An Assessment of Radiology Residency Program Websites

PurposeWhen prospective radiology residents decide where to apply to residency, many will use the Internet as a resource to garner information. Therefore, it is important for residency programs to produce and maintain an informative and comprehensive website. Here, we review 179 radiology residency program websites for 19 criteria including various aspects related to the residency application process, benefits, didactics, research, clinical training, and faculty leadership.MethodsWe evaluated 179 radiology residency program websites for the inclusion of 19 different criteria. Criteria for information not available directly on the website and links with no information were considered not present.ResultsOnly 12 of the 179 (6.7%) program websites had at least 80% of the 19 criteria. In addition, 41 programs (23%) had less than 50% of the criteria listed on their websites. Websites ranged from having 16% of the criteria to as much as 95%.ConclusionAlthough previous studies have shown that prospective radiology resident applicants are influenced by intangibles like current resident satisfaction and academic reputation, they have also shown that applicants are influenced by the educational curriculum, clinical training, program resources, research opportunities, and quality of faculty. Therefore, it is imperative to provide online resources for prospective candidates in an attempt for residency programs to remain competitive in recruiting high-quality US medical student graduates. These findings suggest there is room for improving the comprehensiveness of information provided on radiology residency program websites.     

Global Radiology Training Prevalence Among Radiology Residency Programs

ObjectiveGlobal Radiology aims to enhance access to medical imaging services and education, worldwide. To date, few reports have evaluated Global Radiology Training (GRT) in radiology residency programs. Here, we examined how radiology residency programs perceive and incorporate GRT into their curriculum, and how this information is promoted online.MethodsTwo methods were used to examine the current state of GRT. First, radiology residency program directors (identified via the Association of Program Directors in Radiology) were surveyed on topics including: Electives, institutional partnerships, resident and faculty involvement, inquiry by prospective residents, and barriers to implementation. Second, radiology residency program websites (n = 193) were examined for existing GRT on the programs’ publicly available webpages.ResultsThere were 62 survey responses (response rate of 19%). Thirty-eight percent (24/62) of residency programs offered a Global Radiology elective to their residents within the past academic year and 27% (17/62) of programs have active affiliations with medical institutions outside of the United States. Eighty-four percent of program directors (52/62) received questions from residency applicants regarding opportunities to participate in Global Radiology. Furthermore, only 13% (26/193) of all radiology residency programs listed at least one GRT elective on their webpage.DiscussionGRT in radiology residency is more widely available than previously reported and has been underrepresented on residency program websites. In the present survey, the majority of radiology residency program directors reported that radiology is an important component of Global Health, one-third of whom have already incorporated the subject into their curriculum. However, most common barriers to GRT include, perceived lack of time in the curriculum and lack of faculty interest. The high prevalence of inquiry from residency program applicants about GRT suggests that it may be a notable factor for applicants during the ranking process. Programs build up GRT may choose to share related information seeking to may choose to emphasize work in Global Radiology on their program webpages.     

Design,Implementation, and Evaluation of a Diversity Program for Radiology

Rationale and ObjectivesDiagnostic radiology training programs are less diverse than graduating US medical school classes and the patient populations they serve. Inclusion of physicians who are underrepresented minorities in medicine (URMM) can strengthen the profession and help to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population. Our Department of Radiology developed and implemented a plan to increase the number of URMMs in our residency applicant pool and residency training program.Materials and MethodsWe designed a recruitment strategy to diversify the radiology residency applicant pool. This included website development, advertising, early exposure opportunities, travel to predominantly minority institutions and national meetings, and mentoring URMM medical students. We implemented parallel activities to increase the number of URMMs in our residency program. These included holistic screening tools for residency application review, a diverse residency recruitment committee, a welcome environment for visiting candidates, and “Second Look Weekend” visits for talented candidates. Primary outcomes measured include change in percentages of URMM applicants in our applicant pool and URMM residents in our residency program.ResultsThe percentage of URMM radiology residency applicants increased from 7.5% (42 of 556) of the total applicant pool in the 2012 to 2013 recruitment year to 12.6% (98 of 777) in the 2017 to 2018 recruitment year (P = .001). URMM radiology residency representation increased from 0% (0 of 32) in the 2013 to 2014 academic year to 20% (6 of 30) in the 2018 to 2019 academic year (P = .01).ConclusionAn intentional, strategic diversity program can diversify an institution’s residency applicant pool and increase representation of URMMs in a diagnostic radiology residency program.     

