Math/physics in undergrad for radiology

[Symmetry11]

Are there any classes I can take in undergrad (other than phys 1,2 and diff calc and int calc) to better prepare myself for what's required for a radiology resident?

Ive read fourier transform is required for understanding radiology, which math field teaches that?

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[rufaterd]

Probably would be better off taking human anatomy.

 

[foo]

If you are interested in medical image device development or image processing and reconstruction, then math courses in Linear Algebra (you will learn about matrix operations and convolutions) and physics or electrical engineering courses in signal processing (you will learn about Fourier space and transformations) might be interesting to you. However, most Clinical Radiologists (or Residents) don't have in depth expertise in these areas nor do they need it in practice.

 

[haloschief]

Work on required coursework for getting into medical school first

 

[TrueAntagonist]

Are there any classes I can take in undergrad (other than phys 1,2 and diff calc and int calc) to better prepare myself for what's required for a radiology resident?

Ive read fourier transform is required for understanding radiology, which math field teaches that?

Listen man - I was like you in undergrad. Trying to be proactive, trying to be one step ahead, trying to move onto the next phase of my life. Here's the thing though: it doesn't work. You just have to go through the motions and try not to get too ahead of yourself.

Any studying you do now for radiology (which is, presumably, 6+ years away for you), is wasted effort. Diminishing returns to the max. While I'm impressed with your proactive nature, I just can't help but feel sad that you're doing this to yourself. Those are literally the best years of your life. And you won't realize it till you're 5+ years out.

If you're bright, doing well in college, and motivated, med school, radiology, radiology physics, neuro-interventional radiology, etc etc will all come IN TIME. Don't rush to get there. Enjoy the journey.

Here's some advice from a 32 year old med 4 applying to radiology currently.

Your priorities need to be:
1) doing well in classes/mcat/extracurriculars/research.
2) get into med school
3) Enjoy life. Be young and enjoy having no responsibilities.
4) Find your favorite craft beer.
5) spend a ton of time making friends and hanging out with said friends
6) spend time with family
7) workout and get fit.

Enjoy and relax, brother.

 

[Mad Jack]

There is nothing you will do in undergrad that will truly prepare you for being any sort of specialist physician. Chill out.

 

[meister]

I majored in physics and am now a rads resident. There's nothing you can do to prepare, don't worry about it. I don't even remember all the crazy math and physics I used to know!

 

[Symmetry11]

As always, thanks SDN! (not being sarcastic)

 

[Symmetry11]

Listen man - I was like you in undergrad. Trying to be proactive, trying to be one step ahead, trying to move onto the next phase of my life. Here's the thing though: it doesn't work. You just have to go through the motions and try not to get too ahead of yourself.

Any studying you do now for radiology (which is, presumably, 6+ years away for you), is wasted effort. Diminishing returns to the max. While I'm impressed with your proactive nature, I just can't help but feel sad that you're doing this to yourself. Those are literally the best years of your life. And you won't realize it till you're 5+ years out.

If you're bright, doing well in college, and motivated, med school, radiology, radiology physics, neuro-interventional radiology, etc etc will all come IN TIME. Don't rush to get there. Enjoy the journey.

Here's some advice from a 32 year old med 4 applying to radiology currently.

Your priorities need to be:
1) doing well in classes/mcat/extracurriculars/research.
2) get into med school
3) Enjoy life. Be young and enjoy having no responsibilities.
4) Find your favorite craft beer.
5) spend a ton of time making friends and hanging out with said friends
6) spend time with family
7) workout and get fit.



Enjoy and relax, brother.

Thanks!

Just out of curiosity, what do you think the radiology market will be like in 5-7 years from now? I read an article indicating that it improved this past year, do you see this trend continuing? What have senior radiology attendings told you?

Also, why did you choose radiology given its supposed decline? I am mostly interested in the fact that you must learn in depth about multiple organ systems anatomy/pathology. Does that resonate with you? Wondering if I have the right idea about radiology.

 

[TrueAntagonist]

Thanks!

Just out of curiosity, what do you think the radiology market will be like in 5-7 years from now? I read an article indicating that it improved this past year, do you see this trend continuing? What have senior radiology attendings told you?

Also, why did you choose radiology given its supposed decline? I am mostly interested in the fact that you must learn in depth about multiple organ systems anatomy/pathology. Does that resonate with you? Wondering if I have the right idea about radiology.

Well first off, nobody knows. Least of all me. A M4. I barely know what time I'm waking up tomorrow let alone the future of radiology. And don't listen to anyone who tries to sway you way too hard, one way or the other. Literally nobody knows.

With that said, I couldn't imagine doing anything but radiology after doing my M3 year. Most of medicine isn't what I thought it was. I love diagnoses and I love procedures. With radiology, you get a ton of both. I also liked the people.

So, in summary, nobody knows what things will look like in 7 years but, hey, I'm optimistic. I'll repeat what I've heard over and over again: "these things are cyclical". I'll go with that.

Now go have some fun dude.