Call System

We have a 24/7 attending coverage system for call. Residents remain in charge of imaging workflow, including consultation, triage and preliminary interpretation and dictation of all imaging studies. The attending radiologist takes a secondary role, allowing the on-call resident to gain autonomy and independence. All studies, which are preliminarily interpreted by the residents, are reviewed by the on-call attending radiologist, allowing instantaneous feedback and teaching.

Night Float

The Night Float rotation lasts for on average two weeks. Residents work in the HAC Emergency Radiology room Monday through Friday, with a required Saturday night off. Another resident covers Saturday nights. Each resident typically has a total of 10-11 weeks of Night Float, beginning in the fall of second-year.

Two night residents are present. The early night float resident works from 5:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. The late night float resident works from 9:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M. A $20 meal voucher is provided for the late night float resident.

Taxi vouchers and security escorts are available to all residents starting or ending their shifts during late hours.

HAC Weekends

On Saturdays and Sundays, resident shifts are 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. and 11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. No resident is assigned to Emergency Radiology for more than 12 consecutive hours. Duties include interpreting and dictating emergency and trauma studies, inpatient studies, and coordinating special studies. This experience provides intensive exposure to radiologic diagnosis and management of the acutely ill and traumatized patient.

The HAC evening weekday shift from 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. has been removed and replaced with a dedicated Emergency Radiology rotation.

VABHS

Residents on duty at Menino Emergency Radiology provide preliminary interpretations for all off-hours plain film studies performed at the VABHS via the teleradiology system. Cross sectional VA studies are covered separately by a teleradiology service.

Vascular/Interventional Call

The three to four Vascular/Interventional residents/fellows alternate carrying the “on-call” beeper, typically one week at a time. Resident duties include evaluating the Special Procedure request, conferring with the faculty radiologist, and, if indicated, performing the off-hours vascular and interventional cases with the faculty.

Buddy Call

First-year residents are exposed to evening call on a “buddy” system beginning late in the first year in preparation for entering the call pool starting their second year.