An Evaluation of the Content of Canadian Radiology Fellowship Websites

PurposeProspective radiology fellows utilize the internet to apply for radiology fellowship programs. The aim of this study was to analyze the online content of Canadian radiology fellowship websites.MethodsThe content of all active Canadian radiology fellowship websites were evaluated using 30 criteria in the following domains: application, recruitment, education and research, clinical work and benefits. Fellowships without websites were excluded from the study. The prevalence of assessed elements was compared to geography and Canadian medical school ranking.ResultsWe identified 107 active Canadian radiology fellowship programmes, of which 102 university fellowships (95.3%) had dedicated fellowship websites available for analysis. Of these 102 programs, the median score was 13/30 (43.0%). Websites of fellowship programs affiliated with top ranked medical schools contained more of the assessed criteria than middle and lower ranked schools (17.0 vs 13.0 vs 9.0, p < 0.0001)). Geographical difference was identified across Canada with Atlantic and Central Canada fellowship programs having significantly more criteria than Western programs (15.5 vs 16.0 vs 10.0, p < 0.001).ConclusionsMost Canadian radiology fellowship websites are devoid of content pertinent to prospective radiology fellows. Addressing deficiencies in online content may assist programs to inform and recruit residents into radiology fellowship programs.     

The State of Medical Student Teaching of Interventional Radiology: Implications for the Future

IntroductionThe formation of integrated interventional radiology (IR) residency programs has changed the training paradigm. This change mandates the need to provide adequate exposure to allow students to explore IR as a career option and to allow programs to sufficiently evaluate students. This study aims to highlight the availability of medical student education in IR and proposes a basic framework for clinical rotations.Materials and MethodsThe Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) website was utilized to generate a list of accredited medical schools in the United States. School websites and course listings were searched for availability of IR and diagnostic radiology rotations. The curricula of several well-established IR rotations were examined to identify and categorize course content.ResultsIn all, 140 LCME-accredited medical schools had course information available. Of those schools, 70.5% offered an IR rotation; 84.6% were only available to senior medical students and only 2% were offered for preclinical students; and 8.1% of courses were listed as subinternships. Well-established IR clerkships included a variety of clinical settings, including preprocedure evaluation, experience performing procedures, postprocedure management, and discharge planning.ConclusionMedical student exposure to IR is crucial to the success of integrated IR residency programs. Current research shows few institutions with formal IR subinternship rotations. Although 70.5% of institutions have some form of nonstandardized IR course, 84.6% are available only to fourth-year students, and 2% are offered to preclinical students. This suggests there is a significant opportunity for additional formal exposure to IR through increasing availability of IR rotations and exposure during the clinical and preclinical years.     

Evaluation of Pediatric Radiology Fellowship Website Content in USA and Canada

PurposeProspective radiology fellows often rely on the internet to obtain valuable information regarding the application process as well as the unique qualities and aspects of different fellowship programs. The aim of this study was to analyze the content of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Pediatric Radiology Fellowship websites within the USA and Canadian Accredited Pediatric Radiology Fellowship program websites.MethodsAll active ACGME Pediatric Radiology fellowship websites as of October 2018 were evaluated using 26 criteria in the following domains: application process, recruitment, program structure, education, research, clinical care, and incentives. Fellowships without websites were excluded from the study. Canadian programs were compiled from a list obtained as of October 2018 from the Canadian Association of Radiologists fellowship directory. Each fellowship program was evaluated using the same 26 criteria as the US programs.Results45 active ACGME Pediatric Radiology fellowship programs and 9 Canadian programs were identified. 43 of the US fellowships (96%), and 8 of the Canadian fellowships (89%) had dedicated fellowship websites available for analysis. For US data, websites on average contained 8 out of the 26 data points (31%). Whereas, in Canada, websites on average contained 11 out of the 26 data points (41%).ConclusionMost fellowship websites demonstrate several information deficiencies. This presents an actionable opportunity for individual programs to better inform trainees, promote Pediatric Radiology, and attract the highest quality applicants.     

Non-interventional Radiology Fellowship Programs: What Is Out There?

