Hi....
Congratulations! Making that decision after two or three years of medical school is a difficult task and you are to be congratulated on your choice.Radiology is a very competitive and scientific specialty. It requires its practitioners to know an abundance of medicine from pediatrics to geriatrics, anatomy, surgery, physiology, physics, computers, statistics, and more. In order to become Board certified in Radiology, a resident must pass two difficult sets of examinations . The Core Exam will be taken 36 months after the beginning of radiology residency training. In 2013, the first such exam will be given. It will be an image-rich, computer-based exam administered at a central location in the nation. The 1 ½ day exam will test knowledge and comprehension of anatomy, pathophysiology, all aspects of diagnostic radiology, and physics concepts important for diagnostic radiology. Eighteen categories are included on the examination, all of which must be passed. The categories are: breast, cardiac, GI, musculoskeletal, neuroradiology, pediatric radiology, thoracic, reproductive/endocrine, urinary, vascular, CT, interventional radiology, MR, nuclear medicine, radiography/fluoroscopy, US, physics and safety. Physics questions will be integrated into each category. The Final Certifying Exam in Diagnostic Radiology will be taken 15 months after completion of diagnostic radiology residency. It, too, will be an image-rich computer-based exam administered at a central location in the nation. The exam will emphasize synthesis of information, differentials and patient management. Aspects of physics and basic sciences important in imaging will be included. The exam will include five modules. Two are required: Noninterpretive skills and Essentials of Diagnostic Radiology. Three modules willl be in clinical practice areas selected by the invdividual based on training, experience and practice emphasis.
