However most institutions will simply use you as cheap labor. And when you get your ABR certificate, your job prospects are likely limited to that institution. The exception would be if you were already a renown academic radiologist in another country with similar board certification (FRCR - a fellow of the royal college of radiologists from the UK, for example).

 

[rox]

Thank you Hans, your reply is fairly clear and thorough.