Matching Radiology in a Post-Step World?

[voxveritatisetlucis]

As an incoming student at a lower tier MD school, how should I set myself up to match DR? I know that rads used to be very step 1 focused and less concerned with research but now that it’s pass/fail, what will be the biggest components of a successful application? School tier? AOA? Research?

As radiology becomes more competitive again, how feasible will it be for low tier MD students to match?

Thanks in advance.

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[odyssey2]

Definitely still extremely feasible, as long as you go to a US MD, rank should have little to no impact on your ability to match. I think the only difference making step 1 P/F will be just shifting the emphasis to your Step 2 score. Clinical grades will matter more now but that’s just due to the increased competitiveness. Radiology is still not a very research-centric field, it helps to have but still not a dealbreaker if you don’t.

 

[Melvillei]

How much do extracurriculars help (e.g. working at free clinics, volunteering with outreach programs)? Hard to imagine what sorts of activities would be seen as relevant given that DR isn't a heavily patient-facing specialty.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

I believe Step 2 and class rank will factor more in the future for Rads. Obviously audition at programs you feel you might be competitive at. Rads has been variable in competitiveness over the past years. It will surely stabilize and be more competitive in the coming years.

 

[Melvillei]

Since you're just coming in, you'll have updated charting outcomes and will be more informed. Spoiler alert: it's approaching derm levels of competitiveness.

Is that projection based on the 64.5% USMD match rate for PGY-2 DR? Sorry if I'm misreading but I don't think the 2022 charting outcomes are out yet -- the current data doesn't discriminate between those who applied DR as their preferred specialty versus those who dual-applied (i.e. had DR as a backup but matched into their preferred specialty instead).

 

[AzBasRad]

How much do extracurriculars help (e.g. working at free clinics, volunteering with outreach programs)? Hard to imagine what sorts of activities would be seen as relevant given that DR isn't a heavily patient-facing specialty.

Helps more than one would think, especially if applicant also has strong leadership. I founded a refugee wellness education organization in med school and got a very strong LoR from my mentor, which was absolutely key to breaking into a top 10 rads program from my low tier MD school.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Lifestyle in rads has changed over the years. Attending, and teams used to come to the dept and review studies with the radiologist. No one does that now, or it's at the best rare. You sit at your desk and review studies all day. Eat lunch at your desk. It's all about productivity. This may be fine for some, but certainly not me.

 

[bobjonesbob]

but you have like no autonomy. You're literally at everyone's beck and call to make reads.

Not really sure what you're getting at with this. If you go to a residency program with independent call, you get a lot of autonomy. Putting out reads that won't be overread for 12+ hours once the patient has already been discharged, taken to the OR, etc. is quite a bit of autonomy. Not infrequently we have attendings from other services (EM, GS, neuro) who want to discuss cases with us overnight.

In regard to the second half of that quote - yeah what would you expect? Radiology interprets imaging studies that other physicians order. It's a consult service that supports the primary services.

 

[DarkBluMage]

I heard rads is oversaturated and has a rough job market. You’re not concerned about that?

 

[bobjonesbob]

I heard rads is oversaturated and has a rough job market. You’re not concerned about that?

That was the case 10 years ago. Currently there is a shortage of radiologists, and the job market is very good. With the ever increasing volumes it seems likely this will continue for awhile.

 

[DarkBluMage]

That was the case 10 years ago. Currently there is a shortage of radiologists, and the job market is very good. With the ever increasing volumes it seems likely this will continue for awhile.

That’s interesting. I heard of residents looking to leave rads due to the job market but maybe it was specific for rad/onc or something and not for DR.

 

[bobjonesbob]

That’s interesting. I heard of residents looking to leave rads due to the job market but maybe it was specific for rad/onc or something and not for DR.

Yeah that's rad onc not radiology.

 

[jambro]

That’s interesting. I heard of residents looking to leave rads due to the job market but maybe it was specific for rad/onc or something and not for DR.

you know those are completely different specialties right...?