Radiology residency and anatomy

[V14]

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As a med student we do not get exposed to radiology that much until 4th year (in my case). I'm an MS3 interested in radiology but I do not know if I have what is necessary to become a radiologist. I got a B+ in anatomy, I do not hate anatomy but I do prefer (and better at) physiology/pharm/pathophysiology.Of what I've researched, I prefer the work environment,the idea of being a consultant, the general knowledge acquired as a radiologist but the anatomy involved to such detail is quite intimidating. I wonder if any current radiology residents/attendings or students interested in radiology have similar thoughts. Should I be considering something else due to these thoughts? I would appreciate any comments.

Thanks

 

[meister]

A level of affinity towards anatomy should be considered a requirement, but you don't have to be the guy that spent twelve hours staring at sections during M1. Radiologic anatomy is more focused and different from gross anatomy, I would not worry about your grade.

I will say if you consider your highest interests to include physiology and pharmacology to keep an open mind to other fields as those are not exactly stressed in radiology. We are very focused on anatomy, both pathologic and normal, and pathophysiology. Something to consider.

 

[Cognovi]

Radiology can seem intimidating because you don't get exposed to much early in medical school whereas you do get plenty of exposure to basic pharmacology and physiology. What you might need is to expose yourself to some advanced pharmacology and physiology and see whether you still like the material when it's a bit over your head. Spend time in the ICU and try to figure out how the attendings are thinking through titrating pressors, inotropes, and fluids in patients with various kinds of shock physiology, or changing ventilation settings in patients with various kinds of lung disease.

I'm not a rads resident yet, but I'd like to think you shouldn't extrapolate from gross anatomy too much. I was in the thick part of the bell curve in our anatomy class. Knowledge of anatomy is important and so is your willingness to study anatomy, but memorizing body parts is just the most basic part of radiology that can be done by any med student who puts in a bit more time. Radiology anatomy is also a different beast from gross anatomy (projections, cross-sections, lack of color and texture). The challenge and fun in radiology is in perceiving the patterns of anatomy and pathology in those shades of grey, synthesizing the imaging data with your medical knowledge, coming up with differentials, and making diagnoses that affect patient care.

 

[V14]

What you guys say does make sense, thanks.

First, I will do the radiology rotation ASAP then possibly do another rads and from there evaluate if it's really what I want to do. I'll probably start reading a basic radiology book just to see if I do enjoy the subject.