Program Highlights

 

RESIDENT, DEPARTMENTAL, ACADEMIC, AND EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES

Teaching Opportunities

Residents play an active role in medical education at Boston University, teaching both preclinical students and those enrolled in the dedicated radiology clerkship. As part of the Resident-as-Teacher curriculum, residents participate in structured sessions designed to strengthen their teaching and communication skills.

Library & Learning Resources

Residents have full access to the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Library as well as the Countway Medical Library at Harvard Medical School. The Department of Radiology also maintains its own F.H. Williams Library, which houses textbooks, journals, syllabi, and a variety of online learning tools. Our departmental intranet features a curated and frequently updated list of educational resources contributed by residents and faculty. Additionally, trainees have access to extensive digital tools including RADPrimer, STATDx, CaseStacks, and e-Anatomy, as well as a comprehensive internal teaching case database.

RISE (Research and Innovation for Scholars and Entrepreneurs) Program

The RISE program equips residents with the knowledge and experience needed to excel in academic radiology. The curriculum emphasizes medical education, research, and innovation in imaging and technology. Residents receive protected academic time to pursue an approved research project, with the goal of presenting their findings at a national meeting and publishing in a peer-reviewed journal. The department also provides a travel stipend for residents presenting their work at national conferences.

BU Radiology International Visiting Resident Scholar Program and Global Health

Selected fourth-year residents have the opportunity to complete a four-week international elective at Kameda Medical Center in Kamogawa City, Japan. In addition to this experience, many of our faculty and residents are actively engaged in global health collaborations, contributing to educational and research initiatives across the world.

Radiology Reading Room Assistant Program

To enhance the learning environment and streamline workflow, residents may participate in the Radiology Reading Room Assistant  (RRA) Program. Participants assist by triaging phone calls from referring providers and patients, improving workflow efficiency while gaining valuable communication experience. This program also provides internal moonlighting opportunities with financial compensation.

National Radiology Organizations

Residents are encouraged to attend national meetings, including those hosted by the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS), Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), and Association of Academic Radiology (AAR). Many also attend subspecialty meetings such as the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER), Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), and Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR). The department provides financial support for residents selected to attend these conferences to either present or participate in their workshops.

New England Roentgen Ray Society (NERRS)

Residents are given protected time to attend educational sessions of the New England Roentgen Ray Society (NERRS)—the oldest regional radiological society in the United States. Each session features expert speakers from New England and beyond, covering a broad range of topics including clinical subspecialties, non-interpretive skills, global health, career planning, and interactive ultrasound workshops. The department covers both NERRS membership dues and tuition for the board review course offered prior to the ABR Core Exam. PGY-4 residents are especially encouraged to attend this course. More information can be found at www.nerrs.org.

American Institute of Radiologic Pathology Conference

Each PGY-4 resident attends the four-week American Institute of Radiologic Pathology (AIRP) course in Washington, D.C., either virtually or in person. The department covers tuition costs and provides a travel stipend for those attending on site.

Professional Conferences and Courses

  • RLI Resident Milestones Program – Provided and fully funded by the department in the PGY-2 year.

  • Telerad Physics Teaching – Fully covered in the PGY-2 and PGY-4 years.

  • National Imaging Informatics Course (NIIC-RAD) – Fully covered in the PGY-5 year.

Residents presenting research at national meetings receive an $800 travel allowance per conference to offset related expenses ($1200 for international conferences).

Radiology Advocacy

Massachusetts hosts one of the most active Resident and Fellow Sections within both the Massachusetts Radiological Society (MRS) and the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS). Our residents have numerous opportunities to engage in advocacy and organized medicine—serving on committees, leading initiatives, and representing their peers. Residents are also encouraged to attend the American College of Radiology (ACR) annual meeting in Washington, D.C., and the Radiology Leadership Institute (RLI) Summit each fall.

Women in Radiology Group

Otherwise known as “Women are Rad,” this group fosters community, mentorship, and leadership among trainees and faculty. The group hosts social events and professional development sessions open to all, reinforcing our department’s commitment to inclusivity and equity.

Additional Resident Perks

Our residents enjoy many day-to-day benefits, including:

  • Catered lunch every Tuesday and Thursday and additional free food events throughout the year

  • An additional dedicated book/education/conference fund

  • CIR-SEIU membership benefits

  • Ample parking availability

  • Boston University Instructor status for medical student teaching