Specializing: Veterinary Radiology

[503372]

I know a lot of students here ask about specializing after veterinary school. I've looked into the possibilities of specializing in a variety of different fields and I'm aware of the general "climate" surrounding many. However, I wasn't able to find much about veterinary radiology besides the natural progression (e.g. two year practice/internship, residency, etc). Does anyone know about the demand for radiologists and what is required for residency? Published papers, etc. I've spoken to one of my professors about it, but he might be a bit bias because he's been in the speciality for years. Thanks!

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[jmo1012]

There is currently a big demand for radiologists, and some believe that will continue for,many years because there are relatively few residencies. There has been a big push in the last several years to have films reviewed by someone board certified, so there is currently a huge market for teleradiology. I believe board,certification currently requires publication and a 2 part board exam. One thing to note is that many residencies are becoming 4 year programs rather than the standard 3. Not really sure why this is, and no one has been able to give me much of an answer. Its a competitive residency to pursue so it may take multiple internships or years in practice to match. Nearly all residencies are academic, and some require completion of a co-masters

 

[variegata]

I've also learned from a resident-mate that radiology residencies have gotten really competitive, too, and many programs are primarily looking at applicants that have done not only a rotating internship, but also a radiology-specific one.

 

[Minnerbelle]

I've also learned from a resident-mate that radiology residencies have gotten really competitive, too, and many programs are primarily looking at applicants that have done not only a rotating internship, but also a radiology-specific one.

Yup competition is fierce

 

[allygator13]

I've also learned from a resident-mate that radiology residencies have gotten really competitive, too, and many programs are primarily looking at applicants that have done not only a rotating internship, but also a radiology-specific one.

Ugh, news I don't want to hear haha. I'm strongly considering trying to go for radiology specialization but don't want to spend years beyond school making no money 🙁 At least I have a few more years to decide for sure.

 

[jmo1012]

I've also learned from a resident-mate that radiology residencies have gotten really competitive, too, and many programs are primarily looking at applicants that have done not only a rotating internship, but also a radiology-specific one.

And there are very few radiology internships out there (5 were offered this year)

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Ugh, news I don't want to hear haha. I'm strongly considering trying to go for radiology specialization but don't want to spend years beyond school making no money 🙁 At least I have a few more years to decide for sure.

Unfortunately that's kind of the entire deal behind specializing. To be fair, it's not "no" money, but it isn't very much. In the mid 20s for interns and high 20s/low 30s for residents. Do you'll live, but you probably won't be paying back much of your loans anytime soon.

 

[allygator13]

Unfortunately that's kind of the entire deal behind specializing. To be fair, it's not "no" money, but it isn't very much. In the mid 20s for interns and high 20s/low 30s for residents. Do you'll live, but you probably won't be paying back much of your loans anytime soon.

Yeah, I've been very interested in specializing since I decided to go to vet school, so I know how it goes as far as salary. Not very enticing for the first 5 or so years out of school, but the end goal of teleradiology sounds awesome to me!

 

[Minnerbelle]

Yeah, I've been very interested in specializing since I decided to go to vet school, so I know how it goes as far as salary. Not very enticing for the first 5 or so years out of school, but the end goal of teleradiology sounds awesome to me!

Question. If your end goal is teleradiology, why veterinary radiology and not human?

 

[allygator13]

Question. If your end goal is teleradiology, why veterinary radiology and not human?

My interest in radiology has developed since starting veterinary school. Originally I wanted to try for zoo med, specifically to work with big cats, but as I learn more and more that it's a really difficult field to get into and I could do something more practical, I've shifted to other specialties like surgery and radiology. But I also think I'd be happy doing general practice, which is something that I went into vet school thinking I would NEVER do. It's funny how things change during school.

 

[Minnerbelle]

My interest in radiology has developed since starting veterinary school. Originally I wanted to try for zoo med, specifically to work with big cats, but as I learn more and more that it's a really difficult field to get into and I could do something more practical, I've shifted to other specialties like surgery and radiology. But I also think I'd be happy doing general practice, which is something that I went into vet school thinking I would NEVER do. It's funny how things change during school.

Oh sorry I didn't realize you were already in vet school. I thought teleradiology was an odd end goal for a prevet.

 

[allygator13]

Oh sorry I didn't realize you were already in vet school. I thought teleradiology was an odd end goal for a prevet.

Haha, I suppose it would be!

 

[503372]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on the field! It's pretty helpful to know that there is a demand even if the competition for internships and residencies is high. Guess I will become very well acquainted with the Match! Eak. As always, it all seems to depend on where the jobs are/loans/life, etc...

I like the thought of teleradiology too.