ObjectiveTo determine the spectrum of non-interventional radiology fellowship programs in institutions that offer both a radiology residency program and one or more non-interventional radiology fellowship programs.MethodsInstitutions offering both radiology residency and non-interventional radiology fellowship programs were identified using publicly available websites. The non-interventional radiology fellowship programs were categorized into “traditional” (neuroradiology, breast imaging, abdominal imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, thoracic imaging, pediatric radiology, and nuclear medicine) and “nontraditional” fellowship programs. The nontraditional programs were stratified into four categories: a) Combinations of traditional fellowships; b) Focused nontraditional fellowships; c) Combinations of traditional and focused nontraditional fellowships (excluding traditional-traditional combinations); and d) Mandatory two-year fellowships. The distributions of the different types of traditional and nontraditional fellowship programs were evaluated.Results555 fellowship programs were identified in 113 institutions that offered both radiology residency and non-interventional radiology fellowship programs. 73.33% (407/555) of the programs were traditional fellowships, and 26.66% (148/555) were nontraditional fellowships. The 148 nontraditional fellowship programs were comprised of 41 different types of programs, 23 types of which were unique to and offered exclusively at specific institutions. 38.08% of the traditional fellowship programs were Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited, while only 16.21% (24/148) of the nontraditional fellowship programs were ACGME-accredited.ConclusionsThe nontraditional non-interventional radiology fellowship programs are formed by a heterogeneous group of programs, some of which are offered exclusively at a single institution. Awareness of the types of existing programs would help radiology residents in making a more informed decision regarding their fellowship training.     

Emergency radiology fellowship training in the USA: a web-based survey of academic programs

Interest in emergency radiology as a distinct subspecialty within radiology continues to rise in the USA and globally. While acute care imaging has been performed since the earliest days of the specialty, fellowship training in emergency radiology is a relatively new phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to examine the current status of emergency radiology training in the USA, using data derived from the official websites of US residency training programs. The most current list of radiology residency programs participating in the 2017 match was obtained from the official Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) website. The total number of emergency radiology fellowships was recorded after visiting available websites of each academic radiology program. The total number of subspecialty fellowships offered by each academic radiology program was also recorded. There were 12 confirmed emergency radiology fellowships offered in the USA for a combined total of 22 fellowship positions. Eleven programs were 1 year in duration, with one program offering a one- or two-year option. One hundred eight of the 174 (approximately 62 %) surveyed academic radiology programs offered at least one subspecialty fellowship. Emergency radiology fellowships are on the rise, paralleling the growth of emergency radiology as a distinct subspecialty within radiology.     

Analysis of Demographic and Educational Backgrounds of Interventional Neuroradiology Fellowship Program Director Workforce in North America

PurposeTo analyse the demographics, academic background, and scholarly activity of Interventional Neuroradiology (INR)/Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology (ESN) program directors (PDs) in the United States (US) and Canada.MethodsA list of all INR/ESN fellowships was obtained from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training, maintained by Society of Neurological Surgeons, the NeuroInterventional Training list website maintained by the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery, and the Neurosurgical Fellowship Training Program Directory website maintained by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Online search was performed to identify PDs for these programs. Publicly available sources used to gather information about each PD included the program websites, the HealthGrades and Doximity websites, and Elsevier's Scopus database. Demographic and educational data including age, gender, educational background, subspecialty, appointment age, interval between residency completion and appointment as PD, additional degrees, academic rank, prior leadership positions, and metrics of scholarly activity were recorded. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine differences between the means of different groups.ResultsA total of 78 PDs from 72 programs were included, of which 72 (92.3%) were male with the mean age of 49.59 years (SD 7.25). Specialty division of PDs was neurosurgery (40, 51.3%), radiology (26, 33.3%), and neurology (10, 12.8%), whereas 2 PDs were dual board-certified in neurology and radiology. Twenty-five (32.1%) PDs attended an international medical school. All PDs received an MD degree or foreign equivalent, with no PD holding a DO degree. Eleven PDs received a PhD degree and 16 PDs received fellowship from a professional medical society. The mean ± SD publications, citations, and h-indexes of PDs were 111.32 ± 121.18, 2985.0 ± 1459.0 and 22.27 ± 15.45, respectively. There was no statistical difference in scholarly activity among PDs when stratified on the basis of specialty, gender, and US region.ConclusionINR/ESN PDs are predominantly male, with a majority from neurosurgery background, and thirty percent having graduated from international medical schools.     

