Program Overview

Introduction to the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program

The Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program at the University of Calgary is fully accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The program's primary objective is to prepare the next generation of physicians to become highly skilled clinical radiologists, while also teaching the skills required to excel in research, education, and innovation in the field of diagnostic imaging.

Program Structure

The first year of residency training (PGY1) is predominantly clinical, based at the Rockyview General Hospital, to ensure a strong foundation of clinical skills. This year focuses on the transition from medical school into residency, building a strong foundation of clinical skills and subsequently the transition into radiology. The remaining four years of residency (PGY2-5), primarily located at the Foothills Medical Centre, focus on acquiring the core competencies of diagnostic radiology with emphasis in the PGY5 year on preparing senior residents for the transition into practice.

Faculty and Teaching

All of the radiology faculty are fellowship-trained sub-specialists and recognized as leaders in the field of radiology. Radiologists in each sub-specialty area are well integrated into the clinical health care team and participate in multidisciplinary rounds to promote the delivery of excellent patient care through their roles as clinicians, administrators, scholars, and teachers.

Program Features

• The University of Calgary is a medium-sized program with approximately 26 residents that emphasizes teamwork, collegiality, and wellness in addition to our role as medical experts.
• Residents work together and alongside staff radiologists to provide high-quality patient-centered care.
• Residents have an integrated core-teaching curriculum taught by faculty during protected academic half-days each week.
• Daily case rounds presented by residents, fellows, and staff further enhance the teaching curriculum.
• All teaching activities take place in the R.D. Johns Lecture Theatre, which is a state-of-the-art teaching classroom with an integrated PACS viewing station and 98” LCD monitor.
• There is a dedicated residents' library with core radiology textbooks and reference material that is complemented by radiology textbooks available electronically through the University of Calgary Library.
• Devoted Mac and PC workstations in the radiology resident library are used for research and teaching.
• All residents have access to StatDx and RadPrimer, which are comprehensive online references and teaching material to supplement their core textbook reading.

Research Opportunities

• All residents participate in research during residency at the University of Calgary, enhanced through important academic ties with the Department of Radiology Division of Image Science.
• The Division of Image Science brings together 14 full-time research faculty members, over 40 trainees (MSc, PhD, and Post-doctoral fellows), and an additional 19 research assistants/associates.
• There are many clinical and preclinical research groups that work closely with the Department of Radiology, including:
  • The Seaman Family MR Research Centre
  • The Experimental Imaging Centre
  • The Centre for Mobility and Joint Health
  • The Stephenson Cardiovascular Imaging Centre
  • The Child and Adolescent Imaging Research Program
• The Alex and Kaye Cummings Radiology Research Day highlights resident and academic trainee research within the Department of Radiology.

Neuroradiology Program

The Neuroradiology Program at the University of Calgary is fully accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, allowing eligible candidates who complete the program and are successful in the examination to gain RCPSC certification in neuroradiology. Entrance to our Fellowship Program first requires successful completion of radiology residency training. The program underwent its most recent Royal College accreditation review in September 2022 and maintained its full accreditation status with the next scheduled regular review in 2030.

Conclusion

The University of Calgary Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program is a dynamic, resident-driven program with state-of-the-art facilities, subspecialty-trained staff, and exposure to a wide spectrum of pathology. There is a proven track record of excellence in radiology, teaching, and research. Graduates from our program have been very successful in obtaining fellowship training positions and employment at prestigious institutions throughout Canada and the USA.