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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Medical Student Portal

Diagnostic Radiology Specialty at a Glance

Students interested in a career in radiology should take an elective month in radiology in Indianapolis during their third year and spend two weeks in two different areas of radiology. This will allow students to meet lots of people and see a good cross section of radiology. Fourth year students can do one of their electives any time before September to experience radiology.

Match Statistics

Mean number of research experiences: 3.7
Mean number of abstracts, publications or presentations: 6
Mean number of volunteer experiences: 6.4
Mean number of work experiences: 2.9
Percent AOA: 15.8
Percent with PhD: 4.6
Percent with other graduate degree: 16.8

Radiology offers a unique blend of social interaction and patient-centered care. With an average of six to eight patients seen per day, radiologists play a pivotal role in making diagnoses, finding solutions to clinical puzzles often evident in images. The field also boasts a diverse range of procedures, from biopsies to cancer therapies and device placements. Radiologists enjoy exceptional work-life balance, with 10-30 weeks of vacation per year and flexible schedules. Making an impact in the care of well over 100 patients daily, radiologists experience a significant contrast to primary care specialties. Moreover, they bypass many of the frustrating aspects of medicine, such as dealing with electronic medical records. Intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding, radiology offers excellent salary and benefits, making it an attractive field for aspiring medical professionals.

The AMSER guide is a free resource that guides the student year by year. Since the field of radiology encompasses anatomy, physiology and pathology most directly, students are encouraged to pay particular attention to those rotations. Students are also encouraged to join the RADSIG to connect with other interested students.

There are no specific recommendations for electives. Explore 3rd and 4th year electives.

Really any — students need to be a well-rounded physician to be a great radiologist.

Away rotations are generally very effective at targeting specific programs. It's recommended to do these June-September of your fourth year.

Not of paramount importance as in perhaps orthopedic surgery, nor does it have to be in radiology knowing students often encounter radiology quite late.

The training for this specialty is one year preliminary and four years of radiology.

In this field, you'll need at least three letters of recommendation. One of those letters needs to be from a radiologist. Clinical faculty typically make better writers for your letters, so try your best to get letters from them.

The AMSER Guide is available to students and will prove to be a useful resource.

Atul Agarwal, MD, is the primary contact and will pair students with faculty in the department for mentorship.