2005 Report of the RSNA Historian

The demand for radiology services continues very high. Recent graduates from residency find good positions and those with fellowship training can be selective. Radiology continues to attract excellent residents.

The residency program is five years in length with the standard first year transitional and clinical spent at another institution or categorical with the first year spent at the same institution as the residency.

Residents now have access to a wealth of information on the Web. Fine teaching collections, Up to Date and auntminnie.com, among many sites, are popular. Chat rooms contain information about the strengths and weaknesses of residency programs and about Web sites. The catalog of Core Competencies from the American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) lists the specific requirements for residency programs.

Nuclear radiologists continue to explore applications of the hybrid scanners. Required rotation to the nuclear section is now four months.

Neuroradiologists and body CT practitioners face information overload with the many images rapidly produced by the 64 section scanners. The technique is now often a display in coronal or sagittal projection. The display of the heart by 64 section machines is considered not quite good enough leading radiologists to anticipate the next iteration.

Digital mammography continues to grow. Screening examination of the dense breast is enhanced by the use of ultrasound; MR is employed in this type of patient as well as in others. MR guided biopsy is facilitated by use of the open machines. Computer assisted diagnostic programs are still largely in developmental stages.
Three dimensional ultrasound is so close to real time that it can be considered four dimensional. Contrast material finds increasing application in the study of solid viscera. Portable units are increasingly capable.

Interventional therapy of liver neoplasms with radioactive materials and radiofrequency ablation are increasing in utilization. Redirection of portal blood flow in preparation for hepatic surgery is a relatively new procedure.

Turf battles, heavy workloads, problems with third parties and all, it is a great time to be a radiologist.

Respectfully submitted,
William R. Eyler, M.D.
RSNA Historian