Advertise Right by Addressing the Concerns: An Evaluation of Women's/Breast Imaging Radiology Fellowship Website Content for Prospective Fellows

PurposeFellowship is an important part of postgraduate medical training as it facilitates advanced training in a subspecialty of interest. Internet is the most readily available and frequently used tool for acquiring information about the fellowship programs by residents worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the content of the websites of American and Canadian breast/women's imaging fellowship programs.MethodsThe content of active Canadian and American breast/women's imaging fellowship websites was collected and analyzed in August 2019 using 27 different criteria in the categories of application process, recruitment, education, research, clinical work, and incentives. The fellowship program without a webpage were excluded from the study.ResultsOut of 76 active breast/women's imaging Radiology fellowship programs in the US and Canada, 75 had dedicated fellowship websites available for analysis. One program was excluded due to lack of a dedicated website. On average, websites showcased 11 of the 27 criteria (40.0%). The category with the least prevalent information was incentives especially career placement after completion of the fellowship (1/75, 1.3%). Majority of the programs around 80.0% (60/75) had adequate information about the application process and requirements.The mean number of schools satisfying the different groups of criteria differed (P< 0.01); more schools satisfied the application criteria (60.5/75; 79.6% ± 20.3%) than the incentives (12.8/75; 16.8% ± 8.2%) and recruitment (24.5/75; 32.2% ± 29.7%) criteria.ConclusionMajority of the breast and women's imaging fellowship websites lack important information. Providing comprehensive online information about the program and application process may help the applicants to choose the best suited program for their academic needs and career progression.     

Utilization of a Virtual Information Session to Increase Engagement With Prospective Applicants in the Setting of COVID-19

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of a virtual information session hosted by a diagnostic radiology residency program at addressing applicant concerns about the 2020-2021 interview cycle and highlighting key aspects of the residency program.MethodsParticipants were recruited to attend the virtual information session over a 2-week period via social media and communication with medical school radiology interest groups. Attendees were able to submit questions or topics of interest prior to the session. The virtual information session was hosted by trainees and faculty from a radiology residency. Data regarding the demographics of the attendees and the efficacy of the session were obtained through interactive live polling during the virtual session and a voluntary anonymous postsession survey.ResultsA total of 171 attendees participated in the virtual information session. Of the attendees, 42% learned about the session from Twitter and 72% were fourth-year medical students applying for residency. Among topics addressed during the session, attendees indicated that they were most interested in learning about “Application strategies during COVID-19” during an in-session poll. On the post-session survey, 96% of attendees reported being more knowledgeable about the residency program culture and the breadth of research and educational opportunities.ConclusionGiven the virtual nature of the 2020-2021 residency application cycle, utilization of web-based platforms for recruitment will be essential. Virtual information sessions can be effective at providing insight into aspects of a residency program that are typically gained during the in-person interview experience.     

Fellowship Candidate Factors Considered by Program Directors

ObjectiveThe neuroradiology fellowship match has been in existence for about 20 years. However, the elements by which neuroradiology fellowship program directors evaluate candidates have not been clearly elucidated. We sought to identify the factors that program directors use to rank neuroradiology fellowship applicants.MethodsAn anonymous Qualtrics online five-question survey about educational credentials, personal traits, extracurricular activities, and demographic characteristics was sent to 72 neuroradiology program directors in April 2019. Each question required ranking of 10 factors based on different characteristics of fellowship candidates. Items included gender, nationality, US Medical Licensing Examination scores, internal applicants, work and research experience, recommendation letters, residency program, medical school attended, and visa status. Program directors had the ability to list any new characteristics that were not included in the survey.ResultsIn all, 68 of 72 (94.4%) neuroradiology programs responded to the survey. The most important criteria by which candidates were assessed were (1) residency program attended for educational credential, (2) personality as assessed by faculty at interviews for candidate personal traits, (3) research performed for candidate’s extracurricular activities, and (4) likelihood of coming to or previous experience in the fellowship geographic area. Neuroradiology program directors independently stressed residency program attended, personality assessed during the interview by faculty, internal candidate status, letters of recommendation, and research activities as their top five criteria in ranking the candidates.ConclusionMultiple factors are weighed by neuroradiology fellowship program directors in selecting fellows, but recent experiences in residency, research, and faculty interactions are prioritized. Internal candidates have an advantage for remaining as fellows within their residency programs.     

