Diagnostic Imaging Physics Residency
Diagnostic Imaging Physics Two Year Residency
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine Department of Radiology offers a two-year diagnostic imaging physics residency. The residency program takes advantage of the multiple sites and multiple imaging modalities available within UK HealthCare as well as the diverse expertise of the several faculty physicists in the department. UK HealthCare is the largest health care provider in the state of Kentucky, and it has been named the No. 1 provider in Kentucky by US News & World Reports for the last several years.
UK HealthCare provides several types of imaging services including CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET/CT, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology. The section of diagnostic and nuclear medical physics within the department of radiology provides quality assurance and teaching services for radiology residents and graduate students pursuing degrees in our related radiological sciences program. Residents in the diagnostic imaging residency program (DIRP) will gain strong theoretical and practical experience in diagnostic imaging by participating in lectures, journal clubs, and research and by working in the clinic. The program will give the resident a deep understanding of a range of accreditation programs, including the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The Joint Commission. Through working alongside experts in the field, residents will learn the essential skills to be a professional medical physicist in diagnostic imaging.
Curriculum
The diagnostic imaging physics residency program includes a series of rotations in various imaging modalities to ensure residents meet all CAMPEP standards to take part II of the ABR boards. Residents in this program will be exposed to both the theory and practice of diagnostic medical physics and will be trained in the basic physics of each modality and the rationale for the various quality assurance projects. Residents will also be involved in the analysis and troubleshooting of real-world diagnostic imaging problems including the identification and correction of image artefacts and other equipment issues. Residents will participate in conferences, monthly journal clubs, and other presentations throughout the department.
Facility
Units
UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital
12 CT, 4 Dental, 45 Fluoroscopy (7 interventional angiography, 5 cardiac catheterization labs, 2 operating rooms, 1 endoscopy room, 30 Mobile C-Arms), 4 Mammography, 5 MRI, 4 NM&MI, 2 PET/CT, 20 Radiography (2 Fixed DR, 16 Mobile DR), 3 Radiography/Fluoroscopy, 9 Ultrasound
UK Good Samaritan Hospital
2 CT, 1 Dental, 8 Fluoroscopy (5 Mobile C-arms, 3 Mini C-arms), 2 MRI, 1 NM&MI, 7 Radiography (4 Fixed DR, 3 Mobile DR), 2 Radiography/Fluoroscopy, 3 Ultrasound
UK Kentucky Clinic
1 Bone Mineral Density (BMD), 1 Dental, 1 MRI, 5 Radiography (Fixed DR)
Other UK Clinics
1 Dental, 2 Fluoroscopy (Mobile C-arms), 3 MRI, 8 Radiography (6 Fixed DR, 2 Mobile CR)
Clinical Experience
The division of diagnostic and nuclear medical physics serves several hospitals and satellite clinics that comprises of more than 150 imaging equipment including CT, mammography, MRI, NM&MI, PET/CT, radiography/fluoroscopy, and ultrasound. The program instills the residents with strong clinical experience through rotational involvement of different modalities. This will allow the residents to further hone their expertise in patient safety and clinical practice. By the end of the program, residents will be equipped with the knowledge for board exams and confidence to function as an independent practitioner in diagnostic imaging medical physics.
Rotation Topic
Period (Months)
Orientation and MRI Safety
1
Radiation Safety/Shielding Design
2-3
Radiography
3-4
Fluoroscopy
3-4
Interventional Angiography/Cardiac
4-5
Image informatics
6
Ultrasound
7-8
Computed Tomography
9-10
Image Quality and Processing
11-12
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
13-14
Self-study
15
Mammography
16-17
Nuclear Medicine and PET
18-19
Patient Dosimetry
20
Advanced Ultrasound Imaging
21
Advanced Computed Tomography
22
Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
23
Self-study and MOC ABR test
24
Research/Didactic/Teaching
1-24
Resident Resources
Prospective Residents
Admission Requirements:
The residents entering the DIPR program must either 1) have graduated from a CAMPEP-accredited MS or PhD graduate program, or 2) possess a PhD in physics or related discipline and have completed a CAMPEP-accredited certificate program, or 3) possess a PhD in physics or related discipline and have satisfactorily completed courses equivalent to those in a CAMPEP-accredited certificate program, as determined by the CAMPEP Graduate Education Program Review Committee (GEPRC).
The didactic requirements for entering the program shall be completed prior to the enrollment in the residency, except for up to two remedial courses, which may be taken during the residency without extending the duration of the program for residents with a Ph.D. degree. If the program conditionally admits applicants with deficiencies in their academic background, the remedial education of such residents will be identified, and notification will be sent to the applicants prior to admission. Courses used for remediation must have been assessed and approved by CAMPEP.
Selection Process:
The program accepts applicants that have graduated from or outside CAMPEP-accredited graduate or certificate programs. To ensure the candidates meet the CAMPEP didactic prerequisite, the program has implemented the following reviewing process: 1) review undergraduate physics coursework to ensure it is equivalent to a minor in physics, at a minimum; 2) verify the coverage and depth of the graduate courses taken by the applicant through evaluation of transcripts and syllabi provided, particularly with regard to the specific six core courses outlined in CAMPEP Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Education Programs in Medical Physics. In order to be considered for admission, an applicant needs to satisfy all course requirements with an exception of no more than two core courses. If admitted with core course deficiencies, the resident is required to enroll in remedial courses at the University of Kentucky, within the CAMPEP-accredited graduate or certificate program. The certificate program director will assist in assessing the applicant to ensure that the combination of their background and remediation will be considered 'equivalent' to a CAMPEP-accredited certificate program.
Application Information:
Applicants are required to submit applications through AAPM Medical Physics Residency, Application Program (MP-RAP) with required materials including a personal statement, curriculum vitae, transcripts of undergraduate and graduate coursework, and three letters of references.
Current Residents
Click here for the Resident Handbook.
Resident Life
Residents in the diagnostic imaging physics program can join residents in the related therapy physics program for educational and social activities. Lexington is a mid-sized city in the beautiful Bluegrass region of Kentucky. The city is surrounded by horse farms and is within easy reach of abundant outdoor activities including hiking and rock climbing at Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park. Lexington boasts a diverse range of restaurants and entertainment venues including the many sporting events occurring at the University of Kentucky and the soon-to-be established Lexington Sporting Club soccer.
Financial Support and Benefits
The program offers a competitive salary that is comparable to our standard GME levels. All residents are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, vacation, and sick leave. For more information on financial support and benefits, please visit the GME Benefits website: https://medicine.uky.edu/sites/gme/benefits-0
Faculty and Staff Members
Kimyli Recca
Leslie Anaskevich