Canadian and American Emergency Radiology Fellowship Websites: An Evaluation of Content

PurposeThe internet is commonly employed by Radiology trainees to investigate and learn about potential fellowship programs. As a new and emerging subspecialty, Emergency Radiology requires strong internet presence and training program website content. This is vital to ensure good exposure of the fellowship programs to inform medical students, radiology trainees, and program directors, highlight unique aspects of a fellowship and raise awareness of the discipline at large.MethodsTo assess the standard and depth of information available online, Canadian and American Radiology fellowship websites were evaluated for content. Thirty-six criteria related to application process and recruitment, departmental structure, incentives, education, and research and clinical training were evaluated for presence or absence.ResultsSixteen Emergency Radiology fellowship program websites were assessed from the United States and Canada for 36 criteria across 5 individual areas; application process and recruitment, departmental structure, incentives, education and research, and clinical training. Overall there was an absence of information found across all 5 areas. In particular areas for improvement were identified in education and research, and incentives both with median values of 12.5% of criteria present.ConclusionMost Emergency Radiology fellowship program websites demonstrate several information deficiencies. This relative lack of comprehensive information represents an actionable opportunity for individual programs and the field to better educate trainees, program directors and the public about the unique training of Emergency Radiologists.     

Does gender impact upon application rejection rate among Canadian radiology residency applicants?

PURPOSE: To determine if and how gender ratios have changed within Canadian radiology, and to determine if gender discrimination occurs at the level of the radiology resident selection committee. METHODS: The Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Association of Radiologists, Canadian Institute for Health Information, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and Canadian Residency Matching Service provided gender-specific data. We compared the proportion of female applicants who ranked a radiology program as their top choice and were rejected from any radiology program with the corresponding proportion for male applicants. RESULTS: The numbers of women and men being awarded an MD from a Canadian university equalized nearly a decade ago. Women continue to be numerically underrepresented among practicing radiologists; however, the proportion of women continues to increase so that there is 1 female radiologist in practice to every 3 male radiologists in practice in 2005. More male medical students ranked a radiology residency training program as their top choice in the residency match; however, of those who did, they were as likely as women to be rejected from a radiology residency training program. Grouping all female and male graduating medical students participating in the residency match and ranking a radiology residency as their top choice between 1993 and 2004, the odds of men being rejected were 1.4 times (95% CI 0.99-1.9, p = 0.07) greater than for women. CONCLUSIONS: There continues to be more men than women radiologists in practice; however, the female-to-male ratio continues to increase. Our data suggest that discrimination against female applicants at the level of radiology residency selection does not occur.     

Online Hide and Seek: Allopathic US Medical Schools’ Radiology Education Virtual Presence

Rationale and ObjectivesTo highlight radiology's merits and boost appeal to medical students in the digital era, it is increasingly important for radiology departments to be readily accessible to medical students. We report the results of a multivariate analysis of the virtual presence of radiology medical student education of 152 allopathic United States (US) medical schools, the first report of its kind to the authors’ knowledge. We detail eight elements to include when optimizing a radiology medical student education website.MethodsIn August 2020, the Department of Radiology websites at 152 allopathic US medical schools were assessed for the presence of a medical student radiology education website and accessibility of collated information about preclinical and clinical course offerings, radiology interest groups, and outreach initiatives in the form of student radiology mentorship, shadowing, and research opportunities.Results65.1% (99/152) of allopathic US medical schools’ radiology departments have a dedicated medical student radiology education website, one of which was excluded from further review due to password protected content. 58.2% (57/98) of departmental websites include information about preclinical radiology coursework and 90.8% (89/98) of departments provide information about clinical courses. Details about interest groups were found on 26.5% (26/98) of departmental websites. Information about mentorship and shadowing was identified on less than half of departmental websites. 51% (50/98) of Department of Radiology websites provide information about research opportunities for students.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the majority of allopathic US medical schools’ radiology departments lack full information of relevance to medical students. To engage today's and tomorrow's medical learners digitally, there is opportunity and need to improve the online availability of information about preclinical and clinical radiology courses, student interest groups, shadowing opportunities, student mentorship, and student research. We detail eight elements to include when optimizing a radiology medical student education website. In most instances, this can be accomplished by revising an existing radiology department website in a manner that engages, educates, and recruits medical students. As a specialty, radiology must expand our digital footprint to reach tomorrow's colleagues and leaders.     

Training by the Numbers: A Survey-Based Analysis of the Number of Positions Available in New Interventional Radiology Training Pathways

ObjectiveAs of June 30, 2020, interventional radiology (IR) fellowships will cease to exist and will be replaced by the integrated IR, independent IR, and early specialization in IR (ESIR) pathways. The objective of this study is to determine the alignment in the number of available positions between the ESIR and independent IR pathways.MethodsAn analysis was performed of 150 residency programs offering at least 1 of the 3 IR training pathways. Information regarding the most up-to-date list for integrated IR, independent IR, ESIR, and IR fellowship programs were obtained from the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) websites. A 4-question survey was distributed to residency program directors and residency program coordinators to confirm the number of positions offered in each of the training pathways at their institution.ResultsNinety-nine of 113 ESIR programs (87.6% response rate) reported a total of 176 approved ESIR positions. One hundred and eleven fellowship programs in the United States currently offer a total of 331 positions. Seventy-seven integrated IR programs and 48 independent IR programs offer 150 and 133 positions, respectively, for a total of 283 advanced IR training positions.DiscussionA substantial discrepancy currently exists with IR training pathways, as the number of available ESIR positions far outnumbers the available independent IR pathway positions. There is a continuing need for communication with residency programs and frequent reevaluation of the various IR training pathways to maintain the most accurate database.     

International survey on residency programs in radiology: similarities and differences among 17 countries

ObjectiveWith the initiative of the ACR International Economics Committee, a multinational survey was conducted to evaluate radiology residency programs around the world.MethodsA 31-question survey was developed. It included: economic issues, program size and length, resident's activities during daytime and call, academic aspects including syllabus and examinations. Data was tabulated using the forementioned thematic framework and was qualitatively analyzed.ResultsResponses were received from all 17 countries that were invited to participate (France, Netherlands, Israel, UK, Russia, USA, Japan, India, Germany, Canada, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, and Greece). Residency length varied between 2 and 5 years. The certificate of residency completion is provided by a local hospital [4/17 (23%)], University [6/17 (36%)], National Board [6/17 (36%)], and Ministry of Health [1/17 (6%)]. There was variability among the number of residency programs and residents per program ranging from 15 to 300 programs per nation with a 1–700 residents in each one respectively. Salaries varied significantly and ranged from 8000 to 75,000 USD equivalent. Exams are an integral part of training in all surveyed countries. Length of call varied between 5 and 26 h and the number of monthly calls ranged from 3 to 6. The future of radiology was judged as growing in [12/17 (70%)] countries and stagnant in [5/17 (30%)] countries.DiscussionRadiology residency programs worldwide have many similarities. The differences are in the structure of the residency programs. Stagnation and uncertainties need to be addressed to ensure the continued development of the next generation of radiologists.Summary statementThere are many similarities in the academic aims and approach to education and training of radiology residency programs worldwide. The differences are in the structure of the residency programs and payments to individual residents.     

Radiology Clerkship Requirements in Canada and the United States: Current State and Impact on Residency Application

PurposeAn unmet need for radiology education exists even in this era of medical school curricular renewal. The authors examined the radiology clerkship requirements in Canadian and US medical schools to interpret radiology residency applicant trends.MethodsThe curricula of Canadian and US medical schools were reviewed for radiology rotation requirements. The radiology residency applicant trends for 2010 to 2019 were analyzed using linear regression. The number of radiology electives taken by matched radiology applicants was examined. Regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of radiology rotation requirements on residency application.ResultsOnly 1 of 17 Canadian medical schools required a radiology rotation despite major curricular renewal at the majority of medical schools. Approximately 20% of US medical schools required radiology rotations, without a significant change from 2011 to 2018, whereas the duration of required radiology rotations increased significantly. The numbers of total and first-choice radiology applicants showed significant decreases from 2010 to 2019 in Canada but not in the United States. Nearly all matched radiology applicants took electives in radiology, the majority of whom took three or more electives. Both the presence and duration of radiology rotation requirements showed significant, positive relationships with the number of radiology applicants.ConclusionsOnly a minority of medical schools in North America have radiology clerkship requirements, both the presence and duration of which significantly affect students’ choice of radiology as a career. Radiology clerkship requirements can be a solution to meet the expanding demand for diagnostic imaging in modern medicine.